Council President Ruthzee Louijeune

What a nice time tonight at the Mayor Trolley Tour in oak square. Nice to see @wutrain.bsky.social @ruthzee.bsky.social counselors Erin Murphy, Liz Breadon, State Senator Will Brownsberger, Rep. Mike Moran and Alex for Rep. Kevin Honan office

People showed up today even with freezing winds. @ruthzee.bsky.social gave a powerful speech and representatives from @pressley.house.gov and @markey.senate.gov also offered strong messages of support. Not a single State Rep/Senator showed up and neither did anyone from Gov Healey's office.

Extremely kind of you Steve!! Can’t wait to see you!

Will be attending this event for one reason:

To be present and join others in celebrating Councilor @ruthzee.bsky.social's tenure as City Council President.

Councilor Louijeune ranks among the most productive and collaborative presidents I've witnessed in 35 years in Boston. Thank you, RL. ❤️

An outdoor press conference taking place in cold weather, with bare trees visible in the background. A speaker addresses multiple news microphones mounted on stands, while surrounded by supporters bundled in winter coats, hoodies, and face coverings. An American flag waves on the left side, and a framed photograph with text reading “BRING THEM BACK HOME” is displayed on a stand. Various people hold papers and documents, while a photographer captures the scene from the left.

A continuation of the press conference showing two speakers at the microphone stand. One person wears a blue plaid jacket and purple beanie with glasses, while another wears a burgundy hooded sweatshirt. The same framed photograph and American flag are visible, with supporters gathered around in winter attire. Bare trees and urban buildings create the backdrop.

Another moment from the press conference featuring a speaker in a tan coat with brown fur collar trim addressing the microphones. The speaker holds papers and wears a blue lanyard. Behind them, a person in a dark green quilted coat stands near the microphone stand, while others in winter clothing look on. The American flag and protest sign remain visible on the left

A wider shot of the gathering showing attendees in the crowd. A person in the center holds a purple sign reading “STAND WITH REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS” with a Jewish Community Relations Council of New England logo. People wear various winter hats including beanies and a brown bucket hat, bundled against the cold. Buildings are visible in the soft-focus background.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yesterday at City Hall, union workers and immigrant advocates condemned attacks on long-time residents who work hard and pay taxes. Thank you to all who showed up with strength and solidarity. Boston values all communities and will keep fighting for policies that protect our neighbors.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place outside a residential building with white horizontal siding. A group of approximately 11 people in business attire stand together, with someone in the center holding scissors to cut a blue ribbon. The entrance features a modern dark-framed glass door with overhead lighting, and the group appears to be celebrating the opening of a new facility.

A speaker addresses an audience from a wooden podium with a microphone. The person wears a green blazer and stands before a backdrop featuring the B’nai B’rith Housing logo and text reading “CREATING PLACES TO CALL HOME.” Images of residential buildings are visible above the banner. Audience members in business attire are seated in the foreground.

Three people pose together in what appears to be an indoor community space or event venue. The person on the left wears a gray blazer and fedora hat with a striped scarf and holds a decorative cane. The person in the middle wears a textured gray blazer over a black shirt, and the person on the right wears a green blazer. All three are smiling at the camera, with event materials and other attendees visible in the background.

Two people stand together in an unfinished interior space with exposed ceiling infrastructure and concrete floors. White folding chairs are arranged in rows, and windows reveal an exterior view. A presentation board about housing is visible in the background. Both individuals wear business attire and are smiling at the camera.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

More senior affordable housing is coming to Hyde Park! Thank you so to B’nai B’rith for bringing these 63 units, in partnership with so many others. They will also increase foot traffic for businesses and organizations nearby. We want to see MORE of this, in Hyde Park and across the city!

Tune in today to watch the City Council meeting at 12PM!

Watch on www.boston.gov/departments/...

When Boston’s young artists meet world-class inspiration, the whole city feels it. Thank you Burna Boy for surprising Boston Arts Academy students and supporting the new Bodega food pantry. Boston loves you! Grateful for spaces that uplift culture, our kids, and the power of the arts.

