She launched into a dense explanation: “Boston’s zoning code is different from that of nearly every other major city.” It’s almost four thousand pages, considerably longer than New York City’s, with variances and waivers that far outnumber the actual standards. “Most of you go through your day without hearing about the zoning code.
The final teachers’ contract, for instance, seemed to reflect Wu’s values: more sick leave for educators and improved services for immigrant students and kids with disabilities. “You can only make progress and get things done when you get into the details of how things actually work,” Wu told me. Her efficient disposal of the expired agreements furthered her reputation as a technocrat, which was both a compliment and a dig.