Special to the Times-Free Press Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata has released her fourth Annual Report, reflecting on her work in 2025 and her second term on the Boston City Council. The report highlights major accomplishments across District 1, including transformative investments, key policy initiatives, and community-driven efforts, while also outlining her priorities for the Council and the district in 2026. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together, and I remain committed to ensuring that every resident in District 1 feels heard, supported, and represented,” said Coletta Zapata. “Through collective efforts, we’ve achieved significant and meaningful change together through policy initiatives and community-based efforts. Thank you for the privilege of serving this community and for the trust you’ve placed in me. Together, I’m hopeful that we will continue to build on our progress in partnership.” The report highlights the Councilor’s collaborative work with city departments to strengthen constituent services, advance critical street and sidewalk improvements including ramp upgrades, pothole repairs, and street repaving. Simultaneously, she has championed key priorities such as affordable housing, climate resiliency, prioritized workforce development opportunities, and high-quality public education. In 2025, the City Council had its fourth opportunity to influence the budget. Coletta Zapata hosted three town halls to gather input from constituents on priorities, such as the importance of youth programming, job opportunities, trash containerization, pest control, affordable housing, BCYF programming and education. In her report, the Councilor emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout the budget review process, highlighting its critical role in shaping her advocacy and guiding her work. Throughout the year, Coletta Zapata advanced a comprehensive policy agenda, focusing on both the practical functions and long-term goals for the city. Notable initiatives include: Accelerating Boston’s waterfront resilience through coastal resilience strategies, investments and exploring a municipal Climate Bank to fund climate solutions, create green jobs, and drive equitable economic development. Reviewing oversight and accountability of Boston’s short-term rental ordinance. Proposing increased fines for unauthorized parking during TD Garden events in the North End. Launching a Region 1 Boston Public Schools community engagement initiative to shape the future of schools in Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End. Advocating for the expansion of affordable housing across Boston. Introducing a Home Rule Petition reforming the Zoning Board of Appeal. Additionally, Coletta Zapata served as Chair of both the Government Operations Committee and the Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks Committee. Under her leadership, the City Council passed several critical ordinances, including codifying the Office of Food Justice and establishing the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement. The Council also advanced efforts to expand food access, support food pantries, and approved grants that unlock investments to strengthen and expand Boston’s open and green spaces. In the new year, Councilor Coletta Zapata is excited to continue advocating for District 1 and Bostonians city-wide with a robust policy agenda. Looking ahead to the next Council term, the Councilor remains committed to continuing this work with a focus on expanding affordable housing, strengthening high quality public education, advancing innovative climate action, investing in the essential ‘nuts and bolts’ issues, and building strong workforce development pathways to good-paying jobs in the climate sector as the economy shifts and AI reshapes the workforce. Coletta Zapata encourages residents to contact her office for a meeting to discuss suggestions and ideas for solving the most persistent issues. To see her 2025 Annual Report in full, please visit bit.ly/GCZReport_2025 for English and bit.ly/GCZ_Reporte2025 for Spanish. For additional information please contact the Office of Councilor Gabriela Coletta by phone at (617) 635-3200 or by email at gabriela.ramirez@boston.gov.