About Greg
Greg Verga has been Mayor of Gloucester since January 1 of 2022 and won re-election 22 months ago. He and his wife Kellie, a registered nurse, are both lifelong Gloucester residents and products of Gloucester Public Schools. They have three adult children, plus two grandchildren who are now attending Gloucester schools. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Salem State University.
Having lived in Lanesville, Bayview, downtown and West Gloucester, Greg loves what we all love about Gloucester. Every neighborhood has a different look and feel and people are proud of where they live.
As mayor, Verga is a passionate believer in the power of local government to change residents’ lives for the better. Since taking office, he has implemented, championed or supported initiatives that have brought about tangible improvements for Gloucester, including city services, streets and thoroughfares, buildings and institutions and easier access to public information.
The Mayor’s first two terms have produced record investments into Gloucester Public Schools, including major upgrades to school buildings and an expanded vocational program. Gloucester’s beach traffic has been mitigated, veterans were granted free parking and entry-level housing opportunities have expanded in addition to extensive restorations of City parks and greenspace.
With regard to housing, three accomplishments he’s most proud of are investing $1.5 million of ARPA funding into entry-level housing projects across Gloucester, dedicating all of the city’s short-term rental taxes to our Affordable Housing Trust—a total of nearly $340,000 since becoming mayor—and strengthening the city’s collaboration with the Affordable Housing Trust and the Community Preservation Committee to expand inclusive housing access here.
The City has maintained a balanced budget and a AA bond rating throughout this span and instituted 5-year budget projections for smarter fiscal planning. Gloucester has significantly offset municipal electricity usage with renewable energy during the Mayor’s time in office. Via a number of City mechanisms in place, the Verga administration has steered the procurement of almost $9.5 million in funding since the start of FY22 in the form of more than 100 public and private grants, averaging about 25 per year.
Under the Mayor’s leadership and after creating nearly 4,000 touch points of input for city residents, Gloucester has adopted a Comprehensive Plan for growth and investment priorities over the next 10 years—the City’s first such plan since 2001. The City has also developed its first new Municipal Harbor Plan and Designated Port Area Master Plan since 2014.
Mayor Verga has previously served Gloucester for eight years on the School Committee, followed by six years as a member of the City Council.
(Photo credit Joanne Silva)
In addition to his work as an elected official, Mayor Verga has served in numerous appointed municipal positions and has volunteered his time as an engaged participant in a variety of community boards and activities. As a founding member of the Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association and an active member of several other boards, he has long been dedicated to serving Gloucester's youth and improving its education system.
Mayor Verga is a musician, playing guitar and bass. He has co-written songs with his project Paulzon Fire which are available for streaming and has authored a children’s book, “Fresh Eggs,” published by Wiggles Press Books in 2011.
Greg’s Notable Leadership and Community Positions
Elected positions:
Mayor of Gloucester 2022-present
Gloucester City Council 2010-2016
City Council Planning and Development subcommittee
Vice Chair, 2010-2013; Chair, 2013-2016
At-large member, 2014-2016
Represented Ward Five, 2010- 2014
Gloucester School Committee 2002-2010
Vice Chair 2006-2008; Chair 2008-2010
Appointed municipal positions:
Capital Facilities Management Committee
Magnolia Woods Oversight and Advisory Committee
Newell Stadium Building Committee
Harbor Plan Committee
Fisheries Commission
Council on Aging
Other Community Activities:
Gloucester Fishermen Athletic Association (GFAA) Founding Member and first Treasurer
First R Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting reading skills for young children: Past Board Member and Volunteer Reader
West Parish School Building Committee,1999-2000
West Parish School Site Based Management Team, 2000-2002
Paid for by the Verga Committee