
Serving District 8 has been the greatest honor — and I’m just getting started. From Mission Hill to the West End, I’ve worked hard to show up, solve problems, and make City Hall work better for you.
I humbly ask for your vote to continue this important work!
I’m running for re-election!
The municipal election for District 8 is on Tues, Nov 4, 2025.
Sharon’s story
Sharon Durkan is proud to serve as Boston City Councilor for District 8, where she’s focused on the everyday issues that matter — safe streets, affordable housing, better city services, and making government work for everyone. She got her start in neighborhood organizing and hasn’t stopped listening, showing up, and getting things done since.

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Running for re-election
I’m running for re-election to the Boston City Council because I believe local government should work for everyone, and because I believe in District 8. Since my election, I’ve focused on showing up and delivering real results. From sidewalk repairs to housing policy, from public safety to climate action, I’ve worked to make sure our neighborhoods are not only heard, but prioritized, but there’s still so much more work to do! I want to continue to do that work together.
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I believe in a Boston that plans for abundance. That means creating more homes and more chances for people to stay and build a life here. If we want to be a city that works for everyone, we need to make it easier to build housing. That means updating rules that hold us back and fixing the parts of the process that don’t serve the public. We need to facilitate processes that center the needs of current and future resident while making our values clear.
Planning for abundance is growing with care. New housing should come with solid benefits including, open space, safe streets, and a voice for the people who live nearby. We don’t have to pick between welcoming new neighbors and honoring what makes our communities special. We can do both. Recently, I sponsored and successfully petitioned the Zoning Commission to make housing an allowed use in the Bulfinch Triangle, removing unnecessary barriers to housing. That’s one example of the future I’m working toward. Addressing Boston's housing crisis requires bold action. A city that opens the door instead of closing them. A city that says yes to new neighbors and protects what is special about our neighborhoods.
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Everyone deserves to move through their neighborhood with safety and dignity. Whether walking to the T, biking to school, using a mobility device, or simply crossing the street, our public ways should work for everyone. But too often, broken sidewalks, missing bricks, and unsafe intersections make it harder for people to get where they’re going.
That’s why I’ve made fixing our streets a top priority. I’ve conducted sidewalk audits, pushed for safer crossings, and advocated for smoother, more accessible brickwork. I fought for the full reconstruction of key pedestrian paths, worked to secure a dedicated sidewalk contractor for this construction season, and supported the installation of new curb ramps that meet ADA standards. Each of these improvements helps make daily life easier, safer, and more connected for everyone.
Accessibility is not optional. It is essential. We can’t talk about public safety or mobility without talking about the basics: bricks that are secure, streets that are maintained, and public space that welcomes everyone, no matter how they move through the world. I’m committed to continuing this work and making sure our streets reflect the care and attention our communities deserve.
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We’ve seen what happens when the federal government turns its back on cities like ours. Cuts to research, attacks on health care, rollbacks on basic rights. We can’t let that go unchallenged. I’ve spoken up and taken action when Boston’s values were under threat because silence isn’t an option.
I led the Council’s pushback against cuts to the NIH. I’ve stood strong for reproductive freedom, for gender-affirming care, and for making sure Boston stays a city that welcomes and protects people, no matter where they’re from or who they are. I’m proud to back leaders who fight for us, and I won’t hesitate to speak out when others stay quiet.
So when Tom Homan said he was “bringing hell” to Boston, I made it clear — we don’t scare easy. Our city doesn’t need lectures from people who don’t understand our communities and have no interest in earning our trust. We keep our residents safe by building trust, not fear. That’s the kind of leadership Boston deserves, and it’s the kind I’ll always show up with.
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I’m always looking for ways the City can do more and do it better for the people who live here. That means bringing new ideas to the table that improve daily life and reflect the values of our communities.
One proposal I’ve introduced is a sugar-sweetened beverage tax. It’s a public health policy that could reduce the consumption of sugary drinks while generating funding for food literacy, youth sports, and community recreation. It’s a way to support healthier neighborhoods without cutting corners.
I’ve also led a proposal to explore a Citywide Merchandise Licensing Program. Right now, Boston’s name, landmarks, and identity are used on products all over the world without any benefit to our residents. A licensing program would ensure that when Boston-branded merchandise is sold, the City sees a return. That revenue could support public services, small businesses, and creative partnerships with local artists and designers.
I’ve supported thinking about city-wide Link bus, which can help people get around more easily and connects residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare with last mile service. It’s a simple idea that can have a big impact on how we move through the city.
Most recently, I called for a hearing to investigate how the City of Boston might use artificial intelligence to make city government more accessible for residents. AI is already shaping the world around us. I believe we need to understand its potential and its risks so we can apply it responsibly to improve services and support our workforce.
These ideas are not just policies. They are ways to make Boston more responsive to resident needs. I’ll keep coming with ideas, big and small, for Boston!