Mike Ross believes we must bring new development to the city while maintaining the character of the community. As City Councilor, Mike has worked collaboratively with both residents and business leaders to:

Establish first-in-the-nation career job training space for local residents in the heart of the Longwood medical area

Pass legislation to create year-round outdoor cafes in business districts, spurring economic growth

Spur redevelopment along Boylston Street in the Fenway by supporting new infrastructure

Facilitated an agreement between owners of "Restaurant Row" on Peterborough Street, clearing a significant hurdle in bringing life and local businesses back to this area of the Fenway

Mike Ross believes that Boston must remain affordable if it is to remain vibrant and grow. Young people who come here to go to school should be able to afford to stay and raise their families. People who have helped to build neighborhoods and give them their character should be able to remain in their homes. As City Councilor, Mike:

Changed zoning laws to ensure quiet, affordable housing for residential neighborhoods by limiting the number of unrelated students living in one unit

As his first legislative action, pressed for "inclusionary zoning" legislation requiring developers to create affordable housing as part of every project, prompting the Mayor to issue an executive order

Passed legislation prompting the City of Boston to import prescription drugs from Canada

Mike Ross believes that protecting our environment is both a moral responsibility to future generations and a health and quality-of-life issue for us today. As City Councilor, Mike:

Wrote laws that nearly doubled recycling rates in the city, including funding the adoption of "single stream" recycling

Passed legislation requiring that all commercial trash haulers in Boston must offer recycling to their customers

Championed bicycle friendly policies that resulted in real progress

Mike Ross believes that Boston should be a place where housing is affordable, public education is high quality, youth are productively engaged and the streets are safe and well-maintained. This is the essence of community. As City Councilor, Mike:

Established Problem Property Task Forces in Beacon Hill, Mission Hill, and Fenway to foster communication between colleges/universities, residents, city officials, and landlords.

Established new senior centers and day programs for seniors in several neighborhoods

Passed legislation requiring Boston Police Department to report data on youth crime and violence knowing that such data will help drive public policy

Passed legislation merging the Boston Municipal Police into the BPD, eliminating administrative duplication and enhancing public safety

Mike Ross understands that Boston must always invest in the safety, well-being and education of its young people. As City Councilor, Mike:

Worked collaboratively with youth of Sociedad Latina to create and ultimately pass legislation that removes tobacco and alcohol advertising from local neighborhood storefronts

Brought physical education to area schools and fighting for expanded programs in all of Boston Public Schools

Advocated for girls' increased access to sports

Boston has always been a great city - leading the way with America's first public library, first high school, first open space and first urban subway. Mike Ross believes that Boston must continue to be a great city. As City Councilor, Mike:

Led the effort to transform America's oldest park into America's greatest park

Created the city's first dog parks, including a pilot dog park on Boston Common

Advocated for the successful creation of the MBTA's Night Owl Service

Mike Ross believes that an open and transparent government is an effective and accountable one. Every citizen is entitled to know what their elected representatives are doing and how taxpayer money is being spent.

Posted all official Council business online

Held first-ever City Council meetings in the community

Wrote new rules to ensure all Council business complies with the Open Meeting Law