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Jared C. Nicholson

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Jared Nicholson
58th Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 4, 2022
Preceded byThomas M. McGee
Personal details
Born (1985-12-03) December 3, 1985 (age 39)
Framingham, Massachusetts
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceLynn, Massachusetts
Alma materPrinceton University
Harvard University
ProfessionAttorney

Jared C. Nicholson (born December 3, 1985) is the 59th Mayor of the City of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Early life and education

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Nicholson was born on December 3, 1985, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Stephen and Lindsay Nicholson.[1] He is a Sudbury, Massachusetts native and attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, graduating in 2004.[2] He went on to graduate from Princeton University summa cum laude in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs in 2008.[3] He earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2014,[3] where he was Executive Director of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.[4] Nicholson is bilingual in English and Spanish.[5]

Career

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Nicholson received the Skadden Fellowship out of Harvard Law School, and designed, launched, and led a new community economic development practice in Lynn, Massachusetts.[3] Here he represented underserved communities in entrepreneurial and small business legal matters.[6] He also helped make recommendations adopted by the Lynn City Council to support economic development in the city.[7] In 2016 he was elected to the Lynn School Committee, serving three two-year terms.[8] During that time, he helped develop a new initiative for students across the district to learn job skills after school,[9] and founded the city's wrestling team.[10] Since 2016, Nicholson, who wrestled at Princeton, has hosted a beach wrestling tournament every summer to support Lynn wrestling.[11] Prior to being elected Mayor, Nicholson worked as a business lawyer for startups at Latham & Watkins[12] and later as a law professor at Northeastern University, where he worked with and researched small businesses.[13] He stopped teaching once elected as Mayor.

Mayor of Lynn

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In 2021 Nicholson was elected mayor of Lynn defeating City Council President Darren Cyr in all 28 precincts of the city.[14] Cyr had a significant fundraising advantage over Nicholson[14] and Paris Alston of GBH reflected that “[s]ome wondered if Nicholson was too new to the city to become its top executive. But voters were persuaded by his ideas around the city’s growth and development being inclusive for all.”[5] The Mayor also serves as the Chairperson of the School Committee of the Lynn Public Schools.[15]

Nicholson has made the cost of housing one of his administration’s top priorities,[16] creating an affordable housing trust fund with the City Council[17] that has funded projects creating hundreds of affordable units.[18] One of Nicholson’s first accomplishments in office was to reform the City’s development process, working with the City Council, to allow for a more coherent and coordinated review by City officials.[19] The streamlined process soon yielded a historic contribution by a developer on a major project to affordable housing.[20] Property tax relief programs for senior citizens were also increased early in Nicholson’s administration.[21] In his first year in office, Nicholson delivered on a campaign commitment to deliver inclusionary zoning, working with the City Council, that has been calibrated to encourage continued growth[22] while also creating affordable housing for Lynn residents.[23] Nicholson’s administration also designed and implemented a program to provide free legal representation to residents being evicted from their homes.[24] Governor Healey appointed Nicholson to her Administration’s statewide Housing Advisory Council.[25]

Another of Nicholson’s top priorities has been the conditions of Lynn’s schools.[2] To alleviate overcrowding, Nicholson is leading a multi-year process to build a new middle school[26] and worked with the state legislative delegation to improve state funding for school projects to make the project feasible.[27] He has also focused expanding access to quality pre-K education, with Lynn Public Schools adding 97 seats for the 2023 school year and another 118 for 2024.[28] The schools also opened the Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy on North Shore Community College’s campus, a pioneering partnership between the Lynn Public Schools and North Shore Community college that gives high school students the opportunity to attend college-level courses at no cost to them while still enrolled in high school.[29] The Nicholson Administration also received approval[30] for the purchase of a headquarters building of a bank that was downsizing to allow for the creation of additional classroom space in school building offices.[31]

Nicholson has pushed to bring good-paying jobs to Lynn and connect Lynn to the region’s innovation economy, achieving an upgrade in MassBIO’s designation of Lynn’s readiness for life sciences growth from bronze to platinum,[32] supporting the vocational school’s launch of a preparatory program for careers in biotechnology,[33] and working with the City Council to rezone key parcels to facilitate job growth.[34] The focus of Nicholson’s administration on jobs has included a major increase in the City’s involvement in workforce development by preparing Lynn residents for good careers, funding Commercial Driver’s License training to fill a City hiring need,[35] expanding access to English classes,[36] and supporting the vocational school’s expansion of adult education in high demand trades.[37]

A focal point for inclusive long-term growth has been Lynn’s waterfront, the subject of an extensive, coordinated planning effort.[38] The City approved what would be the largest private sector development in the City’s history, a $450 million mixed-use development of 850 units, 26,000 square feet of commercial space, and an 8-acre public park.[39] A new 20+ acre public park is scheduled to open on the site of a former landfill in 2025.[40]

