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New Bedford, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in New Bedford: the people who run the city, the boards that shape your neighborhood, the legislators who carry your voice to Boston and Washington, and the data that tells the city’s story. Once the whaling capital of the world, “the city that lit the world” is today the Commonwealth’s South Coast hub and one of the most important fishing ports in the nation.
New Bedford at a Glance
- County: Bristol. The South Coast’s largest city, on Buzzards Bay at the mouth of the Acushnet River.
- Government: Plan A strong mayor. Mayor Jon Mitchell (since 2012) leads the city; an eleven-member City Council makes its laws.
- Schools: New Bedford Public Schools, about 12,400 students across 21 schools, led by Superintendent Andrew O’Leary.
The New Bedford Civics Handbook
A plain language guide to how your city works: who represents you, how decisions get made, and how to make your voice heard. Read it free online.
How New Bedford’s Government Works
New Bedford operates under a “Plan A” strong mayor charter. Voters elect a Mayor as the city’s chief executive and an eleven-member City Council as its legislature, along with a School Committee. The Mayor runs the departments and proposes the budget; the Council adopts ordinances and the budget; and the two branches share power the way the state and federal governments do.
Mayor
The chief executive, elected city-wide to a four-year term. Runs all departments, prepares the budget, makes appointments, and chairs the School Committee.
City Council
The eleven-member legislative body, five at-large and six by ward, sets policy, passes ordinances, and adopts the budget.
School Committee
Seven members set school policy and the district budget. The Mayor chairs the committee, and the public elects the rest.
- Residents elect the Mayor, the eleven councilors, and the School Committee.
- The Mayor runs the city day to day and proposes the budget.
- The Council adopts ordinances, the budget, and the Mayor’s major appointments.
- You take part through public comment, board service, and contacting your ward councilor.
Civic Calendar
- City Council: meets in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 133 William Street; the City Clerk posts each agenda in advance.
- School Committee: meets twice monthly; agendas are posted by the district.
- Municipal elections: odd-numbered years (next November 2027); Mayor, Council, and School Committee seats.
- State and federal elections: even-numbered years. The 2026 primary and general are this fall.
City Government
Community & Data
Local government works best when residents show up. Find your ward councilor, speak at a meeting, or apply to serve on a board.