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Medford City Council
How the Medford City Council voted, from the City Clerk's official minutes. 7 councilors, all elected at large. Elected November 2025. First council meeting: January 6, 2026. Liz Mullane joined the council, succeeding Kit Collins. Council President: Zac Bears (Vice President Emily Lazzaro), elected January 6, 2026. The city has posted records through August 4, 2026. The end date (January 2028) is a placeholder for the next inauguration. Covers 15 meetings so far, January 6 to August 4, 2026.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the City Council do? It is the city’s lawmaking body. It passes local laws (ordinances), votes on the yearly budget, and approves borrowing and zoning changes.
The mayor runs the city day to day and proposes the budget.
Sources: Mass. General Laws c. 44 § 32 (city budgets)Vote Transparency Score
Medford City Council: 6.5 out of 10 · Partly open
How easy Medford makes it to see, online, how each member votes. It scores the city’s records, not any official. Checked October 11, 2026.
- Minutes postedMinutes are posted for every regular meeting more than three months old, but not for the special and joint meetings.Part points: 1/2
- Each vote namedThe minutes name the councilors who vote no or are absent, but most votes do not list how each councilor voted.Part points: 2/3
- Posted quicklyMost minutes go up within about two months.Part points: 1/2
- Past years onlineCity Council minutes going back to 2003 are online.Full points: 1/1
- Readable textThe minutes are text you can search and copy.Full points: 1/1
- Member photosThe city’s website has a group photo of the council with the members named, but no individual photos.Part points: 0.5/1
How the city can raise its score
- Minutes posted (+1): Post approved minutes for every meeting on the city website. Don’t require a sign-in to view them.
- Each vote named (+1): On any vote that isn’t unanimous, write how each member voted. For example: “Motion passed 3–2. Yes: Smith, Jones, Lee. No: Brown, Silva.” A roll call on split votes is the simplest way to do this.
- Posted quickly (+1): Post minutes within 30 days. If approval takes longer, post a draft marked “Draft – not yet approved” and replace it later.
- Member photos (+0.5): Show a photo of each member on the board’s web page, with their name, the date their term ends and how to contact them. A group photo of the members, with everyone named in the caption or on the same page, earns half a point.
How we score · Something wrong, or has the city made a change? Email info@massvoter.com and we’ll re-check.
A monthly email on its votes, starting in November. We'll also tell you if this score changes.
Council sessions
Coming up
MassVoter can’t read Medford’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →
Councilors
PresidentZac BearsPresident · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings
Vice PresidentEmily LazzaroVice President · At-large · at 14 of 15 meetings
Anna CallahanMember · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Matt LemingMember · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Liz MullaneMember · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings
George A. ScarpelliMember · At-large · at 14 of 15 meetings✓ Every meeting 2026
Justin TsengMember · At-large · at 15 of 15 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the roll call at the start of each meeting in this record. Councilors who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Attendance
15 full-board meetings so far this year, through August 4. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears15 of 15 meetings Every meeting100%1Anna Callahan15 of 15 meetings Every meeting100%1Matt Leming15 of 15 meetings Every meeting100%1Liz Mullane15 of 15 meetings Every meeting100%1Justin Tseng15 of 15 meetings Every meeting100%6Emily Lazzaro14 of 15 meetings93%6George A. Scarpelli14 of 15 meetings93%24 full-board meetings in 2025. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Kit Collins24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Emily Lazzaro24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%1Justin Tseng24 of 24 meetings Every meeting100%5Matt Leming23 of 24 meetings96%6Anna Callahan22 of 24 meetings92%7George A. Scarpelli21 of 24 meetings88%25 full-board meetings in 2024. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%1Anna Callahan25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%1Emily Lazzaro25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%1George A. Scarpelli25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%1Justin Tseng25 of 25 meetings Every meeting100%6Kit Collins24 of 25 meetings96%7Matt Leming23 of 25 meetings92%26 full-board meetings in 2023. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1Richard F. Caraviello26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1Nicole Morell26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%1Justin Tseng26 of 26 meetings Every meeting100%5Kit Collins25 of 26 meetings96%6George A. Scarpelli24 of 26 meetings92%7Adam Knight19 of 26 meetings73%35 full-board meetings in 2022. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1Kit Collins35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%3Richard F. Caraviello34 of 35 meetings97%3Adam Knight34 of 35 meetings97%3Nicole Morell34 of 35 meetings97%3George A. Scarpelli34 of 35 meetings97%3Justin Tseng34 of 35 meetings97%45 full-board meetings in 2021. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears45 of 45 meetings Every meeting100%1Richard F. Caraviello45 of 45 meetings Every meeting100%1John C. Falco45 of 45 meetings Every meeting100%1Nicole Morell45 of 45 meetings Every meeting100%5Adam Knight44 of 45 meetings98%5Michael J. Marks44 of 45 meetings98%7George A. Scarpelli39 of 45 meetings87%35 full-board meetings in 2020. Ties share a rank.