Nicholson has made inclusivity a hallmark of his Administration,[2] leading an effort to improve language access to city services for multilingual residents by hiring a team of interpreters.[41] He has announced plans for the City to launch an independent, unarmed crisis response team to address mental health needs and further racial justice.[42] The schools have dramatically increased their mental health support for students through the hiring of social workers and clinicians.[43] Nicholson has also sought to increase the availability and utilization of lifesaving Nalaxone as part of the efforts to combat the opioid crisis[44] as the City has experienced a promising downward trend in opioid overdose deaths.[45] His administration instituted a door-to-door canvassing program for City officials to visit neighborhoods experiencing community violence,[46] launched a mentor connection program,[47] and drastically expanded summer youth jobs.[48]

Nicholson has also focused on improving the City’s infrastructure, including major upgrades to the City’s streets,[49] an overhaul of the parks system,[50] a noticeable escalation in the City’s efforts to combat litter,[51][52] a committed approach to the clean-up of the City’s main beach, King’s Beach,[53] and the establishment of a new senior center,[54] as well as financial stability, attaining a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s from A to A+[55] and paying off ahead of schedule the debt the City had previously issued under state oversight to balance its budget.[56] Nicholson also led the creation of the City’s first comprehensive plan, “Vision Lynn,”[57] which won multiple planning awards.[58] He has worked with the City’s legislative delegation to successfully advocate for the return of the Lynn ferry service[59] and a temporary platform after Lynn’s commuter rail station was closed,[60] as well as future expansion of service[61] and electrification for near-rapid transit service.[62] Nicholson also finalized a conservation restriction for Lynn Woods, a 2,200 acre municipal forest park, permanently guaranteeing its preservation.[63]

In 2024, Nicholson accepted a Municipal Innovation Award on behalf of the City in recognition of its efforts to combat hunger through a collaborative, multi-service food hub.[64]

Personal life

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Nicholson lives in Lynn with his wife, Katherine, and their sons, Henry and Benjamin.[65]

Nicholson has a younger brother.

