Boston Mayor-elect Wu to name former DPH chief to clean up Mass. and Cass

Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu announced Wednesday that she will appoint the former chief of the state's department of public health, Dr. Monica Bharel, to a new cabinet-level position charged with cleaning up the public health and safety crisis in and around Mass. and Cass, driven by substance use and homelessness.

Bharel, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, appeared before the public regularly to report on progress and setbacks. She is considered politically savvy and medically top notch.

Wu, who becomes mayor next Tuesday, also announced the promotion of Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, to cabinet-level rank, giving her a direct line — and direct accountability — to the mayor.

Marty Martinez, chief of the mayor's office of health and human services, will transition into an advisory role, according to a Wu press release.

Additionally, Sheila A. Dillon, Boston's chief of housing and director of the department of neighborhood development, will remain in office.

Wu said the three initial appointments illustrate the expertise she intends to lean on to inform her approach to the public health challenges at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenuue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

"With this team, Boston will be able to step in and help drive and continue pushing" collaboration between the city and the state, Wu said following a closed briefing with mental health and homeless service providers and front-line workers near Boston Medical Center.

Wu revealed that she has met with Gov. Charlie Baker, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins and others to begin formulating a broader Mass. and Cass strategy.

After months of inaction, acting Mayor Kim Janey's administration ordered strict enforcement of existing laws barring tent encampments on city streets in an October executive order.

But the change hasn't come without controversy. Some medical providers and advocates around substance use disorder oppose to the city's framework of arresting those with outstanding warrants and moving them without a place to live. Janey has defended her actions, saying that several dozen have been connected with housing.

Wu has acknowledged the concerns but has not revealed any changes she might make to the policy. Asked Wednesday whether she would bring a halt to the city's arrests and tent removal, the mayor-elect did not say "no."

"We are going to take an approach that is centered on public health and housing first, and we will be announcing the shape of that to come," Wu responded.

Police will play a part in the city's response, Wu said, when asked about the lack of a public safety leader within the team.

"We need to ensure that there's public safety, health and treatment and housing as part of all of this," she said. "Of course, everyone will continue to be at the table, the effort will be driven by these leaders standing with me today."