Hello Everett,

It has been an exciting and productive first month serving as your mayor. From day one, my administration has been focused on listening, taking action and finding new ways to better serve our community.

I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the recent snowstorm. While the storm presented challenges for all of us, Everett residents once again showed resilience and understanding as we worked together to keep our city safe and moving.

To stay informed during future weather events and other time-sensitive situations, I encourage you to sign up for our new City Alert system, which delivers important updates like snow emergencies, parking bans and closures by phone, text and email. More information and the sign-up link can be found in this newsletter.

Last month also marked an historic moment for Everett. We proudly celebrated the promotion of Lieutenant Heather Dupont, the first woman to hold that rank in the Everett Police Department’s 156-year history, and Sergeant Eric Williamson, the first Black officer to serve in that role. We also congratulated Captain Neil Burke on his promotion. These officers are highly deserving, and their leadership reflects our shared belief that our police department should mirror the community it serves. I am grateful to Chief Strong for his partnership and continued commitment to progress.

As we look ahead to February, we proudly recognize Black History Month. Everett is fortunate to have been shaped by the contributions, leadership and resilience of so many Black residents, past and present, and we remain committed to building a city where opportunity and equity continue to grow for everyone.

If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our 311 team or contact my office directly. We are here to help.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

Mayor Van Campen, City Councilors and School Committee members take oath of office

It was a historic and joyful inauguration for the City of Everett.

We proudly swore in Mayor Robert Van Campen, marking a new chapter for our city after more than a decade of prior leadership. We were honored to be joined by Governor Maura Healey and Representative Ayanna Pressley, whose remarks helped set the tone for a night focused on progress and community.

The ceremony opened and closed with powerful reflections from our faith leaders, including the invocation by Father James Barry, inspirational remarks from Reverend Dr. Myrlande DesRosiers, and the benediction by Bishop Robert G. Brown of Zion Church Ministries.

We also celebrated a milestone in representation. For the first time in Everett’s history, both the School Committee and School Council are now majority women.

The evening included a special surprise as John F. Hanlon was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of service to Everett as former Alderman, City Clerk, Mayor, and City Councilor.

Thank you to our distinguished guests, including State Senator Sal DiDomenico, State Representative Joseph McGonagle, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Middlesex County Clerk of Courts Michael Sullivan, EPS Superintendent William Hart and Assistant Superintendents Dr. Margaret Adams, Dennis Lynch, and Christopher Barrett, along with many local leaders, staff, and community members who joined us.

As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to the work ahead and the continued growth of our community.

Community gathers at the Connolly Center to celebrate new and returning elected officials

On Saturday, Jan. 10, the City of Everett hosted its Inaugural Ball at the Connolly Center, bringing residents together to celebrate the City’s newly elected leadership and the start of a new chapter for Everett.

City Clerk Sergio Cornelio presided over the ceremony, formally introducing newly elected and returning City Councilors and School Committee members, along with Everett’s new Mayor Robert Van Campen, First Lady Lisa Van Campen, and their children, Lily and John. During the ceremony, Cornelio highlighted a historic milestone: for the first time in Everett’s history, both the City Council and School Committee are led by a majority of women.

Following the introductions, Mayor Van Campen addressed attendees, emphasizing that the evening was about unity, collaboration, and moving Everett forward together. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the City Council, School Committee, and residents, underscoring his belief that the people of Everett will help shape the City’s next chapter.

The celebration continued with delicious food, live entertainment, dancing and a lively atmosphere enjoyed by all in attendance. The City of Everett thanks everyone who joined in celebrating this meaningful and historic evening.

Everett promotes first woman lieutenant, first Black sergeant in Everett Police Department history

The City of Everett appointed the first woman lieutenant and the first Black sergeant in the Everett Police Department’s 156-year history!

During the Jan. 12 City Council meeting, Sergeant Heather Dupont was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, making her the first woman to hold that rank in the department and Officer Eric Williamson was promoted to the rank of sergeant, becoming the first Black officer to hold the rank in Everett. Additionally, Lieutenant Neil Burke was promoted to the rank of captain.



These promotions reflect the continued commitment of the City of Everett and EPD to ensure its command staff reflects the diverse community we serve. Please join us in congratulating each of these officers on their highly deserved recognition!

Federal, state, and local leaders unite in Everett to spotlight food insecurity and protect access to essential supports

The City of Everett was honored to welcome Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for the second stop of the #EndHungerNow Tour, hosted at the new Everett location of El Valle De La Sultana.

Following a tour of the store, local leaders and residents participated in a roundtable discussion on food insecurity, SNAP benefits and the real-life impacts of recent and potential food aid cuts. The visit concluded with a press conference emphasizing the urgency of protecting access to food and essential supports.

As Congressman McGovern noted, “We live in the richest country in the history of the world, and nearly 48 million Americans are food insecure.”

Thank you to State Senator Sal DiDomenico, State Representative Joe McGonagle, Mayor Robert Van Campen, City Councilors Stephanie Martins, Katy Rogers, Holly Garcia, and Vivian Nguyen, as well as our community partners for standing together in solidarity with Everett residents.

Honoring decades of dedicated service by two Everett police officers

Mayor Robert Van Campen was honored to join members of the community and the Everett Police Department in celebrating the retirements of Sergeant Paul Durant and Officer Matt Cunningham.

Sergeant Durant concludes an impressive 32-year career with the department, while Officer Cunningham retires after 26 years of dedicated service. Throughout their decades of work, both officers served Everett with professionalism, bravery and an unwavering commitment to public safety.

