

Kim Driscoll
Mayor / Salem, MA
Pro-Growth Progressive Idea: Redeveloping a coal power plant site to transform Salem’s waterfront
Kim Driscoll took office as Salem’s 50th Mayor – the first woman to be elected to the position – in 2006. Previous to being Salem’s Mayor, Kim was an elected member of the Salem City Council and served as the Deputy City Manager and Chief Legal Counsel for the City of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Prior to that she was the Community Development Director for the City of Beverly, Massachusetts.
Over her four terms in office Mayor Driscoll has transformed Salem, professionalizing municipal services, closing multi-million dollar budget shortfalls, opening up City government, investing in parks, roads, and public spaces, strengthening the public schools, and more. From one of the first non-discrimination ordinances in Massachusetts and a 100% score on the Municipal Equality Index, to major investments in veterans’ benefits, to the first age-friendly action plan certified in Massachusetts and a new senior center, Salem under Mayor Driscoll has been – first and foremost – about including and welcoming everyone. Kim’s leadership has helped transform the hip and historic Salem into what Boston Magazine called in 2013 one of Massachusetts “Best Places to Live.” In 2017 Kim was elected to her fourth term as Salem’s Mayor and she remains just as optimistic and hopeful about Salem’s future, and just as committed to leading a great city forward.
Kim Driscoll’s Ideas

Problem One of the biggest obstacles in preparing students–especially lower income kids–to contribute as thoughtful young leaders within our community is our antiquated school calendar. Solution Mayor Driscoll is leading a coalition of parents, teachers, and researchers to modernize education by redesigning and extending the school day in her city. […]
Education | Kim Driscoll | Mayor | Salem, MA

Problem Salem’s downtown pedestrian mall was in need of a variety of improvements; it was tired, in need of maintenance and repair, was not pedestrian friendly, and had vacant storefronts. Without improvements, the area lacked a strong sense of community and economic activity was hindered. Solution Mayor Driscoll is leading […]
Jobs and Entrepreneurship, Smart Government | Kim Driscoll | Mayor | Salem, MA

Problem Many low-income individuals who do not speak English as their first language face several challenges from obtaining meaningful full-time positions with stable wages in key industry sectors or to excel in their careers. Solution Mayor Kim Driscoll helped create an occupational skills training program in Salem, Massachusetts aimed at […]
Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Kim Driscoll | Mayor | Salem, MA

Problem For many of our students, attending college, let alone obtaining a degree, feels daunting and out of reach, especially for first generation college goers and non-traditional students. In addition, many students who attend college, often find it difficult to manage school and working part-time and/or have trouble affording the […]
Education | Kim Driscoll | Mayor | Salem, MA
Recent News


Press Release: Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda

NewDEAL Forum Urges Immediate Broadband Access Funding from Congress
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