Boston – September 24, 2024 – Mayor Michelle Wu has appointed Kairos Shen as the new Chief of Planning for the City of Boston. Shen will lead the Planning Department, which was established by Wu in July 2024 to enhance the city’s planning functions.
In his role, Shen will build on initiatives from former Chief Arthur Jemison, focusing on modernizing zoning codes, improving short- and long-term planning, and streamlining the development review process.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kairos to the Planning Department,” said Mayor Wu. “His extensive experience and community relationships will help us achieve our goals for affordability, equity, and resilience.”
Shen, who will officially start on October 15, has a decade of experience teaching at MIT and has worked in various planning roles in city government over the past two decades. He has served on the Article 80 Modernization Steering Committee, which will release recommendations for public feedback this week.
Devin Quirk, the Interim Chief, will resume his position as Deputy Chief and continue overseeing daily operations.
“Kairos brings invaluable expertise and knowledge of Boston’s neighborhoods,” said Quirk. “He is the right leader to advance our development goals.”