Their exemplary careers have left a lasting impact on the department and the community they faithfully served. The City of Everett extends its sincere gratitude to Sergeant Durant and Officer Cunningham and wishes them continued success, happiness and well-deserved relaxation in retirement.

Don’t miss important updates! The City of Everett has launched a new system to send timely notifications, including snow emergencies, parking bans and closures, by phone, text and email.



With a snowstorm approaching, this is especially important. If you signed up under the old system, you’ll need to register again to keep receiving City Alerts.

The snow season is here. During any snow parking ban, vehicles must park on the EVEN side of the street for the 2026 season (December 2025–March/April 2026). Streets with one-sided parking should continue to follow their usual rules, and parking on main arteries is always prohibited during a ban.

Residents will be notified of parking bans through robo-calls, ECTV, social media, the city website (cityofeverett.com), blue emergency lights and by calling 3-1-1. Please do not to shovel snow back onto the street or try to save parking spaces. Please help keep fire hydrants clear.

For more information, including a complete list of main artery roads and available parking, please click the button below:

Heads up – Traffic pattern change!

Clarence Street between Dartmouth and Birch streets is now a one-way street until further notice. This will help alleviate traffic due to the snow.

Remember to observe traffic signs and drive with caution when traveling through neighborhoods.

The City of Everett’s departments came together to respond swiftly and effectively during the recent winter storm, ensuring public safety and keeping residents informed throughout the event.

During the storm, the City’s 311 system handled 389 calls and service requests, helping residents report issues and receive timely assistance. At the same time, more than 39,000 residents were reached through the City Alerts system with important updates on parking bans, road conditions, and City operations.

Everett’s Department of Public Works (DPW) led snow removal efforts across the city, deploying 55 trucks and 65 employees who worked day and night to keep streets passable. Crews used approximately 700 tons of salt to improve road safety during and after the storm.

Parking ban enforcement was also critical to ensuring effective plowing operations. During the storm response, 355 parking tickets were issued and 222 vehicles were towed to allow crews to safely clear city streets.

Beyond DPW and Parking Enforcement, multiple departments played vital roles. 311 staff worked through the weekend to answer calls and route requests, while Fire and Police departments handled increased call volumes and assisted with clearing fire hydrants. The Communications team worked to keep residents informed in real time, and ISD, Facilities, and Parking Enforcement staff worked extended hours to ensure city operations continued smoothly.

The City of Everett extends its sincere thanks to all departments and staff for their dedication, teamwork, and tireless efforts in weathering the storm together.

You are protected from having your utilities shut off if you’re facing financial hardship and one of these applies:

• Serious illness in the home.

• You have an infant under 12 months in your home.

• All adults are 65+ with a minor in the home.

• Between Nov. 15 and March 15, the utility is needed to heat your home.

If you qualify and your utilities are shut off, here’s what to do:

1. Contact National Grid directly: Call 1-800-322-3223.

2. If your service is NOT restored after speaking with National Grid, contact the Department of Public Utilities (DPU): Call 617-737-2836.

With the new year comes new parking stickers! Starting Jan. 2, all residents who need a 2026 parking sticker MUST apply as stickers will no longer be automatically mailed (stickers will still be mailed once you apply and are approved).

Good news: they’re FREE if you order yours before March 1. Be sure to apply early!

Everett residents age 65 and older can apply for a free Senior Meter Sticker, giving them complimentary parking at all metered spaces throughout the city.

The program is designed to ease everyday costs for older adults, whether they’re running errands, heading to appointments, or enjoying time around the city. Seniors can apply in person at City Hall or meet with the Parking Clerk at the Connolly Center on Jan. 7 and Jan. 28 at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.) beginning at 11 a.m. for on-site assistance and registration.

In partnership with Housing Families Inc., the City of Everett is hosting free legal services office hours for Everett residents. A range of services are offered, including:

• Assistance with paperwork for court.
• Limited and full representation.
• Advocacy.
• Eviction defense.
• Brief advice.
• Referrals.

Every third Thursday of the month.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Everett City Hall (484 Broadway) Room 25.

No appointment is required and walk-ins are welcome!

Need help with housing or utility bills? The City of Everett and The Neighborhood Developers are here for you! If you're dealing with a tough housing situation or facing a utility shutoff, stop by our weekly office hours. No appointment needed.

We can help if:

✔️ You’ve been told you need to leave your home

✔️ You’ve gotten a utility shutoff notice

✔️ You need to move quickly due to a housing emergency

When: Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Everett City Hall, 484 Broadway — Room 27 (2nd floor, next to Room 25)

Come by and speak with someone who can help connect you to the resources you need.

Say hello to Crown Fried Chicken & Pizza!

The City of Everett was proud to join owners Safi and Bashier Khan for a ribbon cutting celebrating their grand opening. From crispy chicken and pizza to subs, salads, sandwiches, and more, they’re serving up a wide variety of delicious options for the Everett community.

Be sure to stop by and support this local business at 100 Summer Street, call 617-387-1395, or order online at www.crownfriedchickenandpizza.com.

Mayor Robert Van Campen joined community members in welcoming Boot Barn to Everett during the grand opening of its newest location at 8 Mystic View Rd. in the Gateway Shopping Center.

Boot Barn brings a unique Western-inspired shopping experience to the city, offering much more than boots. Shoppers can find a wide selection of hats, jeans, shirts, dresses, workwear and other apparel that captures classic Western style with modern flair.

The celebration marked a first for the Mayor as well, his debut in a cowboy hat, proving that Everett is always ready to try something new while supporting local economic growth.

Boot Barn is now open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The City of Everett is proud to welcome Boot Barn and wishes them continued success in their new home.