1Zac Bears35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1Richard F. Caraviello35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1John C. Falco35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1Adam Knight35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1Michael J. Marks35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%1George A. Scarpelli35 of 35 meetings Every meeting100%7Nicole Morell34 of 35 meetings97%38 full-board meetings in 2019. Ties share a rank.
1John C. Falco38 of 38 meetings Every meeting100%1Adam Knight38 of 38 meetings Every meeting100%1Michael J. Marks38 of 38 meetings Every meeting100%4Richard F. Caraviello37 of 38 meetings97%4Frederick N. Dello Russo37 of 38 meetings97%4Breanna Lungo-Koehn37 of 38 meetings97%7George A. Scarpelli36 of 38 meetings95%38 full-board meetings in 2018. Ties share a rank.
1Adam Knight38 of 38 meetings Every meeting100%2Richard F. Caraviello37 of 38 meetings97%2John C. Falco37 of 38 meetings97%2Breanna Lungo-Koehn37 of 38 meetings97%2Michael J. Marks37 of 38 meetings97%2George A. Scarpelli37 of 38 meetings97%7Frederick N. Dello Russo36 of 38 meetings95%From the official minutes: full-board meetings only (committee meetings are not counted). Members are counted only for meetings held while they served, and arriving late counts as attending. The minutes rarely say why a member was absent.
A monthly email on its votes and who was there, starting in November.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: every full Medford City Council meeting with posted records (the council’s official minutes) from January 2, 2018 through August 4, 2026: 281 meetings (regular meetings and special meetings) and 5,311 votes. Committee of the Whole and other council committee meetings are not loaded; committee reports printed inside the council records are not counted as council votes, and neither are earlier votes the records reprint with a paper. The city’s Municode library has council records back to 2003; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. Not here: regular meetings with no posted records (June 19, September 18 and October 16, 2018; March 10, 2020; March 8, 2022), two 2020 records the library lists but will not open (February 25 and April 28, 2020), special and joint meetings in 2026 with an agenda but no posted minutes (January 21, March 31, April 8, April 14, May 13, May 27, June 3, June 11 and June 24, 2026), and meetings after August 4, 2026 (the September 15 and September 29, 2026 minutes are not posted yet); MassVoter is asking the City Clerk. Two 2018 records were posted with fonts that do not copy as text, and eight records from 2019–2021 were posted as scans (some sideways); MassVoter recovered the text and read them. Medford’s records state most votes as a count, naming any councilor who voted no or was absent (“approved on a roll call vote of six in favor and one opposed (Councilor Scarpelli)”), and the roll call at the top lists who was present. When the count adds up with the roll call, we show each councilor’s vote: those named as voting no or abstaining as recorded, those named as absent left out, and the other councilors present voting yes. When the records name the councilors on one side and give only a number for the other, and the numbers add up, the other councilors present are shown on the other side, with a note. Councilors the records say were out of the room, arrived late or left early are left out of the votes taken while they were out, with a note. When a count does not add up with the roll call, we show the count only, with a note (7 votes). Many votes, mostly before 2021, were recorded only as “passed” or “approved” with no count; those 2,352 votes show the result only and are never assumed unanimous. The records usually say who made and seconded each motion; we show both. Elections of the Council President and Vice President are shown as votes for the person elected. The records spelled the title “Councillor” until 2025 and “Councilor” since. We will ask the city to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where councilors disagreed
Most council votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one councilor voted no or abstained, newest first.
