Joseph A. Curtatone

Joseph A. Curtatone is an American attorney and politician who served as the mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts for eighteen years, from 2004 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, his tenure was marked by significant urban development, progressive policy initiatives, and a focus on sustainability and public health. Prior to his mayoral service, he served on the Somerville City Council and worked as a practicing attorney. Following his time in office, he has pursued a career in higher education administration and public policy advocacy.

Early life and education

Joseph A. Curtatone was born and raised in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts, a densely populated city within the Boston metropolitan area. He attended local Somerville Public Schools before pursuing higher education at Boston College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, which prepared him for a career in law and public service. His early experiences in the close-knit, working-class communities of Somerville deeply influenced his later political focus on neighborhood development and equity.

Political career

Curtatone's political career began with his election to the Somerville City Council in the late 1990s, where he represented Ward 4. During his time on the council, he focused on issues of local governance, zoning, and community engagement. His work at the municipal level built a foundation for his successful 2003 campaign for mayor, where he succeeded Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay. Before entering elected office, he also served as an assistant district attorney in Middlesex County and worked in private legal practice, experiences that informed his approach to public safety and administrative law.

Mayor of Somerville

Elected in 2003 and inaugurated in January 2004, Curtatone's tenure as mayor transformed Somerville through ambitious urban planning and progressive policies. He championed the Green Line extension into Somerville, a major MBTA project decades in the making. His administration aggressively pursued community development through the SomerVision comprehensive plan, focusing on sustainable growth, affordable housing, and vibrant public spaces like Assembly Row. A strong advocate for public health, he implemented pioneering policies such as a citywide ban on flavored tobacco and early adoption of adult-use cannabis retail. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was noted for early, data-driven public health mandates. He also fostered a culture of innovation through partnerships with Tufts University, MIT, and various technology startups, earning Somerville recognition as a hub for the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.

Post-mayoral career

After choosing not to seek re-election in 2021, Curtatone concluded his mayoral service in January 2022. He subsequently joined Northeastern University as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer of City and Community Engagement, a role focused on leveraging university resources for urban innovation. He also serves as a Senior Advisor for Community Health at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Community Health Improvement. In these positions, he applies his municipal expertise to broader issues of public health, economic development, and higher education's civic role. He remains active in Democratic political circles and is a frequent commentator on issues of urban policy and governance.

Personal life

Joseph A. Curtatone is married to Nancy Curtatone, and the couple has four children. He is a lifelong resident of Somerville, maintaining deep roots in the community he led. An avid runner, he has completed the Boston Marathon multiple times. He is also known for his involvement in local civic and cultural organizations, including support for the Somerville Museum and various youth sports programs. His brother, Steven Curtatone, served as the Town Manager of Arlington, Massachusetts.

Category:1962 births Category:American city mayors Category:Mayors of Somerville, Massachusetts Category:Boston College alumni Category:Suffolk University alumni Category:Living people Category:Democratic Party mayors in Massachusetts