We cannot allow the federal government to punch down on our most vulnerable residents by abandoning its responsibility to fund housing and essential services for people experiencing homelessness, including veterans and those facing mental health challenges.

www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/01/m...

Invitation to end of year party with council President wearing a Santa hat: link to rsvp https://secure.actblue.com/donate/12.17.2025

It’s that time! Please join us downtown at @savvorboston on Wednesday December 17 for our holiday party and to celebrate my tenure as Council President. Good people, good food, and good vibes! RSVP here: secure.actblue.com/donate/12.17...

A digital image of the Boston City Council Calendar for the week of December 1 to December 5, 2025. The graphic features the official Boston city seal on the left and a gavel icon on the right, with the heading “Boston City Council Calendar.” The schedule includes: • Monday, 12/1 Strong Women, Families, and Communities: Docket #1852 – Order for a hearing to learn how the City Council can support the Mayor’s Youth Sports Initiative to increase youth sports participation across Boston (10:00 AM, Iannella Chamber) City Service & Innovation Technology: Docket #1447 – Order for a hearing to discuss electrical equipment maintenance and utility safety (2:00 PM, Iannella Chamber) • Tuesday, 12/2 No meetings listed. • Wednesday, 12/3 COUNCIL MEETING (12:00 PM, Iannella Chamber) • Thursday, 12/4 Public Safety & Criminal Justice: Docket #0336, #1400, #1409, and #1548-1549 – Order for a series of hearings regarding all City of Boston grants administered by the Boston Police Department (11:00 AM, Iannella Chamber) • Friday, 12/5 No meetings listed. The footer states the calendar is sent as a courtesy to interested parties and is subject to change. Only hearings, working sessions, and meetings for matters formally before the City Council will be posted. It is not considered a formal notice of all Council hearings, meetings, and events. For a complete list of all publicly noticed Council meetings, refer to [boston.gov/public-notices](http://boston.gov/public-notices).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Happy Monday, Boston☀️! Here’s this week’s Boston City Council calendar.

To watch this week’s hearings, meetings, and working sessions, visit boston.gov/city-council... if virtual or come to the Ianella Chamber in City Hall if in person. Public testimony is allowed and encouraged at hearings.

Happy Thanksgiving from #TeamRuthzee! Grateful for the chance to serve and for your trust. Wishing you warmth, joy, and connection today. Holding space for those facing challenges and honoring our Indigenous neighbors on this #NationalDayofMourning. Wishing everyone a meaningful, peaceful holiday. 🧡

Group photo of educators and students standing in a school hallway beneath a large blue banner reading “The Haley Pilot School Welcomes You!” The wall behind them displays motivational posters with values including Positivity, Expectations, Acceptance, Community, and Engagement. The group includes approximately 10 people of diverse backgrounds, with adults and children smiling at the camera.

A woman in a white dress with black floral print stands with her arms around four elementary school students in a classroom. Behind them is a wall displaying school values on banners including Positivity, Expectations, Acceptance, and Community. The students are dressed in casual and school uniform attire, and everyone is smiling.

View from behind a woman with long braided hair in a white floral dress, looking into a crowded music classroom. Students are seated throughout the room while a teacher with an acoustic guitar stands at the front. The yellow walls are lined with electric and acoustic guitars mounted on display, creating a vibrant music education space.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yesterday, I toured City Fresh in Roxbury! This Black-owned, community-driven business serves 6M+ people across MA, hiring locally and crafting meals for diverse communities. Inspiring to see their impact and commitment to our city!

Friendsgiving at the @bostoncitycouncil.bsky.social last week!

Proof that we can debate policy AND who made the best mac and cheese.

And yes, motions were filed to grab seconds.

Huge thanks to my chief of staff, Emily Polston, for planning this and bringing all our offices together!

Join us tomorrow at 10AM via Zoom for a hearing to discuss an ordinance that would codify the Office of Returning Citizens in the City of Boston.

I look forward to discussing this important issue and exploring new opportunities to support people who return to Boston after being incarceration.

All in a day’s work! Happy Holiday’s Boston!

