What To Expect From Medford's Next Mayor

MEDFORD, MA — Veteran city councilor Breanna Lungo-Koehn unseated incumbent mayor Stephanie M. Burke in Tuesday's election, ushering in a new era at City Hall. Lungo-Koehn ran on a platform that emphasized transparency and encouraged more community involvement in local government.

"I strive to invite others in by listening, leading with humility, sharing credit when things go well, and holding myself and my Administration accountable when we suffer a setback," Lungo-Koehn wrote about her leadership style in response to a Patch questionnaire last month. "I would rather share tough news openly than withhold information."

What does that transparency look like in practice? On the same Patch questionnaire, the mayor-elect suggested quarterly neighborhood ward meetings, monthly visits with the City Council and a "charge to all department heads to embrace the need to share our work, embrace 21st century communication and management tools, and listen to ideas for how we get better from all corners of Medford."

Lungo-Koehn outlined the first steps for her upcoming administration in a statement late election night. She intends to form a transition committee, which will have subcommittees on schools; parking and city services; and planning, development and zoning. She will use the subcommittees to gain additional feedback on how to "hit the ground running" in January.

Lungo-Koehn also called for unity and invited Burke's supporters to get involved in the conversation about the future of Medford.

"I know of a lot of households where the two spouses were split; one voted for myself and one for Stephanie," she wrote. "I urge my supporters and everyone who cares about our city to embrace ONE Medford and to think about this result graciously and with respect for one another."

Read Mayor-Elect Breanna Lungo-Koehn's full statement below: