Mayor Wu Announces New Allston-Brighton and East Boston Neighborhood Liaisons

Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced Jennifer Roberts as the new neighborhood liaison for Allston-Brighton and Carlos Garcia as the new neighborhood liaison for East Boston within the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS plays a vital role in connecting residents with city services and resources; facilitating resident input on local government matters; ensuring that the appropriate city departments address constituent service requests; attending neighborhood meetings; and responding to emergencies, such as fires, to assist displaced residents.

“Neighborhood liaisons are a critical connection between the City and Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Jennifer’s passion for civic engagement and educational advocacy will be an invaluable asset to the large student population and community that make up Allston-Brighton. Carlos’ tireless housing advocacy for Boston residents will ensure our East Boston community is properly connected to the wide range of City resources. I’m excited to see these two new liaisons step into these essential roles and connect with the neighborhoods and residents they represent.”

Jennifer Roberts

Roberts began her career supporting international students and non-native English speakers at organizations such as Education First, English Language Center, Pine Manor College, and Boston University—work that deepened her commitment to inclusion, cultural exchange, and accessible education. She later transitioned into civic and community engagement, most recently serving as Student Engagement Lead at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. In that role she developed interdisciplinary learning experiences, designed cross-Institute events and programming, and helped launch a new student-centered third space at Radcliffe.

Jennifer Roberts was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts, and has called Boston home for over a decade. She currently resides in Allston-Brighton.

“I am grateful for the chance to advocate on behalf of Allston-Brighton constituents—especially around housing affordability, youth engagement, and connecting residents to city resources and services,” said Jennifer Roberts, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services Allston-Brighton Liaison.

Carlos Garcia

Garcia most recently served with Tree Eastie, a nonprofit dedicated to urban forestry and food justice, before working in housing relocation, where he supported hundreds of Boston residents facing displacement due to redevelopment. His work has centered on case management, community engagement, and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Carlos Garcia grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Fitchburg State University. His career began in the travel industry and expanded into roles in coffee and management, and renewable energy and sustainability.

“After a decade of living in East Boston,I am excited to serve as the neighborhood liaison at City Hall,” said Carlos Garcia, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services East Boston Liaison. “I look forward to strengthening connections between residents and city services.”

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services is led by Executive Director Lindsey Santana, who works alongside four deputy directors. Deputy directors directly supervise the liaisons and community engagement specialists who facilitate abutters meetings.

“Jennifer and Carlos are committed to supporting Allston-Brighton and East Boston. They have already connected with constituents on the ground and are eager to continue assisting Boston residents,” said Lindsey Santana, Executive Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services. “I encourage community members to attend neighborhood office hours every Friday, or call 311 to connect directly with their liaison.”

Community members can meet with their designated neighborhood liaisons at weekly office hours in-person every Friday to receive guidance on how to navigate City services.

ABOUT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates, and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings, and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms.