Meet Henry Santana (He/Him)

From Mission Hill to City Hall

Henry Santana, your City Councilor At-Large, is a product of Boston’s neighborhoods.

Born in Baní, Dominican Republic, Henry moved to Boston as a child and grew up in the Alice Taylor apartments in Mission Hill. His journey—from navigating public housing to becoming a first-generation college graduate—is the foundation of his commitment to a city government that works for everyone.

Henry brings a steady, listening-first leadership to the Boston City Council that doesn't need to shout to be felt. He isn’t the politician who wants to hear his own voice; he’s the one who shows up to hear yours.

A Lifetime of Service

Henry’s passion for community and civic engagement was ignited early. For over 15 years, he served with the Mission Hill Summer Program, helping local youth find their own voices and leadership potential. In 2016, the sudden loss of his oldest brother became a defining moment, deepening his resolve to make a lasting, positive impact on his city.

Before his election to the Council, Henry served as the inaugural director of Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Civic Organizing and as Director of Operations for then-Councilor Kenzie Bok. These roles allowed him to dismantle barriers to civic engagement and address the immediate needs of residents during the pandemic.

Building the Bridge

Today, Henry represents every corner of the city—from East Boston to Roxbury to Allston—ensuring the resources he once had to fight for are accessible to all. Whether he is streamlining communication between public housing residents and City Hall or advocating for youth empowerment, Henry’s goal is to be the bridge he once needed.

He shows up to City Hall as his authentic self—reserved, patient, and deeply grateful—ensuring that no matter how much Boston grows, it never forgets the neighborhoods and the people who make it great.