Joseph Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville, MA, has implemented a wide range of reforms and new programs that have earned the city many distinctions by regional and national organizations, including “the best-run city in Massachusetts” (The Boston Globe), one of the "100 Best Communities for Youth" in the nation (America's Promise Alliance), three "All-America City Awards" (the National Civic League), and the designation as one of the 15 most influential cities in the U.S (Boston University study).
Curtatone earned his bachelor's from Boston College, a J.D. from New England School of Law,
and a Mid-Career Masters in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Currently serving a record 8th term, Curtatone is the longest-serving Mayor in the City’s history.
Prior to his election to the office, he served as one of Somerville’s four Councilors at Large.
After inheriting a government in fiscal crisis, Mayor Curtatone stabilized city finances while
expanding services and earning the City its highest bond ratings ever. Under his leadership, the
Somerville Public Schools have seen extraordinary growth in test scores, the transformational
and Smart Growth development of the Assembly Square neighborhood has become one of the
most exciting mixed-use projects on the east coast, and forward-looking investments in the
city’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has earned the City status as one of the most
walkable and bikeable cities in the nation.
His key early initiatives included comprehensive reform of the Somerville Police and a citywide
commitment to data-driven performance management. In 2006, Somerville also became the first
city in America to offer both a 311 constituent service center and Connect CTY mass notification
technology. His administration has earned national recognition for its “Shape Up Somerville”
healthy living and child obesity prevention program, which inspired the national “Let’s Move!”
the campaign. Also the City’s “Happiness Survey,” is the first municipal wellbeing survey in the
nation.
A vocal advocate for sustainable transportation, Mayor Curtatone brokered the construction of
the first new MBTA subway stop in a quarter-century and also worked with MassDOT and the
MBTA to save the Green Line Extension project, which will bring 7 more new T stops. Recent
initiatives include an aggressive and multi-pronged plan to increase housing affordability,
regional leadership on Climate Change and the Somerville Climate Forward Plan to achieve
carbon neutrality by 2050, and numerous supports and unwavering advocacy for immigrant
residents. Mayor Curtatone is the Chairperson of the Metropolitan Mayors Association and past
president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association
After inheriting a government in fiscal crisis, Mayor Curtatone stabilized city finances while
expanding services and earning the City its highest bond ratings ever. Under his leadership, the
Somerville Public Schools have seen extraordinary growth in test scores, the transformational
and Smart Growth development of the Assembly Square neighborhood has become one of the
most exciting mixed-use projects on the east coast, and forward-looking investments in the
city’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has earned the City status as one of the most
walkable and bikeable cities in the nation.
His key early initiatives included comprehensive reform of the Somerville Police and a citywide
commitment to data-driven performance management. In 2006, Somerville also became the first
city in America to offer both a 311 constituent service center and Connect CTY mass notification
technology. His administration has earned national recognition for its “Shape Up Somerville”
healthy living and child obesity prevention program, which inspired the national “Let’s Move!”
the campaign. Also the City’s “Happiness Survey,” is the first municipal wellbeing survey in the
nation.
A vocal advocate for sustainable transportation, Mayor Curtatone brokered the construction of
the first new MBTA subway stop in a quarter-century and also worked with MassDOT and the
MBTA to save the Green Line Extension project, which will bring 7 more new T stops. Recent
initiatives include an aggressive and multi-pronged plan to increase housing affordability,
regional leadership on Climate Change and the Somerville Climate Forward Plan to achieve
carbon neutrality by 2050, and numerous supports and unwavering advocacy for immigrant
residents. Mayor Curtatone is the Chairperson of the Metropolitan Mayors Association and past
president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association