City Leadership
The Somerville Mayor’s Office
The Mayor
Jake Wilson
When a Somerville bus route changes or a building permit clears City Hall, one elected official owns the result. Jake Wilson is the chief executive of Somerville under the city’s strong-mayor charter, which makes him responsible for running the city day to day. He oversees every department, appoints most department heads and board members, and builds the budget the City Council then votes on. Wilson took office in January 2026 after winning the November 2025 election. Because Somerville gives its elected mayor real executive power, the Mayor’s Office is the place to bring a question about any city service.
| Role | Mayor (chief executive) |
|---|---|
| In office | Since January 2026 |
| Office | City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143 |
| Phone | 617-625-6600 ext. 2100 |
| mayor@somervillema.gov | |
| Website | somervillema.gov |
What the Mayor Does
- Runs the departments. Police, fire, public works, health, parks, and the rest all answer to the Mayor, who appoints their leaders.
- Builds the budget. Each year the Mayor proposes how the city will spend its money, then sends the plan to the Council.
- Signs or vetoes. When the Council passes an ordinance, the Mayor can sign it into law or veto it. A two-thirds Council vote can override.
- Sits on the schools. The Mayor sits on the School Committee as an ex-officio member with full voting rights, linking City Hall and the classroom.
The Administration
- Department heads are appointed by the Mayor and carry out policy, from plowing snow to inspecting restaurants.
- The City Council is the check: it must approve the budget and major appointments, and it can override a veto.
- Boards and commissions, most of them appointed by the Mayor, decide questions like zoning, conservation, and licensing.
Contact & Engage
- City Hall: 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. Main line 617-625-6600.
- Mayor’s Office: 617-625-6600 ext. 2100, or email mayor@somervillema.gov.
- Report a problem: potholes, missed trash, and other service requests go through Somerville 311.
- Show up: the Council meets in the Council Chamber on the second and fourth Thursdays, and the public is welcome.
Want to weigh in on a city decision? Learn how to contact your officials so they actually hear you.
MassCivics last checked this page on October 7, 2026.
Sources
- City records: City of Somerville, Office of Mayor Jake Wilson, as of October 2026.
- School district records: Somerville Public Schools, Somerville School Committee, as of August 14, 2026.