Boston is a city in transition. Despite the economic successes of the last few decades and an influx of new residents, disparities remain.

Whoever is elected to replace Mayor Martin J. Walsh, who is leaving the post to become Secretary of Labor for the Biden administration, will face daunting challenges. 

The Globe asked some of the city’s activists, leaders, and experts in their fields (who are not running for mayor) how they would want the next leader of the city to address the coming challenges. Here are some of their answers: