An Honor to Serve the City of Everett

To the people of Everett,

As we welcome the new year, I hope you had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with family, friends, and loved ones during the holiday season. This time of year naturally invites reflection, and for me, that reflection is filled with gratitude.

As a proud Italian American and the son of immigrants, I am deeply aware of how fortunate I have been to live the American Dream. That dream was made possible because the people of Everett believed in me and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading this incredible city. For that, I will always be thankful.

I want to take this moment to simply say thank you. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your mayor for the past 18 years and for the opportunity to serve our community for 33 years in total. Serving as your mayor has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.

Over the years, we have shared so many meaningful moments together, like community celebrations, cultural traditions, neighborhood events, and milestones that brought us together as one city. These moments are among my most cherished memories because they reflect the heart of Everett: a community that values inclusion, pride, and togetherness.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. We transformed blighted, contaminated land into Rivergreen Park, creating a vibrant space where families and children can gather and enjoy the outdoors. We welcomed major economic investments, like Encore Boston Harbor, which helped strengthen our tax base and added thousands of new jobs to our community. Every decision, from infrastructure improvements to housing and public safety—was guided by one simple goal: to make Everett a better place to live and work.

While I am proud of what we have achieved, I am just as excited about Everett’s future. I look forward to seeing transformative projects completed in the years ahead, including a pedestrian bridge connecting Everett to Assembly Row, a new commuter rail stop, the expansion of the MBTA Silver Line, and, one day, a new high school for our students that includes vocational and Career and Technical Education programs. I am also hopeful about the continued revitalization of Lower Broadway, including the possibility of a new soccer stadium that would further energize that corridor.

None of this progress would have been possible without dedicated city staff, past and present, who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day. Their commitment to Everett and to the people we serve has been unwavering, and I am forever grateful for their professionalism, passion, and dedication to public service.

As Mayor-Elect Robert Van Campen prepares to take office, I am confident Everett will be in capable hands. We have worked closely to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forward to seeing what he and his team will accomplish. His success is Everett’s success, and I wish him nothing but the best as he begins this next chapter.

Although this is my final message to you as mayor, please know that it is not goodbye. I look forward to remaining active in the community, watching Everett continue to grow, and seeing many of you around our city. I am also excited to spend more time with my family, explore new opportunities, and embrace what comes next.

In Italian culture, one of the ways we say “cheers” is “salute.” So, on behalf of my wife, Stacy, and our children—Carlo, Caroline, and Alex—thank you for everything. It has truly been an honor to serve you.

Salute,

Mayor Carlo DeMaria