Aug 4Adopt changes 4, 6 and 7 — Paper 25-054:…Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned to Adopt changes 4, 6 and 7 (seconded…Passed 4–3 · No: Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming
August 4, 2026: Adopt changes 4, 6 and 7 — Paper 25-054: Chapter 10, Article VIII - Proposed Vacant Building Ordinance CHAPTER 94 - Sec 94-7.5 is hereby removed. CHAPTER 10
Councilor Tseng motioned to Adopt changes 4, 6 and 7 (seconded by Vice President Lazzaro) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Four in favor, Three opposed (Callahan, Leming and Lazzaro)
Yes: Bears, Mullane, Scarpelli, TsengNo: Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned to Adopt changes 4, 6 and 7 (seconded by Vice President Lazzaro) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Four in favor, Three opposed (Callahan, Leming and Lazzaro).” (Motion: Tseng, second: Lazzaro)
Jul 14Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers — Paper…Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers…Passed 4–3 · No: Bears, Lazzaro, Scarpelli
July 14, 2026: Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers — Paper 26-131: Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers
Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Four in favor, Three opposed (Bears, Lazzaro & Scarpelli)
Yes: Callahan, Leming, Mullane, TsengNo: Bears, Lazzaro, Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Year-End Transfers (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Four in favor, Three opposed (Bears, Lazzaro & Scarpelli).” (Motion: Tseng, second: Callahan)
Jul 14Approve the Order of Layout — Paper 26-125: Main…Motion: Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve the Order of Layout (seconded by…Passed 5–1 · No: Scarpelli
July 14, 2026: Approve the Order of Layout — Paper 26-125: Main Street Corridor - Order to Acquire Easements, Order of Taking and Order of Alteration of Layout
Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve the Order of Layout (seconded by Councilor Tseng) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Five in favor, One opposed (Scarpelli), and One absent (Bears)
Yes: Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming, Mullane, TsengNo: ScarpelliThe records list Zac Bears as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve the Order of Layout (seconded by Councilor Tseng) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Five in favor, One opposed (Scarpelli), and One absent (Bears).” (Motion: Callahan, second: Tseng)
Jul 14Take easements by eminent domain and in turn adopt…Motion: Councilor Callahan motioned to take easements by eminent domain and in…Passed 5–1 · No: Scarpelli
July 14, 2026: Take easements by eminent domain and in turn adopt the order of taking
Councilor Callahan motioned to take easements by eminent domain and in turn adopt the order of taking (seconded by Councilor Tseng) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Five in Favor, One opposed (Scarpelli) and one absent (Bears)
Yes: Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming, Mullane, TsengNo: ScarpelliThe records list Zac Bears as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Callahan motioned to take easements by eminent domain and in turn adopt the order of taking (seconded by Councilor Tseng) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Five in Favor, One opposed (Scarpelli) and one absent (Bears).” (Motion: Callahan, second: Tseng)
Jul 14Approve the Oak Grove Cemetery Conceptual Building Study Appropriation…Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Oak Grove Cemetery Conceptual Building…Passed 6–0 · see note
July 14, 2026: Approve the Oak Grove Cemetery Conceptual Building Study Appropriation — Paper 26-133: Capital and General Stabilization Fund Appropriation Requests 1e
Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Oak Grove Cemetery Conceptual Building Study Appropriation (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Six in favor, One absent (Bears).
