'Join Us In The Service Of Our Communities,' Michelle Wu Sworn In As Boston's New Mayor

BOSTON (CBS) - Michelle Wu officially became the new Mayor of Boston Tuesday when she was sworn in at City Hall.

Wu was joined by her husband and two young sons as she took the oath of office around 12:30 p.m. to become the first woman and first person of color elected as mayor in Boston's 391-year history.

"The first time I set foot in City Hall I felt invisible," Wu told the audience. "But today, I see what's possible in this building. And I see all the public servants raising us up. Front line workers, first responders, teachers, bus drivers, building inspectors, city workers, I am deeply honored to work alongside you."

"I ask everyone to join us in the service of our communities. Boston, our charge is clear. We need everyone to join us in the work of doing the big and the small, getting City Hall out of City Hall and into our neighborhoods and embracing the possibilities of our city," Wu said.

Governor Charlie Baker, Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Acting Mayor Kim Janey were at City Hall for the historic ceremony.

"I could share with you countless stories of our work together and why I supported you in the race for mayor," Janey said before Wu took office. "I could tell all the ways we've worked together to make this city better. But as I leave office now as mayor, I feel good knowing that you share my love and my passion for Boston. I'm confident you will lead our city with integrity and that you will center equity in all that you do. I know that Boston is in good hands, and I am so proud to call you Madam Mayor."

Wu, 36, plans to hit the ground running as she takes over the city's response to the pandemic from Janey. The new mayor said she's not ready to drop the mask mandate yet.

There are also several other pressing issues, including the soaring costs of housing, the homeless issue at Mass and Cass and finding a new police commissioner. Wu told WBZ-TV affordable transportation is a key to Boston's economic recovery and pointed to the fare-free MBTA 28 bus pilot program as a model for the future.

She told reporters she took the Green Line to City Hall for Tuesday's ceremony, which was just the first part of Wu's inauguration. A full ceremony with public events will be held in January.