Wu evokes American Revolution as she is sworn in for second term

"Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was sworn in for her second term Monday, taking the stage inside Boston Symphony Hall to tout her administration's accomplishments over the past four years and to lay the groundwork for the next four. On the precipice of the nation's 250th anniversary, Wu delivered an inaugural address steeped in the history of the American Revolution. She framed the city's current work as a continuation of that original fight, casting Boston as a beacon of social connection in an era of isolation and as a bastion of democratic values under a federal government that sullies them."

"Today, the forces we face aren't British troops on the Common or ships in our harbor, but they demand no less ingenuity. Isolation, polarization, and misinformation are fraying our connection to trust, truth, and each other," Wu said. "Core industries are losing workers to competitors overseas, and against this backdrop, the federal government is taking aim at the ways we take care of each other."

"To reinforce the foundations of American democracy, Wu said that her administration will put more resources into getting "the basics" right. City services will become more efficient and responsive, Wu said, and she will focus on building trust in city government through actions like holding "mayor's office hours" events across Boston this year. "We're going to streamline every city permitting process and set the bar for excellence in constituent services," she said. The mayor reiterated her goal of making Boston Public Schools the best public school district in the country. She remains committed to "right-sizing" the district, a process that necessitates a number of school closures."

Michelle Wu began a second mayoral term with an inaugural address at Boston Symphony Hall that tied the city's present work to Revolutionary-era history as the nation nears its 250th anniversary. She portrayed Boston as a counter to isolation, polarization, and misinformation and criticized federal actions that undermine local care. The administration plans to focus resources on delivering "the basics," improving city services, streamlining permitting, and holding mayor's office hours to build trust. Wu reiterated a goal to make Boston Public Schools the nation's best and affirmed commitment to "right-sizing," a plan requiring school closures that has drawn backlash.

Read at Boston.com