Medford Mayoral Transition Team Findings, Recommendations

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford Mayoral Transition Committee released its final report this week, based on research, interviews with city employees and feedback from residents. Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn assembled the 31-person committee to provide guidance and support prior to her inauguration Jan. 5.

The committee consisted of volunteers and included supporters of both mayoral candidates, as well as new and lifelong Medford residents. The general committee focused on crosscutting and general issues, while three subcommittees were formed to focus on schools; planning, growth and development; and parking and city services.

Committees held public listening sessions and convened focus groups on the environment and arts and culture. They also interviewed 22 department heads and conducted a resident survey, which received more than 1,000 responses.

The Transition Committee found that the "widest" consensus among residents was that government needs to change the way it works. It was recommended that the administration articulate a set of "values and a big-picture" for Medford's future.

In order to foster engagement, a commitment to transparency and honest communication is required, according to the committee. The administration should plan for new development, set a strategy for long-term financial strength, set the path for protecting the environment and fostering the arts, set a strategic direction for the schools and plan to advocate for broad regional issues, according to the committee.

Read the full report below: