Wu taps inaugural chief of planning
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has named a new director of planning with experience in Boston and in the revitalization of Detroit to help guide a more “equitable, resilient, transit-oriented, and affordable city.”
Wu named James Arthur Jemison II as the city’s inaugural Chief of Planning, according to an announcement from her office this morning.
“With his deep experience across city, state, and federal government tackling housing instability and building more equitable communities, Arthur will help drive our agenda forward to make Boston a city for everyone,” Wu said.
She continued, “In this moment of urgent challenge and opportunity, Boston’s growth must reflect the possibilities for our brightest future—from affordable housing and racial equity, to climate resilience and healthy, connected communities.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to Mayor Wu for the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for equitable development back to Boston,” said Jemison in the city’s announcement.
In the new role, Jemison will be responsible for coordinating planning between an alphabet soup of city hall departments, including Boston Transportation Department, the Environment Department, the Mayor’s Office of Housing, Public Works, Public Facilities, Boston Public Schools and Boston Public Libraries.
In addition, Wu will seek to install Jemison as director of the Boston Planning & Development Agency, a post being vacated by director Brian Golden, who is due to leave by the end of the month.
Wu points out that Jemison will not receive an additional salary for his job with the BPDA if the board appoints him.
A graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst with a master’s in city planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Jemison has experience in Boston, having once served on the Boston Redevelopment Authority, predecessor to the BPDA, and as a deputy director for the Department of Housing and Community Development, under then-Gov. Deval Patrick.
Most recently, Jemison served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Prior to that post, Jemison served in the City of Detroit, where he was Group Executive for Planning, Housing & Development, leading that city’s revitalization efforts.