State Senator Asks for State Help to Clear Boston Snow

Collins criticizes Mayor Wu's response to recent snowstorm

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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State Senator Nick Collins has formally requested that the state step in to help the City of Boston clear snow, citing a "public safety issue" that has persisted since last week's storm dumped two feet of snow. Collins' appeal is seen as a veiled dig at Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's handling of the snow removal efforts.

Why it matters

Snow removal is a critical public service, and the ability of a city to effectively clear streets and sidewalks after major storms can have significant impacts on public safety, transportation, and the local economy. Collins' request suggests dissatisfaction with Mayor Wu's response, potentially creating political tensions between the state and city governments.

The details

In his formal request, Collins argued that the current snow removal efforts in Boston have not met a "baseline level of safety" for residents and businesses. The senator believes the state should intervene to supplement the city's resources and ensure timely and thorough snow clearing across Boston.

  • Last week's storm dumped two feet of snow in Boston.

The players

Nick Collins

A state senator representing parts of Boston.

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The state will likely evaluate Collins' request and determine if additional resources are needed to supplement Boston's snow removal efforts.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in effectively clearing snow after major storms, as well as the potential for political tensions between state and local governments over the allocation of resources and responsibility for public services.