Executive Summary
The Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation held a hearing on August 4, 2026, to consider Docket #1316, the appointment of Felicia Jacques to the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board. The committee reviewed the nominee's extensive qualifications in architecture, affordable housing development, and historic preservation, including her service as Chair of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee. Councilors discussed the nominee's approach to balancing housing production with neighborhood character and her perspective on Article 80 modernization. The hearing concluded with strong expressions of support from the attending councilors, with the nomination expected to move to a full council vote at the next meeting.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Boston City Council Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation
- Meeting Type: Committee Hearing
- Date: August 4, 2026
- Time: 12:12 PM
- Chair: Councilor Sharon Durkan
- Councilors in Attendance: Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy, and Benjamin Weber
- Staff and Panelists: Teresa Polhemus (Executive Director and Secretary of the BPDA), Felicia Jacques (Nominee)
- Absences: Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Enrique Pepén (Letters of support submitted)
Docket #1316: Appointment of Felicia Jacques to the BPDA Board
The committee considered Docket #1316: "Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Lisa Jock [Felicia Jacques] as a member of the Boston Planning Development Agency Board for a term expiring August 15, 2029."
Nominee Presentation:
- Felicia Jacques introduced herself as a Boston resident since 1995 with a background in architecture and real estate development.
- She highlighted her experience in developing thousands of affordable housing units and her current role as Chair of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee, which has funded nearly $100 million in projects across the city.
- Jacques stated her interest in the BPDA board is to work at the "nexus of development planning, design, financial feasibility and community process."
Councilor Discussion:
- Councilor Ed Flynn praised the nominee's experience and asked if she would maintain independence in her voting, similar to her predecessor, Dr. Ted Landsmark. Jacques responded: "Maintaining one's integrity and their individual characteristics would allow for there to be an open-mindedness... an individual vote for an individual project if it needs to sit with that individual, there would be openness and acknowledgement for that."
- Councilor Benjamin Weber inquired about improvements to the housing process. Jacques emphasized the need to streamline the process to address the housing crisis while ensuring the city does not "preserve in amber" but allows for evolution.
- Chair Sharon Durkan discussed the modernization of Article 80, specifically the importance of maintaining the "sunset clause" to preserve optionality for neighborhoods. She also emphasized that a BPDA board vote should represent a unified city stance before moving to the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA).
Public Testimony and Correspondence
- Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune submitted a letter of absence stating: "I overwhelmingly approve of her nomination and her willingness to serve the City of Boston. The BPDA Board helps guide decisions that shape our neighborhoods, our economy and the future of our city, I believe she is well-prepared to take on that responsibility."
- Councilor Enrique Pepén also submitted a letter of absence in support of the nomination.
- No members of the public provided live testimony during the hearing.
Adjournment
- Chair Durkan noted that the nomination would be moved forward at the next council meeting.
- The Chair offered a brief remembrance for Helen Cox, a recently deceased Fenway community leader and affordable housing advocate.
- The hearing was adjourned.