Mayor Jake Wilson giving his inaugural address on stage at Somerville High School
On January 3, the Somerville community gathered together for the 2026 inauguration ceremonies. Mayor Jake Wilson was sworn into office along with newly-elected and returning members of the City Council and School Committee. The ceremony included greetings from Governor Maura Healey and Interim Secretary of Transportation/MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng in addition to spoken word and musical performances by Somerville youth, City staff, and School of Honk.
In his inaugural address, Mayor Jake Wilson pledged visible improvements and a transparent approach the public can follow.
Wilson’s second major theme was keeping Somerville livable from the environment to an inclusive local economy to a housing plan that’s a map, not a mantra. He previewed priority steps he will take, including adding homes near transit and growth corridors, enabling a wider mix of housing types, expanding nonprofit partnerships to deepen affordability, and strengthening tenant protections so workers and families can stay. Wilson linked affordability to small-business stability and the creative economy, promising to treat affordable commercial and artist space with the same urgency as housing. Read or watch and listen to the Mayor’s full speech.
City Council President Lance Davis and School Committee Chair Dr. Emily Ackman also emphasized a commitment to progress and collaboration.
Learn more about the 2026 inauguration ceremonies.
Photo by Devon Moos Photography