Former City Councilor Matt O’Malley sworn in as BPDA Board Member

Former City Councilor Matt O’Malley was sworn in as a member of the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board this week. His swearing in fills the final vacancy on the Board. O’Malley was appointed to the Board by Governor Maura Healey. O’Malley served six terms on the Boston City Council in the 6th district seat, and vacated his council seat in 2022. Since then he has been working as the Chief Sustainability Officer for Vicinity Energy, where he oversees decarbonization efforts and ways to transition from reliance on fossil fuels in 12 U.S. cities. O’Malley’s first BPDA Board meeting will be June 13, 2024.

“Matt O’Malley is a proven leader with a track record of engaging community in the work of building a brighter and healthier future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “His work in decarbonizing buildings through a just transition from fossil fuels continues to shape Boston to be more sustainable and resilient. I am grateful to Governor Healey for nominating him and to Matt for stepping up in service.”

“Matt O’Malley has a deep understanding of the role of the BPDA from his time on the Boston City Council, and his commitment to housing and sustainability make him a valuable addition to the Board,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I was proud to appoint him and look forward to the important work he will do along with his fellow Board members.”

“I am thrilled Governor Healey chose Matt to join our Board,” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “His expertise in sustainability, his environmental advocacy while on City Council, and his love for the City of Boston will no doubt make him a wonderful asset to the Board, and help us become a more environmentally resilient city.”

“As a born and raised Bostonian, it is an honor to be a part of the board that will grow Boston over the next few decades,” said Matt O’Malley. “I’d like to thank Governor Healey for appointing me, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to ensure Boston’s future is green and accessible to people from all walks of life.”

The BPDA Board is an official body of five members who vote on final determinations and agreements including planning studies, rezoning initiatives, land dispositions and acquisitions, and development project approvals. The BPDA Board votes following an extensive community vetting and stakeholder review process led by staff. Four of the five board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. One member is appointed by the Governor. Board members serve five-year staggered terms.