People

Jemison Named Director of BPDA

James Arthur Jemison

Boston – The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) board recently voted to approve Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s chief of planning, James Arthur Jemison, to serve as director of the BPDA.

Jemison will have the responsibility of coordinating and elevating the land use planning efforts across all City of Boston department planning teams, including the planning functions of the Boston Transportation Department, the Environment Department, the Mayor’s Office of Housing, Public Works, Public Facilities, Boston Public Schools, Boston Public Libraries and other departments, while ensuring these efforts align into a comprehensive vision for the future of Boston. He will also play a central role in structurally reforming the BPDA and leading ongoing planning, zoning and development.

Jemison brings  28 years of planning and affordable housing expertise, working with community members to create equitable places in Detroit, Washington D.C., and Boston. Most recently, he served as principal deputy assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“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,” said Wu. “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.”

Jemison will begin his new role on May 23.