Ward for Framingham

Advocating for a more equitable, affordable, and transparent city

About

BIO

Brandon Ward is a longtime Framingham resident, where he serves as a school committee member for the South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical School (Keefe Tech), on the boards of Downtown Framingham, Inc. and Friends of Saxonville, where he is the board president, and as a mentor through Framingham High School's Mazie Mentoring Program.

In his professional life, Brandon's career has included stints in government, nonprofits, and higher education. Currently, Brandon serves as the Executive Director of Leadership MetroWest, a Framingham-based nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting community leaders. Previously, Brandon worked at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership, where he facilitated leadership trainings for graduate students committed to public service and social justice. He has worked at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy as a faculty assistant to former Canadian politician Michael Ignatieff; at the international development nonprofit BRAC USA as the special assistant to the CEO; and in the U.S. Senate as a congressional aide to Senator Joe Lieberman.

In his free time, Brandon enjoys playing soccer, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife Lindsey and dog Madison. You can frequently find them at the Saxonville Mills Cafe for an early morning coffee or on the Cochituate Rail Trail for an afternoon run. His favorite restaurant is Mediterranean Turkish Cuisine (and he forgives them for moving out of Saxonville).

ENDORSEMENTs

Progressive Framingham/MetroWest

“Local 1652 is proud to endorse Brandon Ward in the race for Framingham City Council, District 2. We appreciate Brandon's dedication to public service, and we know that he will bring a fresh perspective and collaborative voice to City Council. We trust Brandon to support our first responders and to always do what is best for the city.”

Andrew Rokes
President
Framingham Fire Fighters Local 1652

"Brandon Ward would be a great addition to the Framingham City Council and a strong advocate for District 2. He is thoughtful, collaborative, and cares deeply about our community - and he brings a history of leadership through his roles with Leadership MetroWest, Friends of Saxonville, and Keefe Tech. He is the best choice for District 2 City Councilor."

Jack Patrick Lewis
State Representative, 7th Middlesex

“I support Brandon as a Framingham City Councilor. He has been instrumental in leading the current Friends of Saxonville Board, Saxonville clean-ups, and creating SaxArt to bring public art to our area. Brandon is inclusive, a great listener, a leader, and a doer.”

Lynne Damianos

Vice President, Friends of Saxonville

Member, Framingham Historical Commission

Local Business Owner

“Brandon Ward has proven to be an effective leader in our community who thinks independently and works collaboratively to make progress that will improve the quality of life in Framingham. I support his candidacy for District 2 City Councilor. Please mark your calendar and join me in voting for Brandon Ward on November 7th.”

Audrey Hall
Former Town Meeting Member and Chair of the Ways & Means Committee

“Brandon has a clear-eyed vision for Framingham and he is smart, hard-working, and compassionate. Having represented Framingham in the Massachusetts Senate and House for twenty years and having lived here most of my life, I believe Brandon Ward has the judgment, skill, commitment, and leadership ability to serve us well on Framingham’s City Council and I fully endorse his candidacy.”

David Magnani
Former State Senator
Former State Representative

“Brandon brings exceptional academic, professional, and community leadership experience to the Council: a longtime Framingham resident, School Committee member for Keefe Tech, board member and President of Friends of Saxonville (FOS), board member of Downtown Framingham, Inc. (DFI), and more. Brandon Ward has the right knowledge, experience, and commitment to make a very effective City Councilor representing District 2. I urge you to vote for Brandon on November 7.”

John Stasik
Former President, Friends of Saxonville
Former State Representative

“The Framingham Democratic Committee (FDC) voted unanimously to endorse Brandon Ward in his campaign for Framingham District 2 City Councilor. Ward grew up in Framingham and has been actively involved in the community with a demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on his hometown. The FDC believes that District 2 residents are fortunate to have Brandon Ward, a candidate with the passion and skills needed to make forward progress in Framingham that is closely aligned with the Democratic values of our richly diverse community.”

Framingham Democratic Committee

Carpenters Local 336

“Brandon’s previous government experience, his collaborative approach, and his drive to make Framingham a more equitable, affordable, and transparent city are the reasons he has my vote. He will roll up his sleeves and do the work necessary to make us an even better community. I wholeheartedly endorse Brandon Ward for Framingham City Council!”

Pam Richardson
Former District 2 City Councilor
Former State Representative

"Brandon Ward is the candidate we trust for Framingham District 2 City Council. He is deeply rooted in Framingham and understands the challenges we face. As a seasoned professional with experience working in government and non-profits, he is passionate about education, training, and serving our community."

Vincent Lee & Tony Polito
Co-Leads, Future of Nobscot
www.futureofnobscot.org

“I have worked with Brandon for the past few years on the Board of Directors of Friends of Saxonville, where we both volunteer. He has brought new energy and ideas to our organization. He is a careful listener, a quick learner, and a talented connector and collaborator, with a strong focus on getting things done. I am impressed with the breadth of his interests: in public education, natural resource protection, outdoor recreation, and the arts. I believe he will effectively represent the interests of Saxonville and all City residents as District 2 City Councilor.”

Steven Weisman
Board Member, Friends of Saxonville
Framingham Conservation Commissioner

PRIORITIES

Supporting educational opportunities and career training through Framingham Public Schools, Keefe Tech, and job training programs.

Making city government more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming for young families and new residents.

Investing in quality of life improvements, such as parks, bike paths, and trails. Adding amenities to the Cochituate Rail Trail, rebuilding the Carol Getchell Nature Trail, and advocating for recreational upgrades to Winch Park, Danforth Park, and Reardon Park.

Making McGrath Square and central Saxonville more pedestrian and bike friendly. Fixing the Danforth Street intersection, increasing public parking options, and ensuring safe crosswalks.

Increasing affordable housing options and expanding access to public transportation.

Helping small businesses in Saxonville and across the city to succeed by advocating for improved cross-department collaboration and eliminating bureaucracy.

Leading Saxonville’s revitalization efforts and advocating for smart development of underutilized commercial properties.

Supporting essential services for public safety, public libraries, and senior citizens. Working with our Fire Department, Police Department, and Facilities Department to ensure staffing and investment matches our city’s growing needs.

Promoting the Mill’s growing artist community and local cultural institutions.