Mayor Catherine Pugh to Baltimore: 'We Are Up for the Challenge' of Revitalization

BALTIMORE, MD — Describing herself as a "servant-leader," Mayor Catherine Pugh was sworn in Tuesday as the 50th mayor of Baltimore City.

"I will be Mayor for all of Baltimore," Pugh said at her inauguration at the War Memorial. "And I will be the greatest cheerleader this city will ever have."

Pugh said parts of Baltimore seemed as though they were not within the same city, noting that the burned-out church in west Baltimore would not still be standing a decade later had it been located on Roland Avenue.

"We will move forward," Pugh said. "We are up for the challenge. I cannot do this without you."

Pugh — who comes to the mayor's office after nearly a decade as a member of the Maryland Senate — had a strong showing from Annapolis at her inauguration. Gov. Larry Hogan, whom she reportedly invited to attend, told the crowd that he believed together they could strengthen the city and state.

"I know firsthand that Mayor Pugh is a fierce advocate for the people of Baltimore City, and I have no doubt that she will work tirelessly to address the problems facing the community and to revitalize this great city," Hogan said. "Maryland is stronger when our state and local leaders agree to put aside partisanship in order to do the right thing for the people we represent. By working together, we truly can change Baltimore and Maryland for the better."

Several celebrations were held in different parts of the city following the inauguration.

Among her first orders of business, Pugh told ABC 2 News that she plans to meet with the city's board of estimates on Wednesday morning.

See pictures and videos from the inauguration by scrolling below or clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Catherine Pugh/Facebook.