Council votes to prevent future inaugurations on Jan. 1, but not unanimously

The City Council voted 11-2 today to seek permission from the state legislature to change the date on which councilors and the mayor are inaugurated following an election from "the first Monday" in January to "the first weekday after the second day in January."

Councilor Brian Worrell (Dorchester) proposed the change after this year's inauguration of councilors fell on Jan. 1, which he argued presented an unfair burden on city employees who had to work on a national holiday, in particular, public-safety officers getting off First Night duty. The measure, if approved by the legislature and signed by the governor, would take effect in January, 2026

Councilors Ed Flynn (South Boston, South End, Chinatown, Downtown) and Erin Murphy (at large) voted against. They did not break into a rendition of Tradition or otherwise explain their opposition.

The proposal needs state approval because the first-Monday requirement, in effect since 1948, is part of the city charter, which is effectively a state law that applies only to the city of Boston.