Mayor Wu Appoints New Commissioners To Boston Civic Design Commission

Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Jonathan Garland and David Nagahiro to the Boston Civic Design Commission, enhancing the body with diverse expertise. Garland, founder of a minority-owned design firm, specializes in affordable housing, while Nagahiro leads a prominent architecture firm known for iconic Boston projects. The appointments coincide with the Commission’s biennial review, which aims to balance new talent with ongoing institutional knowledge. Wu emphasized the importance of these new commissioners in shaping Boston’s development to reflect community voices. Chief of Planning Kairos Shen expressed confidence in their contributions to reforming the development review process.

The Commission was established in 1990 to engage the public and professional design community in shaping Boston's urban landscape. Garland and Nagahiro's expertise will support the Commission's mission to enhance the public realm. Both will be installed at the Commission's July meeting, following the recognition of former commissioners for their years of service.