Middlesex County
Malden, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in Malden, a dense, deeply diverse city just north of Boston, governed by an elected mayor and an eleven-member city council.
Malden at a Glance
- County: Middlesex, a compact 5.0-square-mile city about five miles north of downtown Boston, among the most densely populated in the Commonwealth.
- Government: Strong-Mayor (Mayor–Council), Mayor Gary Christenson has served since 2012 and also chairs the School Committee.
- Schools: Malden Public Schools, about 6,072 students across seven schools, including one of the most diverse high schools in Massachusetts.
The Malden Civics Handbook
A pocket guide to how Malden governs itself, the mayor, the council, the schools, and the people who represent you on Beacon Hill and in Washington. Built for residents, students, and anyone who wants to participate.
How Malden’s Government Works
The Mayor
Malden’s elected executive, serving a four-year term. The mayor proposes the budget, appoints department heads, can veto ordinances, and chairs the School Committee.
City Council
The eleven-member legislative branch, eight ward councillors and three at-large. It sets policy, adopts ordinances, and approves the budget and the mayor’s appointments.
School Committee
Nine members, the mayor as chair plus one elected from each ward, overseeing the Malden Public Schools.
- The mayor proposes a budget or an ordinance to the City Council.
- The council reviews it in committee, holds public hearings, and votes.
- The mayor signs it into effect, or vetoes it, which the council can override.
- Residents weigh in at weekly Tuesday meetings, by contacting their councillors, and at the ballot box in odd-year municipal elections.
Civic Calendar
- City Council: meets every Tuesday at the Herbert Jackson Council Chamber, 215 Pleasant Street.
- School Committee: meets the first or second Monday of the month, September through June.
- Budget: the council works through adoption of the city budget by June 30, then recesses for the summer.
- Elections: municipal offices (mayor, council, school committee) are decided in odd-numbered years.
City Government
- Mayor’s OfficeThe elected executive and the administration of the city.
- City CouncilYour eight ward and three at-large councillors.
- School CommitteeThe superintendent and the elected committee.
- DepartmentsWho to call for city services.
- Boards & CommissionsVolunteer bodies that shape city decisions.
- LegislatorsYour voices on Beacon Hill and in Congress.
Community & Data
Local government works best when residents show up. Find your councillors, attend a Tuesday meeting, or testify at a public hearing.