Councilor Durkan Proudly Represents the West End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway and Mission Hill!

Sharon was elected to the Boston City Council in July 2023 and proudly serves the neighborhoods of District 8: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill, Fenway, Kenmore, and the West End. A Beacon Hill resident and renter, Sharon lives with her cat, Ocho, named after the district she loves.

As Chair of the Council’s Committees on Planning, Development, and Transportation, and COVID-19 Recovery, Sharon is focused on delivering the basics that keep our city moving and thriving. She’s all about the nitty-gritty: making sure our streets, sidewalks, and bricks are safe and well-maintained.

Sharon grew up in rural North Georgia, raised by working-class parents who taught her the value of hard work and persistence. As a first-generation college graduate from Smith College, where she studied Government, she understands what it means to tackle challenges head-on. Before joining the Council, Sharon worked as a community organizer, small business owner, fundraiser and leader in the Massachusetts Democratic Party, where she worked to elect candidates who share her bold leadership style, and desire to enact policies that make life better for Bostonians.

Now, as a City Councilor, Sharon is focused on the issues that matter most to her neighbors. She’s passionate about creating affordable housing, improving public transit, keeping parks and open spaces beautiful, and making sure local businesses can thrive. Whether she’s leading the charge on infrastructure audits of things like sidewalks, missing tactile pads, and bricks in District 8 to deliver for residents, hosting coffee hours in every neighborhood every season, or collaborating with city agencies and Boston Police to tackle public safety concerns, Sharon is all about making government work for people.

Her district is home to some of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, cultural hubs, and entertainment spots. Sharon has celebrated everything from dropping the puck with Mayor Wu at the Women’s Beanpot at TD Garden to Fenway News’ 50th Anniversary and even judged a pepper-eating contest at the now-closed El Pelón Taquería. She’s always finding ways to connect with neighbors and honor the amazing people and places that make District 8 special.

Sharon is proud of what her community has accomplished together—from securing $1 million in federal funding for an affordable housing project to pushing for smarter development and safer streets. She believes that by listening to neighbors and working collaboratively, we can tackle Boston’s toughest challenges and create a city where everyone feels at home.

When she’s not busy at City Hall or with community, Sharon can be found cooking the latest Alison Roman recipe, playing volleyball, cheering on the Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins or Mission Hill Little League.