Boston City Council unanimously adopts "No Kings" resolution challenging Trump administration

BOSTON -- August 6, 2025, Boston City Council unanimously adopted a "No Kings" resolution calling for a return to constitutional checks on executive power, capping a contentious five-hour session. The 11-to-0 roll call vote on Docket 1379, sponsored by Councilor Benjamin J. Weber, came only after an 8-to-3 vote to close a floor debate in which Councilor Edward M. Flynn argued he had been denied a promised committee hearing, while Weber said the measure plainly addressed separation of powers, not military affairs. The council also voted 11-to-0 to adopt a resolution affirming affirmatively furthering fair housing principles (Docket 1458) in memory of the late housing advocate Bob Terrell, and 11-to-0 condemning the Trump administration's proposed repeal of the EPA's 2009 greenhouse-gas endangerment finding (Docket 1456). The council passed a $3,842,600 MassDOT Brighton sidewalk grant and a $550,000 MBTA Copley Square bus-stop grant, and designated two historic properties, the oldest house in Jamaica Plain and the 1804 birthplace of Animal Rescue League founder Anna Harris Smith in Dorchester, as city landmarks after Councilor Sharon Durkan warned both would become automatic landmarks if the council missed their August deadlines. A resolution by Flynn declaring a public safety emergency at the Mass. and Cass corridor was blocked by Durkan's objection and referred to committee.