City Leadership
The Mayor’s Office
Newton has a strong-mayor government, which means one elected official runs the city day to day. The Mayor proposes the budget, appoints and directs department heads, and carries out the ordinances the City Council passes. Unlike a town manager hired by a board, the Mayor answers directly to the voters who elected the office.
The Mayor
Marc Laredo
Marc Laredo became Newton’s 32nd mayor on January 1, 2026, succeeding Ruthanne Fuller. A lifelong Newton resident and an attorney of four decades, he spent eight years on the School Committee, as vice chair and then chair, then represented Ward 7 as a Councilor-at-Large beginning in 2012. As Mayor he runs the city: he prepares the annual budget, oversees every department, makes appointments, and sets the priorities that decide whether a street gets repaved, a school gets rebuilt, or a park gets funded.
| Role | Mayor (chief executive) |
|---|---|
| In office | Since January 1, 2026 |
| Term | Four years |
| Office | City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459 |
| Phone | 617-796-1000 |
| Website | newtonma.gov |
What the Mayor Does
- Builds the budget. The Mayor proposes how the city spends every dollar. The Council can cut but not add, which makes the Mayor’s draft the starting line for the whole city.
- Runs the departments. Police, fire, public works, schools support, parks, health: department heads serve under the Mayor and carry out city policy.
- Makes appointments. The Mayor names members to most boards and commissions, often subject to Council confirmation.
- Represents Newton. The Mayor speaks for the city to the state, to neighboring towns, and to the people who live here.
Contact & Engage
- City Hall hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Main line: 617-796-1000 · 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, MA 02459.
- Newton 311: report a pothole, a missed pickup, or a broken streetlight online or by phone.
- Watch: City Council and School Committee meetings are broadcast and streamed online.
Sources
Newton government website (newtonma.gov). Verified July 2026.
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