The Battle for Boston

How Mayor Ray Flynn's leadership and a coalition of activists transformed Boston, challenging established powers and setting new precedents for urban governance. The Battle for Boston captures the remarkable era under Mayor Ray Flynn, whose election in 1983 marked the beginning of a profound shift in the city's political and social landscape. Don Gillis, a Flynn senior advisor, chronicles the inspiring journey of a city that dared to challenge the entrenched power brokersincluding developers, landlords, and banking industry leadersthrough powerful grassroots campaigns. Gillis provides a vivid portrayal of the political dynamics and the coalition of community organizers, neighborhood leaders, and residents that played a pivotal role in rejecting the business-backed growth machine and the citys historically divisive racial politics. This book charts the strategic battles fought within the corridors of power and on the streets and highlights the substantial impact these movements had on the citys governance and power dynamics. In a historic turn, the election of Michelle Wu in 2021Boston's first female mayor of colorillustrates the lasting influence of Flynn's progressive policies. Wus victory on a similarly progressive platform underscores the enduring relevance of the legacy left by Flynn's administration, signaling a hopeful future for more inclusive and effectively governed cities. The Battle for Boston poses a critical inquiry: Can cities truly embrace progressivism and govern effectively in the 21st century? This qualitative narrative study is a testament to the possibility of such governance, driven by the indomitable spirit of those who strive for a fair and equitable society.