Kunal’s key priorities of forward looking town-wide planning, increasing the commercial tax base, and environmental conservation will be an important addition to the Planning Board.

Kunal’s educational and professional background in planning and design on multiple scales will assist the Planning Board to focus on town-wide planning and development opportunities in addition to improving the Board’s site-specific zoning and project development review capabilities that consume much of the Board’s time and energy.

Kunal brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the important roles and responsibilities of the Lexington Planning Board.

Fred Merrill, Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners
Principal Planner, Permanent Building Committee member, former Planning Board chair/member & Town Meeting Member

Kunal Botla has an extraordinary maturity of character and a sharp intellect that’s always been focused on realistic and creative solutions to difficult problems, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and public transportation.

He’s an excellent listener, tolerant of all points of view, and so energetic that he can readily manage all of the Planning Board’s responsibilities. He accumulates new experiences in his chosen field when and wherever possible, and he’s a very quick study. Kunal will bring a fresh perspective to the Planning Board, one much needed in this time of transition for our town. I support him wholeheartedly and hope that other voters will do the same!

Rita Goldberg
Town Meeting Member (Precinct 2) & member of Cary Lecture Committee

When it comes to housing in Lexington, older people like me have a lot in common with younger people like Kunal Botla. We both want opportunities to live in smaller homes we can afford—so we can stay in or join this wonderful community.

Kunal is dedicated to diversity of housing types, policies that will increase the town’s affordability, and environmentally responsible development. He has an unusually long resume of experience devoted to town issues, and will bring fresh perspectives to the design of our neighborhoods. I believe that Kunal will serve us well on the Planning Board.

Sophia Ho

Kunal’s thoughtful approach to planning and commitment to equitable, inclusive growth have already made a meaningful impact in our community. Representing the next-generation wave of leadership, he brings fresh ideas and energy. As Chair of the Transportation Committee, he has delivered practical, sustainable solutions—like the $20/year Lexpress pass for students and residents—making him a leader we can trust to continue developing innovative solutions that help our Lexington community thrive.

Kunal is dedicated to diversity of housing types, policies that will increase the town’s affordability, and environmentally responsible development. He has an unusually long resume of experience devoted to town issues, and will bring fresh perspectives to the design of our neighborhoods. I believe that Kunal will serve us well on the Planning Board.

Catherine Yan

Kunal would bring a fresh perspective and great energy to the Planning Board as a young resident of Lexington committed to a vibrant future. Through his roles as Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee and as a Town Meeting Member he has demonstrated his willingness to put in the time and hard work needed for these public roles and his ability to bridge diverse perspectives in finding resolutions to complex issues.

Kunal also brings professional training in urban planning and architecture from a strong academic program that would inform his work on the Planning Board, and that makes him ideally suited for this role. The Board has the difficult job of balancing multiple goals for the Town—preserving the Town's strengths while also addressing the need for more sustainable and equitable development to support a vibrant future. Kunal would excel at balancing these goals and finding effective resolutions to the issues that come before the Board.

Dr. Chris Herbert
Managing Director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies & Lecturer in Urban Planning and Design

I am proud to endorse Kunal Botla for the Lexington Planning Board.

In my professional work, I see firsthand how communities across Greater Boston are grappling with a housing crisis that demands thoughtful, courageous local leadership. Lexington has never been immune to this challenge. We need Planning Board members who understand that sustainable, livable towns require a diversity of housing types — not just large single-family homes at one end, and deed-restricted affordable units at the other, but the full spectrum in between: the duplexes, townhomes, and small multifamily buildings that make up the 'missing middle.'

Kunal's enthusiasm for expanding housing options in Lexington — both market-rate and affordable — reflects an understanding of what good planning actually looks like. A well-designed, mixed-income neighborhood isn't just an equity issue; it's a design and community resilience issue. It's how we ensure that teachers, nurses, young families, and longtime residents can afford to stay in the town we all love.

I trust Kunal to bring that vision to the Planning Board and to advocate for the kind of thoughtful, inclusive growth Lexington needs.

Henry Lyon
Pierce Lockwood Neighborhood Conservation District, Sr. Associate at Machado Silvetti Architecture & Urban Design, Boston SMPS

I want to echo so many others and voice my support for Kunal for Planning Board. In addition to his top tier technical credentials, Kunal has demonstrated an ability to listen to differing viewpoints, balance competing community needs and reach thoughtful decisions. As a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee, he successfully advocated for the $20 Limitless Lexpress Pass, to name one of several smart initiatives.

As the lead speaker at Lexington’s July 2025 No Kings Rally, Kunal acknowledged the importance of standing up and speaking out for community values. When Kunal wins a seat on our Planning Board, he will use his voice to make informed decisions about complex zoning matters before the Board. With his collaborative approach, his knowledge and experience, Kunal is the voice we need in Lexington in 2026.

Carol Marine

This is an intelligent young man who can bring a high level of sanity to planning for the future of the Lexington community.

Sol Gittleman
Former Provost of Tufts University

I have been impressed by Kunal’s civic engagement, thoughtful approach and fresh spirit to town policies! Kudos to him for stepping up to run for Planning board and being an engaged Lexington Town meeting member. It is an inspiration for younger people to get more engaged in our Town!

Kavitha Venkatesan
Member, Sustainable Lexington Committee; LHS PTO; LexCAN Board of directors

Kunal is a well-informed man who will bring energy, knowledge, and an open mind to the Planning Board.

Tom Díaz
Town Meeting Member Precinct 8, former School Committee member

Having served alongside Kunal as a Town Meeting Member, I have seen firsthand his commitment and thoughtful approach to local governance. I also know him though my several meaningful conversations on a host of issues. Kunal is uniquely qualified as the only candidate with professional training in architecture and urban planning. He has the technical expertise necessary to navigate our zoning bylaws and long-term planning needs.

I value Kunal’s vision and his ability to apply his professional skills to our town's challenges. Please join me in voting for Kunal Botla for Planning Board.

Syed Ali Rizvi
Town Meeting Member

Electing Kunal Botla would bring a fresh, educated perspective and the forward-thinking vision necessary on our Planning Board. As a voice for the next generation, Kunal is dedicated to ensuring Lexington's future is sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive for all residents.

Bobak Moshiri
Lexington resident and member of Greenways Corridor Committee

I am proud to support Kunal Botla for the Planning Board. Kunal brings a thoughtful, community-focused approach and a strong commitment to smart, sustainable growth that reflects Lexington’s values. His collaborative mindset and careful attention to long-term impacts make him an excellent choice for this important role.

Sudhir Ranjan
Town Meeting Member

I strongly support Kunal for Planning Board. His devotion to civic engagement from a young age speaks volumes about his character and commitment to public service. Kunal brings both fresh perspective and deep respect for the community he serves.

Ting Fang
Town Meeting Member

I have known Kunal and his family over a decade, he is gentle and firm in his convictions. He is the best candidate where conviction and credentials meet to be a Lexington Planning Board member.

Joel Godwin

I trust Kunal to bring fresh perspective and foster a culture of inclusion through collaboration and mutual respect. With his educational background in Architecture, as well as his involvement as a Town Meeting Member of Lexington, Kunal is already well positioned to do great things for this diverse community, without any inhibitions and bias.

Abirami Thesayi