Task Force Launched to Address Public Safety in Downtown Boston
Joint efforts underway following major Downtown public safety summit
BOSTON, Thursday, March 27, 2025, 4:35pm ET - A cross-sector coalition of city and state officials, law enforcement, shelters and churches, institutional partners, business and trade associations, and civic organizations has officially launched the One Downtown Task Force, a strategic initiative aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime and homelessness, and enhancing the overall experience and quality of life for all who live, work, visit, and do business in Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods. The Task Force was created as a follow-up to the Downtown Boston Public Safety Summit, which included participation from 92 stakeholders representing 45 organizations and agencies. An overview of the Task Force is available here.
The 10-member Task Force is charged with driving measurable outcomes by coordinating efforts and aligning resources across several agencies and organizations. Focus areas include congregate drug use, criminal activity (including retail theft), and homelessness.
One Downtown Task Force Leadership
Task Force Co-Chairs:
Mayor Michelle Wu
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden
State Representative Aaron Michlewitz
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn
Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association Co-Founder, Rishi Shukla
Task Force Members:
Kellie Young, Director, Coordinated Response Team, City of Boston
Karen LaFrazia, President & CEO, St. Francis House
Capt. Richard Driscoll, District A-1, Boston Police Department
Leslie Adam, Chair, Friends of the Public Garden
Michael Nichols, President, Downtown Boston Alliance
Embedded within the Task Force is the Joint Strategic Action Team (JSAT), a cross-functional group composed of public officials, city and state agencies, law enforcement, shelter and outreach leaders, and civic organizations. Leveraging the group’s collective expertise, perspective, and resources, JSAT will work closely with Task Force leadership to deliver coordinated, area-wide solutions.
Additionally, specialized Working Groups will focus on four high-priority areas and develop actionable recommendations in coordination with the Task Force and JSAT:
Boston Common
Winter Street
Streets & Sidewalks
Business, Hospitality & Tourism
The Task Force is expected to remain active through Fall 2025, providing a full Spring, Summer, and Fall cycle to implement targeted strategies, make adjustments, and measure impact.
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