Enrique J. Pepén is the Boston City Councilor for District 5 — representing Hyde Park, Mattapan, Readville and Roslindale — and is entering his second term on the Council. Over the past two years, Councilor Pepén has established himself as a steady, solutions-driven leader focused on transportation safety, housing affordability, immigrant protections, and responsive constituent services.

Since taking office, Councilor Pepén has championed major transportation safety initiatives, including pushing for uniform safe school zones, advocating for safer roads for all modes of transportation, and working with city and state partners on long-term infrastructure needs, such as the reopening of the River Street Bridge. His focus on creating safer, more connected neighborhoods has made him one of the strongest voices on the Council for equitable mobility.

A committed advocate for housing justice, Councilor Pepén has worked closely with the Boston Planning & Development Agency on rezoning efforts citywide, especially the Squares + Streets initiative, to make it easier to build desperately needed affordable housing. He also spearheaded the successful effort to eliminate forced paid broker fees, helping reduce financial barriers for renters across Boston.

Councilor Pepén has been one of the most outspoken Councilors defending and uplifting Boston’s immigrant communities. He played a key role in re-establishing and strengthening the Boston Trust Act, ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel safe accessing city services and engaging with their local government.

Delivering for residents remains at the center of Councilor Pepén’s work. He has made constituent services a top priority, helping neighbors navigate urgent housing, transportation, and public safety challenges. Through his advocacy on the Community Preservation Committee and the capital budgeting process, he has secured millions of dollars in investments for parks, schools, affordable housing, and community spaces in District 5.

Born and raised in Boston, Councilor Pepén is the proud son of two Dominican immigrants who arrived in the city in the 1990s. Growing up in Boston Public Housing, he experienced firsthand the power of community and the importance of strong, accessible city services. He now lives in Roslindale with his wife and two children.

As he begins his second term, Councilor Pepén remains focused on building safer streets, expanding affordable housing, strengthening immigrant protections, and ensuring every resident of District 5 receives the responsive, neighborhood-centered representation they deserve.