Group photo of educators and students standing in a school hallway beneath a large blue banner reading “The Haley Pilot School Welcomes You!” The wall behind them displays motivational posters with values including Positivity, Expectations, Acceptance, Community, and Engagement. The group includes approximately 10 people smiling at the camera.

Ruthzee in a white dress with black floral print smiles warmly while speaking with a young student in a navy blue school uniform with a blue hair bow. They appear to be having a friendly conversation in a classroom, with a red emergency equipment cabinet visible on the wall behind them and a “You are Beautiful” poster partially visible.

Ruthzee in a white dress with black floral print stands with her arms around four elementary school students in a classroom. Behind them is a wall displaying school values on banners including Positivity, Expectations, Acceptance, and Community. The students are dressed in casual and school uniform attire, and everyone is smiling.

View from behind Ruthzee with long braided hair in a white floral dress, looking into a crowded music classroom. Students are seated throughout the room while a teacher with an acoustic guitar stands at the front. The yellow walls are lined with electric and acoustic guitars mounted on display, creating a vibrant music education space.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yesterday, I visited Haley Pilot School with Superintendent Mary Skipper, and what a visit! We were welcomed by amazing staff and students, serenaded with “This Little Light of Mine,” saw inclusion in action, and even played Gaga Ball. Thank you to the Haley community! @bostonschools.boston.gov

Five professionals standing in a line outside a modern building with white siding and brick accents. From left to right: a person in a navy suit, a person in a red sweater, a person in a navy coat, a person in a green dress with a black and white checkered blazer, and a person in a green dress holding a young child in pink clothing

Exterior of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) building at 257, featuring a modern facade with large windows, metal siding, and a prominent sign displaying the organization’s name and logo above the entrance.

Group of six people standing together outdoors in winter clothing, smiling at the camera. A person in a green dress and checkered blazer stands in the center, surrounded by others in various winter coats. Buildings and bare trees are visible in the background

Ruthzee in a green dress and checkered blazer speaking at a microphone to a gathered crowd outside the BECMA building entrance. The address number 257 is visible on the wall, and audience members are seen from behind watching the speaker

I joined the Black Economic Council of Mass as they unveiled the next chapter of their Hub in Roxbury—a space set to fuel innovation, collaboration, and economic empowerment. Grateful to CEO Nicole Obi, the team, and the Board for their leadership. Congrats on this milestone and 10 years of impact!

A digital image of the Boston City Council Calendar for the week of November 24 to November 28, 2025. The graphic features the official Boston city seal on the left and a gavel icon on the right, with the heading “Boston City Council Calendar.” The schedule includes: • Monday, 11/24 Ways & Means: Docket #1927 – A hearing regarding a community mitigation grant awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (10:00 AM, Virtual) Ways & Means: Dockets #1967-1970 – A hearing regarding collective bargaining agreements (2:00 PM, Virtual) • Tuesday, 11/25 No meetings listed. • Wednesday, 11/26 NO COUNCIL MEETING (Due to Thanksgiving Holiday) Government Operations: Docket #0138 – A hearing to discuss an ordinance that would codify the Office of Returning Citizens in the City of Boston (10:00 AM, Virtual) • Thursday, 11/27 Happy Thanksgiving (City Hall Closed) - indicated with decorative brown script text reading “Happy Thanksgiving” • Friday, 11/28 No meetings listed. The footer states the calendar is sent as a courtesy to interested parties and is subject to change. Only hearings, working sessions, and meetings for matters formally before the City Council will be posted. It is not considered a formal notice of all Council hearings, meetings, and events. For a complete list of all publicly noticed Council meetings, refer to [boston.gov/public-notices](http://boston.gov/public-notices).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Happy Thanksgiving week, Boston☀️! Here’s this week’s Boston City Council calendar.

Watch this week’s hearings, meetings, and working sessions, visit boston.gov/city-council... if virtual or come to the Ianella Chamber in City Hall if in person. Public testimony is allowed at hearings.

Four people pose together on a red carpet in front of a black backdrop repeatedly displaying “The Boston Globe” logo in white text. The venue features ornate architectural details including green LED lighting along the ceiling and decorative molding. From left to right: a person in a light green shirt and gray pants, a person in a bright blue suit, a person in a black turtleneck and patterned skirt wearing a credential lanyard, and a person in a black jacket with a patterned scarf. The setting appears to be a formal Boston Globe event.

