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).

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.