Yes: Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming, Mullane, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Zac Bears as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve the Oak Grove Cemetery Conceptual Building Study Appropriation (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Six in favor, One absent (Bears)..” (Motion: Tseng, second: Callahan)
Jun 23Approve — Paper 26-119: Resolution: the Council vote to…Motion: Councilor Scarpelli motioned to Approve (seconded by Tseng) - Motion Failed…Failed 3–4 · see note
June 23, 2026: Approve — Paper 26-119: Resolution: the Council vote to reject the budget submitted by the Mayor and, instead, vote that the mayor submit a "1/12" budget which is a "continuing…
Councilor Scarpelli motioned to Approve (seconded by Tseng) - Motion Failed on a Roll call vote of Three in Favor, Four opposed
The records give the count as 3-4 but do not say who voted no. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Councilor Scarpelli motioned to Approve (seconded by Tseng) - Motion Failed on a Roll call vote of Three in Favor, Four opposed.” (Motion: Scarpelli, second: Tseng)
Jun 23Approve the Budget as reduced — Paper 26-119: Resolution:…Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned Approve the Budget as reduced (seconded by Councilor…Passed 6–1 · No: Scarpelli
June 23, 2026: Approve the Budget as reduced — Paper 26-119: Resolution: the Council vote to reject the budget submitted by the Mayor and, instead, vote that the mayor submit a "1/12" budget…
Councilor Tseng motioned Approve the Budget as reduced (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a roll call vote of Six in Favor, One opposed (Scarpelli)
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Lazzaro, Leming, Mullane, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned Approve the Budget as reduced (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a roll call vote of Six in Favor, One opposed (Scarpelli).” (Motion: Tseng, second: Callahan)
Apr 28Approve — Paper 26-079: Capital Stabilization Fund Appropriation Request…Motion: Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Mullane) - Approved…Passed 6–0 · see note
April 28, 2026: Approve — Paper 26-079: Capital Stabilization Fund Appropriation Request (Missituk and Brooks MSBA Accelerated Repair)
Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Mullane) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Six in favor, Zero opposed (VP Lazzaro Absent)
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Leming, Mullane, Scarpelli, TsengThe records list Emily Lazzaro as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“Councilor Callahan motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Mullane) - Approved on a Roll call vote of Six in favor, Zero opposed (VP Lazzaro Absent).” (Motion: Callahan, second: Mullane)
Apr 7Approve — Paper 26-019: SECTION 50Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned to approve (seconded by Councilor Leming) - Approved…Passed 5–1 · No: Scarpelli
April 7, 2026: Approve — Paper 26-019: SECTION 50
Councilor Tseng motioned to approve (seconded by Councilor Leming) - Approved on a roll call vote of Five in favor, One opposed (Scarpelli), (VP Lazzaro Absent)
Yes: Bears, Callahan, Leming, Mullane, TsengNo: Scarpelli
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned to approve (seconded by Councilor Leming) - Approved on a roll call vote of Five in favor, One opposed (Scarpelli), (VP Lazzaro Absent).” (Motion: Tseng, second: Leming)
Mar 10Approve — Paper 26-053: Offered by Isaac Bears, Council…Motion: Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved…Passed 7–0 · see note
March 10, 2026: Approve — Paper 26-053: Offered by Isaac Bears, Council President
Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Voice vote of Seven in favor, Zero opposed (Scarpelli Absent)
The records give the count as 7-0 (1 absent) and names George A. Scarpelli (absent), which does not add up with the six councillors on the roll call (Zac Bears, Anna Callahan, Emily Lazzaro, Matt Leming, Liz Mullane and Justin Tseng). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Councilor Tseng motioned to Approve (seconded by Councilor Callahan) - Approved on a Voice vote of Seven in favor, Zero opposed (Scarpelli Absent).” (Motion: Tseng, second: Callahan)
From the Medford City Council’s official records (its minutes), posted in the city’s Municode document library (Council Records) and on its CivicClerk meeting portal. We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Medford (medfordma.org), cropped from the captioned 2026 City Council photo on the official City Council page (Gotta Know Media). Justin Tseng: Harvard Law School. Former councilors show initials.
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