A panel discussion at the Globe Summit 2025, with three people seated in black armchairs on a stage. A large screen behind them displays “Summit” and “#GlobeSummit2025” along with The Boston Globe logo watermarked repeatedly. The center panelist, Ruthzee Louijeune, wearing a bright blue suit, is speaking into a microphone with hands clasped. To the left is a panelist in a black top with a red and black patterned skirt, and to the right is a panelist in business attire. A small floral arrangement sits on a gold accent table between the speakers.

Four people stand together in what appears to be a museum or entertainment venue with decorative props visible in the background, including a stylized pillar structure and farm-themed artwork. From left to right: a person in glasses wearing a gray suit jacket with a patterned shirt, a person in a black turtleneck with patterned skirt, a person in a black sweater with white collar, and a person in a bright blue suit. The lighting has a blue-tinted ambiance typical of evening indoor events.

A Boston Globe article screenshot showing both a photograph and headline. The photograph shows the same panel discussion from Image 3, captured from a wider angle showing a stage with purple curtains. The headline reads “‘Who gets to be an American?’ Globe Summit panel explores questions of identity and citizenship” with a subheading “Immigration crackdown also risks hurting the economy, panelists said.” A photo credit identifies the panelists as “(From left) Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Boston Globe immigration reporter, hosted speakers Ruthzee Louijeune, Dr. Pawan Dhingra, and Iván Espinoza-Madrigal during the ‘Identity and Power: Who Gets to be an American?’ panel at the Globe Summit. BEN PENNINGTON”. The article byline shows “Mariana Simões • Claire Thornton •“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At the Boston Globe Summit, I joined a powerful conversation on immigration—who gets to be an American, the impact of ICE raids, and the fear shaping our schools. Grateful to @bostonglobe.com, Ivan Espinoza, and Dr. Pawan Dhingra for the dialogue. Check out the Article: tinyurl.com/GlobeSummit2025

A highlights infographic from Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Council President, featuring a light mint green background with purple and pink accent borders. The document lists six key accomplishments marked with green checkmarks: 1. Honoring Trans Day of Remembrance at Boston City Council to remember lives lost to violence and reaffirming commitment to the safety, dignity, and rights of Trans community members. 2. Celebrating Friendsgiving with City Council colleagues as an annual tradition bringing offices together during the holiday season. 3. Welcoming Bridge Over Troubled Waters and thanking them for their longstanding commitment to supporting young people facing homelessness. 4. Approving grant funding to strengthen social and health services for older adults, support public safety initiatives, and coordinate supermarket donations to provide turkeys to families across the city. 5. Discussing hearing orders on pharmacy closures, flood insurance programs, and advancing clean energy transition through a labor-justice lens. 6. Passing resolutions recognizing November 30 as Barbados Independence Day and November 27, 2025 as the National Day of Mourning in recognition of indigenous communities.

A large group photo taken in what appears to be a municipal council chamber or meeting room with modern lighting and wood paneling. Approximately 40-50 people are gathered, including both seated and standing rows. The group appears diverse in age and background. In the center front row, there’s a person wearing a bright green dress/skirt, flanked by others in business attire including someone in a pink blazer. The setting suggests this is an official city council or government function, likely related to the Trans Day of Remembrance or Bridge Over Troubled Waters recognition mentioned in the highlights.

A formal group photo in a city council chamber featuring approximately 20 people arranged in two rows - some standing in the back, others seated or standing in front of a wooden council desk. The backdrop shows a navy blue curtain with American and city flags on either side. The chamber has wooden doors and modern architectural elements. The group includes people in business attire, with one person notably wearing a bright blue outfit in the front row. Name placards are visible on the desk, suggesting these are council members and guests at an official ceremony or recognition event.

