Michael J. McGlynn

Michael J. McGlynn was the Mayor of Medford, Massachusetts. He began his term as Mayor in 1988. He also served from 1977- 1988 as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing the 37th Middlesex District (Medford/Malden).

McGlynn graduated from Arlington Catholic High School in 1971. He then attended University of Massachusetts Boston where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/ History.

McGlynn is married to Sheila (Halmkin) McGlynn and they have 3 daughters, Kathleen, Jennifer, and Amanda. He is the son of former Medford Mayor & City Councilor John J. McGlynn.

McGlynn made a number of successful contributions as Mayor for the city of Medford in his 28 years in office.

• He championed the successful initiative to rebuild all Public Elementary and Middle Schools in Medford, because the previous schools were all 80 years or older. It cost the State $110,000,000, and was completed in 2003.
• Under a new Capital Improvement Plan he rebuilt all Fire stations, City’s parks and neighborhoods & infrastructure.
• He serves as a member of the Advisory Commission on Local Government appointed by Governor Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift.
• McGlynn Has previously served as President of the Massachusetts Mayors Association and Massachusetts Municipal Association. He is a member of Metropolitan Mayors Commission and United States Conference of Mayors.
• He is a Chairperson of The Mystic Valley Development Commission which is working on a project called Rivers Edge. Rivers Edge is a Program focusing on mixed-use development of residential, office and open space areas.
• The city of Medford has been selected a “Tree City USA” since 1999 under his leadership.
• In 2004, McGlynn Co-chaired a Caroling Festival called "Medford’s Jingle Bell Committee’s Caroling Festival" which led to Medford being placed in the Guinness Book Of World Records for the largest group of carol singers.
• In 2013 he was elected to his 13th term and is the longest active serving mayor in Massachusetts, making him the "Dean of Mass Mayors".
• He had been the only Mayor elected since Medford changed to a Plan A form of government.
• He is currently the chairman of the National League of Cities Advisory Council.