A new year and a new start for city government in Duluth. Roger Reinert has been sworn in as the city’s 40th mayor. He said it was with great honor and humility that he steps into this role.

Supporters packed the rotunda at City Hall for the short ceremony on Tuesday. The Honorable Judge Dale Harris conducted the swearing in.

“In the history of Duluth, there have been a total now of 40 mayors, but six of those individuals served more than once. Not consecutive terms, but served more than once. So that means in the 167 year history of Duluth, only 34 people have ever done this job,” he said.

Some of those people were acknowledged in the ceremony, including John Fedo, Gary Doty, Don Ness, and Emily Larson, all who were sitting in the front.

Reinert also mentioned the late Herb Bergson, who he called a friend.

As for why City Hall, Reinert said, “This is the place we do the work.”

As for the transition, he’s looking forward to meeting right away with the department directors, to see where the challenges and opportunities are.

He’ll also lay out more of his vision for the future during his first State of the City address, which is planned for around the 100 day mark.

Reinert is a U.S. Navy Commander and veteran who has previously served as a city councilor, state representative and state senator. Reinert defeated two-term mayor Emily Larson in November’s election.