Everett Mayor Outlines Priorities From Audits to Schools to Stadium

Robert Van Campen discusses tackling legacy issues, overcrowding, and major development projects since taking office.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:33am

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Nearly three months into his term, Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen is moving quickly on a range of priorities, from addressing financial oversight issues left by his predecessor to tackling school overcrowding and overseeing a proposed new soccer stadium project. Van Campen says he is allowing a state-led audit of the previous mayor's spending to play out, while also meeting with the state Inspector General to discuss transparency and oversight. On education, the mayor is using federal funds to repair the old high school and seeking new classroom space, while the Kraft Group's plans for a Revolution stadium on the Mystic River also remain a key focus.

Why it matters

As a new mayor, Van Campen is tasked with addressing a number of complex legacy issues from the previous administration, while also advancing major development projects that could transform Everett. His ability to navigate these challenges will shape the city's future direction and impact residents' quality of life.

The details

The state-led audit of former mayor Carlo DeMaria found $180,000 in overpayments, which DeMaria disputes. Van Campen says he is allowing the state process to play out before deciding on next steps. The mayor has also met with the state Inspector General to discuss transparency and oversight to prevent such issues in the future. On education, Van Campen is using federal ARPA funds to repair the old Everett High School, which was built for 1,650 students but now houses around 2,200. The mayor is seeking out new classroom spaces to alleviate overcrowding, though he wants to ensure any quick solutions are done properly. Van Campen also discussed the proposed Revolution soccer stadium project on the Mystic River, saying it is a 'transformative' plan but that transit, pedestrian access, and other issues must be 'addressed to perfection' for it to succeed.

  • Van Campen assumed office as mayor of Everett in early 2026.
  • The state-led audit of former mayor Carlo DeMaria's spending was completed in early 2026.
  • Van Campen recently met with Massachusetts Inspector General Jeff Shapiro.

The players

Robert Van Campen

The current mayor of Everett, Massachusetts, who took office in early 2026 after defeating 18-year incumbent Carlo DeMaria.

Carlo DeMaria

The former 18-year mayor of Everett, whose spending was audited by the state, resulting in a finding of $180,000 in overpayments that he disputes.

Jeff Shapiro

The Massachusetts Inspector General who visited Van Campen at City Hall to discuss transparency and oversight in government.

The Kraft Group

The company behind the New England Revolution soccer team that is proposing to build a new stadium on the Mystic River in Everett.

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What they’re saying

“What I've conveyed to my partners in government here, locally, is to allow that state process to play itself out, and then we, as a community, will make a decision.”

— Robert Van Campen, Mayor of Everett

“We had a great conversation about transparency in government, best practices, putting in the right systems to ensure that that type of financial oversight doesn't happen in the future.”

— Robert Van Campen, Mayor of Everett

“Would I like to build out new classroom space for the students of Everett in the next one to two years? Yes, that's my ideal. But I want to make sure that if we do it on a quick timeline, it's done in a correct and proper fashion.”

— Robert Van Campen, Mayor of Everett

“It's a transformative project, it's a breathtaking project. But I've been clear with all the stakeholders around that project, and the other larger developments going on down there, that we have to make sure that transit issues are comprehensively addressed, that pedestrian access issues are comprehensively addressed, that all those issues have to be addressed to perfection in order for these projects to succeed.”

— Robert Van Campen, Mayor of Everett

What’s next

The state-led audit of former mayor Carlo DeMaria's spending will continue, with the city of Everett monitoring the process. Van Campen also plans to meet with more stakeholders on the proposed Revolution soccer stadium project to ensure transit and access issues are fully addressed.

The takeaway

As a new mayor, Robert Van Campen is moving quickly to tackle a range of complex issues left over from the previous administration, from financial oversight to school overcrowding to major development projects. His ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining transparency and community engagement will be crucial in shaping Everett's future direction.