BOSTON—Thomas O’Brien, a well-known figure in Boston’s real estate and civic community, has officially announced that he will not be running for mayor. While many had speculated that O’Brien, the founding partner and managing director of HYM Investment Group, would challenge incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu and candidate Josh Kraft, he has decided to stay out of the race.
“I will continue my work with HYM Investment Group and my engagement with Boston’s charitable and civic life,” O’Brien said in a statement. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to offer encouragement, insights, and support.”
A Developer With a Deep Boston Legacy
For those unfamiliar with Thomas O’Brien beyond his role in development, his decision not to run doesn’t mean he’s stepping back from shaping Boston’s future. His firm, HYM Investment Group, is responsible for major city-changing projects like the redevelopment of the Government Center Garage and Suffolk Downs—projects that have transformed Boston’s skyline and economy.
O’Brien’s career, however, isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, community, and the future of the city he calls home.
Before founding HYM, he worked at some of the top real estate firms in the country, including Tishman Speyer and JPI, but his most defining early career moment came when he led the Boston Redevelopment Authority (now the Boston Planning & Development Agency) in the 1990s. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of over 12 million square feet of projects, making tough calls on what was best for the city’s evolving needs.
A Bostonian Through and Through
O’Brien isn’t just a developer—he’s a Bostonian at heart. He’s been involved in advocating for fair immigration policies and has worked alongside organizations that strive to create more opportunities for Boston’s youth. As Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Business Immigration Coalition, he played a role in securing driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, a move that he saw as not just policy but a step toward making Boston a more inclusive city.
Those who know O’Brien personally describe him as someone who deeply understands the balance between development and community needs. He’s the kind of leader who can talk high-stakes real estate deals in one breath and swap stories about his kids’ soccer games in the next. As a father of five, raising his family in the city he has helped shape, O’Brien’s investment in Boston isn’t just financial—it’s personal.
What’s Next?
While he won’t be entering the political arena this election cycle, O’Brien’s influence on Boston isn’t going anywhere. His projects will continue to redefine neighborhoods, and his civic engagement will ensure that the city remains a place for growth, opportunity, and inclusion.
So, while Boston won’t see “O’Brien for Mayor” signs popping up around town, his impact on the city’s future will be just as significant—one development, one initiative, and one community partnership at a time.
