Boston Kim Janey on Friday touted the accomplishments of her administration's first 100 days, but said much work remained to build a more equitable city and reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During an event to mark the milestone at the Museum of African American History on Beacon Hill, Janey said the city had taken positive steps to promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, safely reopen schools, promote mental health and address climate change.
But Janey, who is seeking a full term as mayor this fall, said work remained to close education gaps, foster an equitable recovery from the pandemic and work with police to bring safety, healing and justice to all neighborhoods.
Janey said economic inequities in the city were "markers of years, decades and centuries of inequitable policies, policies we are committed to changing together.
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"Change in our city can be tough," she said. "We are a city of engaged residents, deeply-held and well-articulated perspectives. I am a firm believer, however, that we go farther as the city when we give space to this dialogue, when we value engagement and respect alternative views."
Janey announced the formation of the Office of Participatory Government, included in the recently passed city budget, which will seek to increase resident's ability to impact how their tax dollars are used.
Janey also announced the lunch of a Children and Youth Cabinet, comprising relevant cabinet and department heads, to tackle disparities faced by young people. She said the body would partner with non-profit organizations and schools to deliver resources to young people.
Janey praised Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Greg Long, saying serious crimes had decreased by 18% this year and that firearm arrests had increased by 25%. She added efforts were underway to build trust between police and the community.
The city is also taking steps to increase the role of mental health workers and reduce the work of police officers when responding to mental health crises, Janey said.
Janey also announce the release of the "Kim Janey Mayoral Transition Report," outlining recommendations in the areas of education, housing, planning and development, public health, safety, healing and justice, small business and economic development, transportation and climate justice and immigrant workers and their families.
The former City Council president took over as mayor in March when Marty Walsh resigned after being confirmed as President Joe Biden's labor secretary. She is the first woman and the first person of color to hold the city's top job.
She announced in April that she would seek a full term as mayor this fall.
A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll released this week had Janey in second place among Boston's mayoral candidates, at 22%, just behind City Councilor Michelle Wu at 23%.
"I'm just grateful to have the support of Boston residents as I lead the city through multiple crises," Janey said from a Dorchester ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this week.
