BOSTON – Last week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order on the establishment of a Committee on Civility in the City of Boston. This Committee comes in response to partisan identity that has been on the rise in recent years, both in-person and online, with people shifting to further ends of the political spectrum.

Society has been left in a place where there is a larger volume of issues for people to disagree with. According to polling in 2024, a record 80% of U.S. adults said that Americans were greatly divided on the most important values. Many correlate their personal identity with their political ideology, which can make disagreements across party lines feel like a personal attack. With escalating polarization and tensions, it is important that our government leaders and elected officials practice civility. National, state, and local government bodies, including the Boston City Council, should serve as role models for civil discourse, refraining from disrespect, personal offenses – all while remaining professional and leaving room for disagreements in the spirit of democracy.

Municipalities across the country have taken action to foster a welcoming environment for government and residents alike to engage in healthy dialogue. The Montana League of Cities and Towns, a nonpartisan association of municipalities in Montana, painted a blueprint for how local leaders can encourage civility. In short, leaders should provide leadership, welcome disagreements, overcome dogmatism, and connect, respect, and listen.

In terms of past examples of official committees and commissions focusing on civility, the City of Nashville has an Ad Hoc Civility Committee, which held a hearing to discuss a proposed Council Civility Code. Additionally, the Illinois Supreme Court has a dedicated Commission on Professionalism, which maintains its focus on promoting civility. The Commission, governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 799, may help outline a potential body for the City of Boston. The National League of Cities (NLC) stated in a 2024 article that city governments should, “be mediators in the community by working strategically with community groups to facilitate difficult conversations.” Last week, Councilor Flynn joined elected and municipal officials across the country in a NLC forum to discuss how city leaders can improve civility in city government.

“It is beyond dispute that tensions at the national level have unfortunately trickled down to state and local governments. To combat this, it is critical to look at how the City of Boston can address its own issues of civility, so that we can serve as better role models for public discourse and lessen the effects of political tensions, both locally and nationally.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].