Another formal city council chamber photo with approximately 25-30 people arranged around the council desk area. The same navy curtain backdrop and flags are visible. This photo shows greater diversity in clothing colors, with people wearing various professional attire including pink, yellow, orange, red, and blue. Several people are positioned behind the council president’s desk/podium in the center, with others flanking both sides. The wooden panel doors and modern chamber architecture frame the scene. This appears to be from a different ceremony or recognition event than Image 3, possibly the Friendsgiving celebration or another community recognition mentioned in the highlights.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Here’s a recap of some of what happened at the Boston City Council meeting today:

Tune in today to watch the City Council meeting at 12PM!

Watch on: www.boston.gov/departments/...

We’re talking publicly-owned grocery stores, supporting our non-profit grocery stores, and issues with food insecurity this Thursday, November 20th at 2:00PM in the Ianella Chamber at Boston City Council. Join us!

Public testimony is welcome in person, virtually, or written.

This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Learn more and register at Globe.com/summit. #GlobeSummit2025

@globe_events

I’ll be joining fellow panelists for a timely discussion exploring how questions of citizenship, belonging, and identity continue to shape our nation. We’ll dive into the ways race, policy, and power influence who is welcomed, and who is excluded, in today’s America.

Graphic re panel tomorrow at 2:10pm on Identity and Power: Who Gets to be an American?” At House of blues with other panelists

I’m thrilled to join @bostonglobe.com Media for their annual Globe Summit on November 18 and 19 in Boston! Globe Summit is a two-day gathering that brings together leaders, changemakers, and curious minds to explore the ideas shaping our region’s future.

A digital image of the Boston City Council Calendar for the week of November 17 to November 21, 2025. The graphic features the official Boston city seal on the left and a gavel icon on the right, with the heading “Boston City Council Calendar.” The schedule includes: • Monday, 11/17 Ways & Means: Docket #1669 – Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools’ FY27 Budget (10:00 AM, Iannella Chamber) Post-Audit: Government Accountability, Transparency, & Accessibility: Docket #1446 – Order for a hearing to review past expenditures through quarterly updates on the FY2026 operating budget (2:00 PM, Virtual) • Tuesday, 11/18 Planning, Development, & Transportation: Dockets #1632 and #1718 – A hearing regarding legalizing Triple-Deckers and Accessory Dwelling Units (10:00 AM, Iannella Chamber) Public Safety & Criminal Justice and Public Health, Homelessness, & Recovery: Dockets #1346, 1661, & 1662 – A joint hearing regarding various public safety and public health grants (2:00 PM, Iannella Chamber) • Wednesday, 11/19 COUNCIL MEETING (12:00 PM, Iannella Chamber) • Thursday, 11/20 City Services & Innovation Technology: Docket #1748 – Order for a hearing to discuss city services in regard to composting and the need for increased composting services (10:00 AM, Iannella Chamber) City Services & Innovation Technology: Docket #1791 – Order for a hearing to discuss the role of publicly-owned grocery stores in addressing food insecurity (2:00 PM, Iannella Chamber) • Friday, 11/21 Veterans, Military Families, & Military Affairs: Dockets #0253 and #0722 – A hearing regarding the goals and priorities of the City of Boston’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs, and a grant related to employment services for veterans (10:00 AM, Iannella Chamber)

Happy Monday, Boston☀️! Here’s this week’s Boston City Council calendar.

To watch this week’s hearings, meetings, and working sessions, visit boston.gov/city-council... if virtual or come to the Ianella Chamber in City Hall if in person. Public testimony is allowed and encouraged at hearings.

Stood today with @32bjseiu.bsky.social airport workers fighting for fair pay, better training, and affordable healthcare. MassPort must approve next Thursday’s vote to support a trained, fairly compensated workforce. Grateful to all who continue pushing for dignity and respect for these workers.

Partnerships with everyone in our city - including businesses and non-profits - are key to our @bostonschools.boston.gov ’s students’ success!

Picture of elected official and Ruthzee and grand Marshall cutting parade ribbon in the street

The Council President speaking at a podium with Commissioner Santiago standing behind her

On Veteran’s Day, we honor those who have served this country and the sacrifices they make to do so. Their courage and bravery do not go unnoticed, and we thank their families for sharing them with our country. Thank you for your service.