It’s official: Arrigo named new DCR Commissioner by Gov. Healey

  Weeks of rumors and speculation about where Mayor Brian Arrigo would land when he officially resigns on April 21 came to an end this week when it was announced on Monday that he would be the new Commissioner of the state’s Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).

  “It’s time we think bigger about the role of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in our state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper, who made the announcement. “DCR manages 450,000 acres of land in Massachusetts – from forests to urban oases. We need a Commissioner like Mayor Arrigo who understands the vital role our parks system, tree planting efforts, and conservation work intersect with public health and the climate crisis.”

  Gov. Maura Healey praised Arrigo’s experience transforming Revere’s waterfront and managing public lands. “Policymaking is about more than laws and budgets – it’s about building happy, healthy communities for our residents. Mayor Arrigo understands, as I do, that DCR is central to those efforts,” said Healey. “I know he will work tirelessly so everyone in our state has access to well-maintained green spaces and fun activities for all ages.”

  Arrigo said he was honored to join the Healey-Driscoll administration at this pivotal time for public lands. “I believe DCR lies at the nexus of the climate crisis, economic competitiveness, public health, and equity,” said Arrigo. “Access to well-maintained, healthy outdoor space promotes tourism, builds healthy families, and helps us nurture the next generation of environmentalists. We did this in Revere, and I’m looking forward to stepping up our tree planting efforts, improving park maintenance, and ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can access our beautiful natural resources.”

  Tepper’s announcement also highlighted Arrigo’s accomplishments in Revere, including the development of the master plan – Next Stop Revere – the creation of a 311-constituent service office, a Human Resources Office, a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station. She also noted Arrigo had brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private investment along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue and Suffolk Downs.

  City Council President Patrick Keefe will become Revere’s Acting Mayor for the remaining months of Arrigo’s current term.