City Leadership
Mayor’s Office
The Mayor
Paul Coogan
Paul Coogan has served as Mayor of Fall River since January 2020. A lifelong Fall River resident and graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, he spent more than three decades as a teacher in the city’s public schools and previously served on the Fall River School Committee before being elected mayor. He earned degrees from Bristol Community College and Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth). Re-elected most recently in November 2025, Coogan has centered his administration on public safety, education, economic development, and quality of life. Under Fall River’s charter, the Mayor also serves as Chair of the School Committee.
| In office | Since January 2020 |
|---|---|
| Term | Two years (next municipal election November 2027) |
| Phone | 508-324-2600 |
| Address | One Government Center, Room 619, Fall River, MA 02722 |
| mayor@fallriverma.gov | |
| Website | fallriverma.gov |
What the Mayor Does
As the city’s chief executive, the Mayor is responsible for the overall direction and daily operation of city government.
- Runs the city: oversees all department heads and the day-to-day delivery of municipal services.
- Prepares the budget: proposes the annual city budget for the City Council to review and approve.
- Veto power: can veto ordinances passed by the City Council, which the Council may override.
- Appointments: appoints department heads and many members of city boards and commissions.
- Chairs the School Committee: presides over the body that sets policy for Fall River Public Schools.
The Administration
The Mayor’s Office is the front door to city government for residents seeking information or help with a municipal service. It also serves as the city’s liaison to state and federal offices and to community groups.
- Constituent services: responds directly to residents with questions or concerns about city services.
- Intergovernmental work: coordinates with state and federal partners on funding and projects.
- Department heads: the Mayor’s appointees lead the offices that run public safety, public works, finance, and more.
Contact & Engage
- Call: 508-324-2600
- Email: mayor@fallriverma.gov
- Visit: One Government Center, Room 619, Fall River, MA 02722
- Watch: public meetings and announcements are carried on Fall River Educational Television.
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