References

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  1. ^ Valiente, Ciro (May 11, 2015). "Jared Nicholson quiere ser miembro del Comité Escolar de Lynn".
  2. ^ a b c "Lynn's new mayor, Jared Nicholson, vows to oversee 'inclusive growth'". February 27, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "Free legal advice worth a fortune to small business". HLS Clinical and Pro Bono Programs. November 19, 2014.
  4. ^ "Clinic alumni join long line of Harvard Law educated city leaders across the nation". HLS Clinical and Pro Bono Programs. November 8, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Alston, Paris (September 28, 2022). "Meet Lynn's mayor Jared Nicholson, who wants to develop the waterfront and clean up the beaches". GBH. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  6. ^ "New program offers free legal help to low-income entrepreneurs".
  7. ^ Nicholson, Jared (March 16, 2018). "Offering Transactional Legal Aid to Low-income Entrepreneurs". Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality. 6 (1).
  8. ^ Dunnigan, Allysha (May 13, 2021). "Nicholson launches mayoral campaign in Lynn".
  9. ^ Cawley, Gayla (October 30, 2019). "Lynn Tech after-school program seeks to fill need for vocational career training".
  10. ^ Staff, Daily Item (April 29, 2016). "Varsity wrestling to return to Lynn".
  11. ^ Dunnigan, Allysha (August 8, 2021). "Mayoral candidate Nicholson hosts wrestling tournament at Lynn Beach".
  12. ^ Kuehn, Joel (July 1, 2019). "NUSL Welcomes New Faculty – School of Law – Northeastern University -". School of Law – Northeastern University.
  13. ^ Ramjug, Peter (December 2, 2021). "Call this law professor 'Mr. Mayor'". News @ Northeastern.
  14. ^ a b Kuzub, Alena (November 3, 2021). "Nicholson shuts out Cyr in Lynn mayoral election".
  15. ^ "Lynn School Committee". www.lynnschools.org.
  16. ^ Reilly, Adam (August 11, 2022). "Even a $200 rent increase can be catastrophic for Massachusetts' poorest residents". GBH.
  17. ^ Laidler, John (August 2, 2022). "Lynn seeks applicants for Affordable Housing Trust Fund board - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  18. ^ "Lynn investing in affordable housing". Itemlive. January 3, 2024.
  19. ^ Bass, Adam (February 15, 2022). "Developing story at Lynn City Hall: Nicholson changing the planning process". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  20. ^ McKenna, Charlie (June 7, 2022). "Lynnway developer to give city $3M". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  21. ^ Kuzub, Alena (April 15, 2022). "Lynn increases tax abatement for seniors". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  22. ^ Sperance, Cameron (January 28, 2024). "Lynn is Having a Moment". Banker & Tradesman.
  23. ^ Lavery, Tréa (April 11, 2024). "How Lynn is trying to solve housing crisis amidst high costs, low vacancy on North Shore". MassLive.
  24. ^ Halloran, Paul (December 22, 2023). "Lynn spends $400,000 on eviction protection". Itemlive.
  25. ^ Cammalleri, Anthony (January 29, 2024). "Mayor joins state Housing Advisory Council". Itemlive.
  26. ^ Cammalleri, Anthony (April 11, 2023). "Sisson selected for new Pickering site". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  27. ^ Halloran, Paul (October 26, 2023). "Pickering project sees significant price cut". Itemlive.
  28. ^ Halloran, Paul (July 1, 2024). "Lynn provides more pre-K seats for the upcoming school year". Itemlive.
  29. ^ Cammalleri, Anthony (October 18, 2022). "North Shore Community College shows off Early College Program". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Rosenberg, Emily (June 12, 2024). "City Council approves FY25 budget and purchase of Eastern Bank". Itemlive.
  31. ^ Harris, Sophia (May 28, 2024). "Mayor requests hearing on bank purchase in Lynn".
  32. ^ Halloran, Paul (July 17, 2022). "MassBio scores Lynn highly". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  33. ^ Halloran, Paul (July 30, 2024). "Lynn Tech adds biotech program". Itemlive.
  34. ^ McKenna, Charlie; Cammalleri, Anthony (December 5, 2022). "Lynn has a plan for zoning". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  35. ^ "City making it easier to obtain Class B licenses". Itemlive. September 20, 2023.
  36. ^ Rosenberg, Emily (July 26, 2024). "Lynn works to provide more English learning courses".
  37. ^ Rojas, James (July 11, 2024). "Lynn Receives Grant For 2nd Year To Help Adults Learn Skilled Trades". WBZ NewsRadio.
  38. ^ McKenna, Charlie; Jennings, James (November 16, 2023). "Lynn City Council hears plan for South Harbor site". Itemlive.
  39. ^ Carlock, Catherine (December 14, 2023). "A big project is coming to the Lynn waterfront, helped along by a $45 million tax break". Boston Globe.
  40. ^ Farrell, Dominique (June 25, 2024). "Former Lynn landfill to be converted into a waterfront park". GBH.
  41. ^ Laidler, John (January 17, 2023). "Lynn working to break the language barrier - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  42. ^ Pauls, Emily (July 20, 2023). "Lynn focuses on unarmed response initiative". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  43. ^ Barnett, Lana (February 14, 2023). "The Beloved City". Harvard Law School. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  44. ^ Pauls, Emily (May 4, 2023). "Lynn offering Narcan training sessions". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  45. ^ "As opioid deaths decrease, Lynn looks to continue trend". Itemlive. July 30, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  46. ^ McCadden, Brianna (April 30, 2024). "Lynn residents offer opinions during neighborhood canvassing event". Itemlive.
  47. ^ Desphande, Vishakha; Cammalleri, Anthony (January 21, 2024). "Mayor's office to host Mentorship Spotlight & Recruitment event in Lynn". Itemlive.
  48. ^ Short, Sidnee (July 14, 2024). "Lynn summer youth program employs 400". Itemlive.
  49. ^ "MassDOT Officially Breaks Ground On Northern Strand Extension Through Downtown Lynn". StreetsBlog Mass. July 16, 2024.
  50. ^ Laidler, John (July 25, 2022). "Lynn to spend $35 million in rescue funds on three dozen projects - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  51. ^ Cammalleri, Anthony (August 23, 2022). "Cleaning up Lynn a priority for Nicholson". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  52. ^ Pauls, Emily (July 24, 2023). "Lynn adds new trash barrels to city parks for a cleaner city". Itemlive.
  53. ^ Halloran, Paul (July 19, 2024). "King's Beach cleanup goes high tech". Itemlive.
  54. ^ Kuzub, Alena (May 19, 2022). "New Lynn Senior Center, a place for the young at heart". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  55. ^ Bass, Adam (March 27, 2022). "City sells bonds to fund projects". Itemlive. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  56. ^ Bartlett, James (September 11, 2023). "Lynn removed from state oversight after paying off debt". Itemlive.
  57. ^ Vennochi, Joan (June 26, 2023). "Lynn is trying to reinvent itself. Will inertia at the MBTA derail its plan? - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  58. ^ "Vision Lynn earns award for planning and design". Itemlive. March 19, 2024.
  59. ^ Pauls, Emily (June 13, 2023). "Lynn/Boston commuter ferry to start on June 26". Itemlive.
  60. ^ Kool, Daniel (December 18, 2023). "Temporary commuter rail platform to open in Lynn, thanks to the Big Dig". Boston Globe.
  61. ^ Short, Sidnee (April 5, 2024). "A $500,000 celebration in Lynn". Itemlive.
  62. ^ Mintz, Sam (November 29, 2022). "Could the New Governor Breathe New Life Into the T's Regional Rail Plans?". StreetsBlog Mass.
  63. ^ Stoico, Nick (January 8, 2024). "Officials announce land conservation for Lynn Woods, protecting more than 2,000 acres of forestland". Boston Globe.
  64. ^ Cammalleri, Anthony (January 19, 2024). "Lynn is in the top three in the Mass. Municipal Association Innovation Award competition". Itemlive.
  65. ^ Yarin, Sophie (February 15, 2022). "A day in the life of a new mayor in Lynn".
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