Conor Newman Appointed as Neighborhood Services Special Assistant; Francis Mendoza Named Liaison to Allston-Brighton

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the appointment of Conor Newman as the special assistant of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) and Francis Mendoza as the new Allston-Brighton liaison. They will work to encourage, facilitate and maximize citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings and emergency responses. 

As special assistant, Newman will oversee the department's public processes including but not limited to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Boston Cannabis Board, and the Boston Licensing Board while supporting the liaisons as they facilitate these meetings. Newman will serve under the Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services and also spearhead special projects in the office. Mendoza is moving into Newman’s former role. As the new Allston-Brighton liaison, Mendoza will distribute information and facilitate the delivery of services in collaboration with City departments to Allston-Brighton constituents.

“Conor has served Allston-Brighton with positivity and a passion for making connections in the community, and I’m thrilled to see he’ll be using these skills in a new role that represents our entire City,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As Conor transitions, Allston-Brighton will be in good hands with Francis. His advocacy work in the neighborhood and time as a resident will make for a strong start on day one.”

“I am thrilled to witness Conor’s growth in the Office of Neighborhood Services and his continued contributions to the people of Boston,” said Director of Neighborhood Services Enrique Pepen. “Additionally, I am positive that the Allston-Brighton neighborhood is gaining someone committed to their community in Francis. He is ready to hit the ground running and serve his neighborhood and we are happy to have him.” 

Conor Newman was born and raised in Arlington and went on to graduate from Stonehill College with a Bachelor's in Political Science. After college, he moved to Boston and worked on a number of local campaigns and statewide referendums. Newman served as the liaison for Allston-Brighton in the Office of Neighborhood Services for four years. Before that, he worked as a constituent advocate for Boston 311, the Mayor’s constituent services hotline. He brings to the new special assistant role an extensive background and passion for community engagement and public service. 

“From working as a constituent advocate with 311 to serving as a neighborhood liaison at the Office of Neighborhood Services, it will be a great privilege to continue working with the Community Engagement Cabinet in a new capacity,” said Conor Newman. “I am looking forward to bringing my experience and passion for serving the public to the role of special assistant.” 

When outside of the office, Newman pursues such activities as frisbee golf, adding more vinyls to his record collection, and cheering for his favorite soccer team — Glasgow's Celtic Football Club.

Francis Mendoza will take over the role of Allston-Brighton liaison. He was born and raised in Connecticut, and moved to Allston to attend Boston University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Relations. While there, he worked in the community as an emergency medical technician and as a tutor to non-native English speakers through the Boston University Intergenerational Literacy Program. Mendoza went on to serve as a two-time U.S. Senate intern and was then hired as a legislative aide at the Massachusetts State House. As the son of a Mexican immigrant and an Irish-American public school teacher, Mendoza has always cherished service, inclusion, and equity, and is passionate about policy and constituent services. He fell in love with Allston-Brighton and its vibrant community and is thrilled to be able to serve his adopted home. 

“I’m ecstatic to be given the chance to serve my beloved neighborhood,” said Francis Mendoza. “Getting the opportunity to wake up every day and go to work for my community is a dream come true. I look forward to bringing City Hall to Allston-Brighton and to do so in an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable way.”

In his free time, Mendoza works towards his goal of visiting every Boston park, while birdwatching and identifying their plants. He particularly enjoys collecting Star Wars LEGOs, listening to music, watching historical documentaries, cooking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons every Thursday with his friends.

ABOUT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings, and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or by downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms.