Two Years of the Nicholson Administration

Dear Reader,

As we close off 2023, the Nicholson administration would like to share a year in review and highlight 24 noteworthy accomplishments in seven key areas.

In 2023, we took bold steps together and achieved significant accomplishments and milestones, as well as meeting several of our goals for the year. From the beginning, I have been committed to providing forward-thinking leadership and inclusive growth for all Lynners. In working towards these goals, we set a path for advancing equitable solutions and community sustainability for the City.

We faced difficult moments in 2023 as well, and we continue to believe that coming together in the hard moments and marking our successes is important to the overall health of our community.

This progress would not be possible without our amazing team in the Mayor’s Office and throughout City Departments, our close collaboration with the City Council, School Committee, state and federal delegation, and our partnership with community leaders.

It is an honor to serve as your Mayor and I am excited to enter 2024 with an ambitious agenda to continue to drive the City forward. All that we have accomplished would not have been possible without the support of our community. Thank you to all who helped make our progress possible!

Here's some of our accomplishments

Economic Development

Approved South Harbor project for 850 units, with 10 percent affordable, 26,000 square feet of commercial space, 8-acre public park, and anticipated $120 million in tax revenue over 30 years.

Supported opening of private shared commercial kitchen with 8,000 square feet of community kitchen space and equipment.

Launched innovative partnership with Mass Hire to offer Lynn residents the opportunity to obtain a commercial driver’s license for free, with 11 residents participating.

Added adult education at Lynn Tech in automotive and welding (10 slots each) through state Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grant.

Housing

Through new Affordable Housing Trust Fund granted $2 million to three different projects, including one to create 30 new units by Preservation of Affordable Housing.

Utilized $400,000 in ARPA funding for Eviction Prevention Project, assisting more than 100 tenants.

Education

Set budget for new Pickering Middle School, feasible after $30 million increase in MSBA funding for which City advocated with partners, especially state delegation.

Lynn Public Schools added 90 new pre-K seats.

Lynn Public Schools expanded middle school afterschool engagement programming, including extending Anthony Seaforth’s successful study hall program to middle school and adding more middle school sports teams.

Infrastructure

Approved City’s first ever comprehensive plan, Vision Lynn, which won a regional planning award.

Authorized state-funded extension of Northern Strand Community Path ($11 million) and Broadway safety and traffic improvements ($6 million).

Launched new, more accessible, dynamic, and informative City of Lynn website – lynnma.gov.

Launched two new programs: free textile waste program and curbside compost program. City diverted more than 18,000 pounds of textile waste from trash, and 40 people have signed up for free curbside compost starter kit program.

Made safety improvements at Pleasant Street hub of senior housing with $200,000 in state grants.

Quality of Life

Spearheaded innovative City initiative to canvass neighborhoods affected by violence with Lynn Police, Public Health, City Council and others, visiting more than 200 homes.

Rolled out almost 100 Bigbelly trash receptacles at parks and lots around the City with decorative resident art, and 50 new barrels on City streets.

Announced name for the Lynn Calm Team, City’s new unarmed response team and posted program director position.

Hired a language access coordinator to coordinate interpretation and translation services, and an additional Spanish interpreter in City Hall.

Installed free, lifesaving Narcan boxes at five open locations across the City with opioid settlement funds.

Finances

Paid off $8.1 million in state deficit bonds, successfully retiring state’s financial bailout ($14 million in total).

Earned upgrade for City’s financial rating from Moody’s (A2 to A1).

City's bond rating improved from neutral to a positive outlook.

Transit

MBTA launched successful ferry service with more than 9,000 commuters per month this summer.

MBTA opened new temporary Central Square commuter rail platform nine months ahead of schedule.

Built art installations at seven bus shelters around the City with MBTA and partners.