Meet Kunal Botla

Background & Experience

I am grateful to call historic Lexington my home of over 10 years. Growing up in Lexington, I know firsthand what our community has to offer. I bring new, creative solutions that are grounded in a deep understanding of how Lexington works to problems.

As a designer, I know how architects think, how laws and regulations are interpreted, and how to consider and synthesize the contents of studies, reports, and comprehensive plans that too often end up sitting ignored on shelves in the town archives.

I bring an educational background in architecture, planning, and design grounded in scientific research from sociology and psychology. I have worked with communities across Massachusetts, the City of Oakland, California, and UN member states to develop design solutions to complex and unique challenges, including work in nonprofit operations and public-sector collaboration.

Why I'm Running

I have a stake in Lexington’s future. I am running for Planning Board to build on my commitment of creating a community that can keep its residents, welcome and make space for younger generations, and develop a healthy and vibrant business culture.

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

Achieving these goals should not require radical or heroic changes to our way of life. As a member of the Lexington Planning Board, I will work to temper necessary changes while ensuring the incentives we provide are aligned with our desired outcomes. Keeping things as they are does not equal stability—there is a real cost to the status quo. If home prices and taxes continue to rise, we will drive out neighbors and make it harder for new residents to join our community.

Experience in Town Government

As a member of Town Meeting, and chair and a 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 to pre-pandemic levels.
• 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 up to a 300% increase.
• Led Transportation Advisory Committee requests for developer concessions tied to MBTA multi-family housing projects, with nearly all developers agreeing to those requests.
• Improved bus stops with new signage, benches, and other infrastructure using MBTA and state 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 and contracts with below-inflation cost increases.
• 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.