Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Strong, Steady Leadership
As a lifelong Gloucester resident, Mayor Greg Verga took office in January 2022 with a deep-rooted commitment to the city he calls home. With 14 years of prior service on both the School Committee and City Council, Mayor Verga brought a community-first mindset and a focus on getting things done.
Since Day One, his administration has made strategic investments, tackled long-delayed projects, prioritized sustainability and maintained financial responsibility. All of this has been done while fostering transparency in city government.
Highlights
Investing in Infrastructure
Increased the annual road and pothole repair budget by nearly 500 percent
Allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for paving projects citywide
Advanced long-delayed upgrades to the out-of-compliance Wastewater Treatment Plant to secure long-term reliability
Renovated Police Station and Courthouse via a new 30-year lease with the Commonwealth that secures $5.2 million in state revenue
Supporting Education and Workforce Development
Allocated record investments into Gloucester Public Schools budget
Launched a new Medical Assisting track at Gloucester High School, expanding vocational programs in partnership with the Gloucester Education Foundation
Completed major upgrades to city schools with strong support from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Leading on Sustainability
Appointed Gloucester’s first Sustainability Coordinator to oversee the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan
Planted more than 400 trees during the city’s 400th anniversary celebration in partnership with local nonprofits
Entered power-purchase agreement with wind turbine project that generates 50-70% of our municipal power load (electricity equivalent)
Hosted energy savings fairs, launched a Climate Action website and supported student internships focused on environmental stewardship
Adopted a new Floodplain Overlay District to ensure safer, climate-resilient construction
Expanding Housing Opportunities
Invested $1.5 million of ARPA funds into entry-level housing projects across Gloucester
Strengthened collaboration with the Affordable Housing Trust and Community Preservation Committee to expand inclusive housing access
Supporting City Workers and Families
Introduced paid parental leave to recruit and retain top talent
Implemented citywide employee evaluations for greater accountability and performance
Continued to prioritize a supportive and family-friendly workplace culture
Responsible Fiscal Management
Maintained Gloucester’s AA bond rating
Leveraged grants, fundraising and ARPA funds to reduce the burden on taxpayers
Supported the effort to renovate and expand the Sawyer Free Library, a project that was unanimously approved by the City Council
Introduced five-year budget projections for smarter long-term planning (a first in recent city history)
Preserving History and Culture
Restored the historic Legion Building with $1.3 million in ARPA funding
Supported arts and culture initiatives, including the restoration of Tablet Rock and a comprehensive city-owned arts inventory
Spearheaded improvements at Stage Fort Park, including playground upgrades and accessibility enhancements
Enhancing Transparency and Engagement
Led public participation in the city's new 20-year Comprehensive Plan through surveys and community forums involving nearly 4,000 city residents
Filled dozens of empty seats on city boards and commissions with citizen-volunteers
Economic Development
Coordinated the development of the Gloucester Municipal Harbor Plan - a strategic document to support the existing economic base of the harbor front and expand economic development opportunities
Supporting Veterans
Instituted free parking for Veterans
Spearheaded relocation of Gloucester Vietnam War Memorial to Stage Fort Park