Press Release  Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo to Join Healey-Driscoll Administration as Conservation & Recreation Commissioner

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced today the appointment of Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Arrigo will officially resign as Mayor on April 21^st and start in the Healey-Driscoll Administration on April 24^th.  

“Policymaking is about more than laws and budgets – it’s about building happy, healthy communities for our residents. Mayor Arrigo understands, as I do, that DCR is central to those efforts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has extensive experience transforming Revere’s waterfront and managing public lands. I know he will work tirelessly so everyone in our state has access to well-maintained green spaces and fun activities for all ages.” 

“I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow mayor Brian Arrigo on our team,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who worked closely with Mayor Arrigo through the Massachusetts Mayors Association. “As Mayors of Gateway Cities, we saw firsthand how even the smallest greenspace could be transformative for our communities. I know Mayor Arrigo will bring that approach to our administration’s efforts to build healthy, thriving communities.”   

“It’s time we think bigger about the role of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in our state,” said Secretary Tepper. “DCR manages 450,000 acres of land in Massachusetts – from forests to urban oases. We need a Commissioner like Mayor Arrigo who understands the vital role our parks system, tree planting efforts, and conservation work intersect with public health and the climate crisis.” 

“I’m honored to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration at this pivotal time for our public lands,” said Mayor Arrigo. “I believe DCR lies at the nexus of the climate crisis, economic competitiveness, public health, and equity. Access to well-maintained, healthy outdoor space promotes tourism, builds healthy families, and helps us nurture the next generation of environmentalists. We did this in Revere, and I’m looking forward to stepping up our tree planting efforts, improving park maintenance, and ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can access our beautiful natural resources.” 

Brian Arrigo has served as Mayor of Revere since 2016. During his tenure, he implemented reforms and initiatives to professionalize and modernize the city’s government to ensure city services were provided in an equitable and efficient manner. Under his leadership, the City developed its first master plan in over 40 years – Next Stop Revere. Other initiatives achieved during his time in the Mayor’s Office include the creation of a 311-constituent service office and a Human Resources Office, constructing a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station, and ushering in hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private investment along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue, and Suffolk Downs. In 2023 Arrigo was elected President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association. Prior to being elected Mayor, Arrigo was a City Councillor and held various positions with the MBTA, the City of Somerville, the District of Columbia’s City Council, and the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means. A graduate of Suffolk University, Arrigo resides in Revere with his wife Daveen and their two sons Joseph and Jack.  

Statements of Support 

Congresswoman Katherine Clark  

“As a Congresswoman and a proud resident of Revere, I'm thrilled to see Mayor Arrigo at the helm of DCR. I've seen firsthand his thoughtful and bold leadership in addressing the climate crisis and the pressures of urban growth. He understands that access to safe outdoor spaces and recreational activities is central to fostering healthy families and thriving communities. I applaud this appointment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and look forward to working with Mayor Arrigo in his new role.” 

Lynda Tyer, Mayor of Pittsfield 

"With the appointment of Mayor Arrigo to DCR Commissioner, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have again demonstrated their commitment to putting cities and towns at the center of their administration. Although our cities are on opposite ends of the Commonwealth, we've worked closely together toward our common goal of building healthy, sustainable communities in the face of a changing climate. I'm trilled to know we will have someone at DCR who cares deeply about our most vital natural resources and who I know we can count on being present in Pittsfield and Western Massachusetts as a whole." 

Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council 

"Mayor Arrigo has been a great partner to MAPC in preparing coastal communities like Revere to withstand climate impacts and grow in a sustainable way. He understands the challenges that face DCR, and also the enormous community benefit our parks provide to the state. It's an exciting time to have a mayor leading this important agency, and I'm looking forward to continuing our partnership in this new role." 

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