Meet Kunal Botla

Background & Experience

I have been grateful to call historic Lexington my home for over 10 years. Growing up in this town, I know firsthand what this community has to offer. I bring new, creative solutions to problems, grounded in a deep understanding of how Lexington works.

As a designer, I know how architects think, how laws and regulations are interpreted, and how to critically evaluate the findings of reports that too often end up sitting on shelves in the town archives. I bring both technical understanding and practical problem-solving to public service.

Why I’m Running

I have a stake in Lexington’s future. I am running for Planning Board to help create a community that can keep its residents, welcome younger generations, and develop a healthy business culture that supports a vibrant town.

If the cost of Lexington homes and taxes continue to rise unchecked, we will risk losing the diversity, vitality, and sense of community that make Lexington what it is today.

Experience in Town Government

As a member of Town Meeting and a chair and member of the Transportation Advisory Committee, I have worked to turn policy into real, measurable improvements for Lexington residents.

• Brought the $20 Lexpress pass to the Select Board, leading to the highest ridership and revenue in the program’s history.
• Passed a resolution with 99% support at Town Meeting urging the MBTA to increase bus service. In August 2025, Lexington saw expanded MBTA service, including Sunday service for the first time since the 1970s and the highest service levels since the pandemic.
• Led Transportation Advisory Committee requests for developer concessions tied to MBTA multi-family housing projects, with most developers agreeing to those requests.
• Improved bus stops with new signage, benches, and other infrastructure using MBTA funding.
• Brought forward an amendment, with the support of the Center Committee, to keep housing in Lexington Center.
• Worked to update Lexpress routes to better serve residents and optimize service.
• Supported the rollout of Lexington’s new Lexpress buses.
• Worked with the Ad-Hoc Transportation Committee to holistically evaluate Lexington’s transportation options.
• Contributed to the design of the in-progress Bedford Street / Hartwell Avenue transportation infrastructure project.

This list is not exhaustive. I have been involved in countless forums, events, studies, and programs supporting Lexington and neighboring communities as they make thoughtful changes to zoning and transportation systems—always tailored to their specific needs.