About Lydia

As a City Councilor, she led efforts to protect Boston's affordable housing stock through innovative and bold policy proposals. She spearheaded reforms to Inclusionary Development and Linkage and passed through the council a real estate transfer fee on the sale of properties valued at over $2 million, with all proceeds dedicated to affordable housing.

 

Lydia pushed to reduce airport pollution, expand water transportation, address traffic congestion, ensure community voice in major energy projects, rebuild public housing and stop proposed highway expansion. She solidified her role in the community as a bridge-builder, convening and organizing community meetings to take on larger conversations like Suffolk Downs in East Boston, the Bunker Hill Redevelopment project in Charlestown, and climate resilience in the historic North End.

 

She spearheaded the effort to get the city's charter amended and democratize the  $3 billion city budget through participatory budgeting. Lydia advocated for greater transparency in city government while maintaining fiscal responsibility. She has fought to reform the Zoning Board of Appeals to reduce influence-peddling in the development process. Lydia fights for a Boston that works for everyone.

 

Her job title may change, but her values never have. Lydia Edwards has always been on the side of the underdog- and she's found new ways to make change at each new role. As a State Senator, Lydia is continuing to fight for workers, renters, unions, immigrants, teachers, to make our commonwealth more affordable, more inclusive, and more democratic.

 

Lydia was raised by her mother, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and current union worker with the Veterans Administration. Lydia graduated from American University Washington College of Law and received an LLM in taxation from Boston University School of Law. She lives in East Boston and loves to run along the waterfront, and practice martial arts.  Sometimes, she even skydives.