Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh made “spirit” the focal point of his speech at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Forum this week. Just over 100 days into his tenure as Mayor, he spoke with pride and awe about serving as one of Boston’s chief public servants.
He described his four priorities:
Strengthening our economy and creating jobs,
Improving public safety and stopping gun violence
Ensuring our public schools help every child succeed, and,
Increasing trust and transparency in city government.
He also talked about some of the challenges he’s faced in his first few months – the tragic loss of a child to gun violence, the loss of two firefighters in the Beacon Street fire, and a Boston police officer who died on duty.
Mayor Walsh emphasized the importance of getting more summer jobs for Boston’s youth. He asked every business in the room to hire a Boston public school student for the summer in order to provide meaningful opportunities for our city’s young people. There are often young people that do not have someone at home to guide and direct them, and Boston businesses can make the difference in a young person’s life. Mayor Walsh stressed that we need to have our next generation of Boston’s leaders reflect the diversity of the city. While recognizing the many Boston businesses that have already supported the summer jobs program, he talked about the importance of continuing the atmosphere of business and city collaboration. We are honored to assist law firms in facilitating their participation in this program.
Mayor Walsh envisions changes in City Hall that will support business, including increasing certainty and transparency. He hopes to give everyone a seat at the table by opening up regulation processes so that the city will be more partner than adversary. He touted development through ongoing construction projects in downtown Boston and surrounding communities as well as increasing the use of advanced technology, spearheaded by the city’s newest position, Chief Digital Officer.
Finally, the new Mayor ended his speech by telling the stories of three Boston companies:
- Liberty Mutual – started in Boston by three people looking to pool their insurance costs and now employs more than 50,000
- Wayfair.com – founded in a South End apartment and now an online furniture company valued at more than $1 billion
- The yet-to-be-formed company – it exists as only as an idea in the minds of a group of college students in the Boston area. They need access to capital, a pool of smart and talented employees, world class infrastructure, housing options, and a productive partner in city hall to succeed –
The spirit of Boston is what makes these stories possible and the commitment to progress that will make them endure.
Our members infuse the BBA with the impressive spirit of the Boston legal community. They provide constant reminders of why the city is a paragon of ethical practice, innovative litigation, and charitable giving both in money and service by firms, corporations, and practitioners devoted to their communities.
We look forward to serving the legal community and promoting its continued evolution to meet the needs of these businesses and contribute to our dynamic, thriving city.
– Kathleen Joyce
Government Relations Director
Boston Bar Association
