Newton Civics OnlineNewton Civics Handbook coverView the Newton Handbook →
HomeMayor’s OfficeCity CouncilSchool CommitteeView the Newton Handbook →
Home›Newton›City Council

City Government

Newton City Council

Newton’s City Council has twenty-four members, which makes it one of the largest city councils in Massachusetts. Eight are Ward Councilors, each elected by the voters of a single ward. The other sixteen are Councilors-at-Large: two are tied to each ward, but every voter in the city helps elect all of them. Members serve two-year terms, and each term they pick one of their own as Council President. For 2026 that is John Oliver of Ward 1.

  • Sets policy and law by adopting ordinances and resolutions.
  • Controls the budget by approving, or cutting, the spending plan the Mayor proposes.
  • Checks the Mayor by voting on appointments, land deals, and major contracts.

Ward Councilors

Each of Newton’s eight wards elects one Ward Councilor, chosen only by the voters who live in that ward. This is the councilor closest to your street.

Ward 1

Maria S. Greenberg

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 2

David Micley

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 3

Julia Malakie

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 4

Randy Block

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 5

Julie Irish

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 6

Martha Bixby

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 7

Lisle Baker

Phone: 617-796-1200
Ward 8

Stephen Farrell

Phone: 617-796-1200

Councilors-at-Large

Newton elects sixteen Councilors-at-Large, two connected to each ward but chosen by the entire city. Council President John Oliver is one of them.

At-Large, Ward 1 · Council President

John Oliver

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 1

Allison Leary

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 2

Susan Albright

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 2

Tarik Lucas

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 3

Andrea Kelley

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 3

Pamela Wright

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 4

Joshua Krintzman

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 4

Cyrus Dahmubed

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 5

Brittany Hume Charm

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 5

Rena Getz

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 6

Lisa Gordon

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 6

Sean Roche

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 7

Brian Golden

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 7

Becky Grossman

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 8

David Kalis

Phone: 617-796-1200
At-Large, Ward 8

Jacob Silber

Phone: 617-796-1200

Individual councilor emails are listed on the city’s City Council directory at newtonma.gov.

Meetings & How to Participate

  • When: the first and third Monday of each month in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue. Summer meetings (July and August) fall on the second Monday.
  • Agendas & minutes: posted in advance through the City Clerk’s office at newtonma.gov.
  • Public comment: residents may speak on matters before the Council. Check the agenda for sign-up details.
  • Watch: meetings are broadcast on NewTV and streamed online.

Sources

Newton City Council (newtonma.gov). Verified July 2026.

What this seat decides

Your Town or City Council

A local ordinance, the city or town budget, or a problem in your own ward or district. The real testimony happens at committee hearings rather than at the full council meeting.

How to write to them

Public hearings and meetings are where residents shape city decisions.

Public Hearings & Civic Engagement

Back to Newton Civics Online