Dr. James O Connell

Biography

Jim O’Connell is a lecturer in the field of City Planning and Urban Affairs at Boston University. He has a rich background in urban planning, having worked as a community planner with the Boston Office of the Northeast Region of the National Park Service, where he specialized in planning for historic sites and heritage areas. His past roles also include serving as an Economic Development Officer at the Cape Cod Commission, a regional planning and land use regulatory agency. He has held notable positions such as Deputy Executive Director at the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and Executive Director at the Hampden County Energy Office. Jim is an accomplished author, having written seven books and articles focusing on planning and New England history. His recent publication, "Boston: Making a Global City" (University of Massachusetts Press), and other notable works address the development and planning of Greater Boston. Jim has contributed to various academic and public policy discussions, actively engaging in regional planning and civic leadership initiatives. He has taught at several institutions, including the Boston Architectural College and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, furthering the education of future urban planners.

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