Mayor Jon Mitchell - Democratic Mayors

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered his State of the City Address, outlining a broad set of priorities across public safety, housing, education, infrastructure, economic development, and the city’s fiscal outlook, while emphasizing a vision to lay the foundation for a thriving city at the center of a vibrant region.

Mayor Mitchell highlighted plans to increase local investment in road reconstruction and paving by 33% and announced a new agreement with Eversource that will shift significant repaving responsibility to the utility company. He also introduced a coordinated early childhood initiative to align schools, workforce programs, and service providers to better support young residents. The Mayor also detailed additional initiatives moving from development to implementation, including the long-anticipated RiverWalk project, expanded substance abuse outreach around the bus terminal, and the launch of a digital dashboard to increase transparency around public works projects.

Mayor Mitchell pointed to progress on stormwater permitting reform, the near completion of lead service line replacements, and continued modernization of the Port of New Bedford to support future industry growth. He also reflected on the city’s recent progress, including major public safety gains, continued declines in crime and fires, new housing development, and significant infrastructure and economic development projects. The Mayor highlighted improvements in New Bedford Public Schools, growth in the marine technology and manufacturing sectors, and the reopening of the Zeiterion Theater.

Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.

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