"We Stand Together”: In State of the City Address, Mayor Keefe Highlights Unity and Good Government as Revere’s Path Forward
March 12, 2026
REVERE, MA — Emphasizing the power of unity, Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. delivered his State of the City address on Wednesday evening at the Susan B. Anthony Middle School. Anchored by the theme of “Good Government,” Mayor Keefe highlighted the City’s investments in housing affordability, modernized public safety, economic growth, and education. Reflecting on a national climate often characterized by polarity and unease, Mayor Keefe offered Revere as an example for pragmatic, compassionate, and effective civic leadership.
"When we are divided, we are not looking forward. When we are divided, we are not seeing clearly at all. I often think that it is intentional, creating a divide, and will not fall into the trap. I choose to bring us closer together rather than pull us apart,” Mayor Keefe said. “We are Revere, where the best example of good government marches in step with its people.”
Pointing to major milestones from the past year, Mayor Keefe highlighted the results of Revere's collaborative approach to good government:
Housing & Affordability To keep Revere accessible for longtime residents and the middle class, the City has launched several affordability initiatives:
- First Time Homebuyer Program: Provided $50,000 in downpayment assistance to retain local workforce talent.
- Affordable Development: Broke ground on 19 new affordable condos on Salem Street, and announced the 2026 groundbreaking of a 56-unit development on Ocean Avenue, Revere’s first 100% affordable housing development in over a decade.
- Seniors Home Repairs Program: Providing up to $5,000 in grants for essential repairs and accessibility upgrades, allowing elderly residents to age in place safely.
- Utility Savings: The Revere Power Choice program saved residents over $600,000 in electricity costs in 2025.
Infrastructure & Economic Revitalization: Revere welcomed 68 new businesses and celebrated significant local investments:
- Portico Groundbreaking: A $226 million investment bringing union jobs, housing, and 33,000 square feet of retail space to Suffolk Downs
- Quality of Life Investments: A revitalized, newly headquartered Department of Public Works paved four total miles of roads and sidewalks last year. DPW is currently executing the long-awaited renovation of the iconic McMackin Field, expected to reopen by late summer.
- Small Business Support: Awarded over $120,000 in grants to local businesses to improve technology and curb appeal.
Public Safety Modernization: Mayor Keefe celebrated the historic appointments of Police Chief Maria LaVita, the first woman to hold the title in Suffolk County, and Fire Chief James Cullen, praising their work to modernize both departments:
- Revere Police implemented body-worn camera technology and a new officer wellness program.
- Revere Fire opened the long-awaited Alden A. Mills Point of Pines Fire Station, reactivating Engine 2.
- The City approved the design of a state-of-the-art Regional 911 Call Center at the McKinley School, combining dispatch operations for Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop.
Education & Investment in Revere Youth: Stressing that “education is a sacred priority,” Mayor Keefe provided an exciting update on the City's most ambitious infrastructure project: the new Revere High School at the former Wonderland Dog Track site. Structural steel and concrete foundations are expected by this summer, keeping the project on track to welcome the Class of 2029. The City prioritized workforce development, employing nearly 270 students through the YouthWorks program last year and securing over 400 early college credits for local students.
For more information on the City of Revere’s programs and initiatives, please visit revere.org.
###