Mayor Wu Declares Cold Emergency as City Leaders Convene for Municipal Summit

Mayor Wu Declares Cold Emergency as City Leaders Convene for Municipal Summit

Mayor Michelle Wu has officially declared a cold emergency for the City of Boston, effective today, Friday, January 23, 2026. The declaration comes as the National Weather Service forecasts dangerously low temperatures and wind chills reaching as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit through Sunday. The Mayor’s office has mobilized city departments to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly high-risk populations such as the elderly, young children, and those experiencing homelessness.

In response to the extreme conditions, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers have been activated as warming centers during their regular operating hours today. Mayor Wu urged residents to take necessary precautions, check on neighbors, and utilize the city’s resources to stay safe during the freeze. Public safety officials are advising anyone who sees an individual in distress or staying in a vehicle to call 911 immediately. Additionally, the city is promoting the use of the 311 system for non-emergency cold-related issues or to find the nearest available warming center.

While the legislative branch of city government, the Boston City Council, is not holding a formal session at City Hall today—with its next full meeting scheduled for January 28—city representation remains high at the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Annual Meeting and Trade Show. Taking place at the Omni Boston Hotel in the Seaport District, the conference serves as a critical hub for local government policy and coordination. Today’s agenda features several high-profile speakers and sessions relevant to Boston's governance and the broader regional agenda:

• State-Local Partnerships: Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are addressing municipal leaders on state-wide coordination and fiscal priorities for the 2026 legislative year.
• Equity and Inclusion: Boston City Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune is participating in a featured fireside chat focused on equity-centered local government and building community-centered municipal environments.
• Leadership Keynotes: Timothy Shriver is delivering a Friday keynote address, following earlier sessions that explored high-impact "hot topics" currently facing local administration and civil rights.

These gatherings and executive actions are expected to shape the legislative and executive priorities for the coming months. While the Council is currently in a scheduled recess from formal chambers, the activity at the Seaport highlights the ongoing coordination between city and state officials regarding urban policy, public health, and environmental safety during this weekend's extreme weather event.