11 Feb Thank you and best wishes to Greg Galer
HBI wished Greg Galer, the Boston Preservation Alliance’s Executive Director, farewell last month as he left that role to assume leadership of the Association for Preservation Technology International.
“I’m proud of my work at the Boston Preservation Alliance,” said Greg, “We’ve touched every neighborhood, influenced hundreds of buildings, and expanded the number of people who see the benefits of preservation. We’ve built momentum at City Hall to strengthen the tools to protect the vital and unique resources throughout the city.”
Galer continued, “There is now agreement of the critical need for a comprehensive, equitable inventory of city historic resources. The broader community, including many of our development friends, is recognizing that historic preservation is climate action, equity building, and a successful source of affordability.”
Mayor Michelle Wu acknowledged BPA’s important role and successes, thanking Greg. “I’m grateful to have worked alongside Greg and know his passion for preserving Boston’s history to build community throughout our neighborhoods,” she said. “Thank you for your dedication to community, your active leadership in partnering with the City, and the countless ways you’ve helped shape Boston during your tenure.”
The Alliance reported that under Greg’s leadership the organization was in its strongest position in its 43 years.
Among BPA’s accomplishments during his tenure, according to the Alliance:
- Establishment of the Community Preservation Act to Boston, which has provided over $92 million to support 198 historic preservation, affordable housing, and open space projects across the city.
- The nascent Legacy Fund for Boston, which has $6 million committed to Boston’s historic preservation causes.
- Playing a role in more than $4.2 billion worth of construction, from downtown to the neighborhoods.
- Advocating for recognizing Boston City Hall as an excellent example of Brutalist architecture and a symbol of cultural attitudes toward local government in the middle of the 20th century, as well as pushing for building maintenance and reuse of City Hall Plaza.
Greg also addressed challenges related to historic preservation, such as fighting for affordable housing and sustainability. He is a board member of the National Preservation Partners Network and a Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust.
Greg will be focusing on very similar goals as he moves to a larger organization. The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is a membership group “dedicated to promoting the best technology for protecting historic structures and their settings. It has members from 30 countries and describes itself as – “the premier worldwide network for anyone involved in the field of historic preservation.”
We are glad Greg’s leadership in preservation will continue at APT. We wish him the best of luck and are happy he will continue to live in the Boston area.