Barbara Smith was sworn in as mayor of Norwalk in a public inauguration that brought together federal, state and local officials, community leaders and family. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal administered the oath; the program included an invocation, musical performances and the ceremonial passing of the gavel from outgoing Mayor Harry Rilling.

Smith used her inaugural address to stress collaboration and practical priorities. A lifelong teacher and longtime council president, she said she wanted "a thriving, vibrant, shoreline community that we can all feel a part of," and listed goals including schools and modern infrastructure, housing that meets the needs of seniors and families, safer streets and an "activated waterfront." She told the crowd the administration would "show up every day for all of Norwalk" and asked residents to join in the work.

Dignitaries attending and speaking at the ceremony included U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General William Tong. Himes praised Norwalk's cultural and economic assets and said leaders from both parties were ready to back the new mayor. Bysiewicz thanked veterans and said state leaders expected to be "generous with state funding to Norwalk." Tong described Smith as "firm, warm and welcoming" and highlighted continuity alongside a different background from the outgoing mayor.

The program also included the swearing-in of Richard McQuade as town clerk, administered by Alice McQuaid. McQuade thanked family, outgoing leaders and city staff and pledged to continue ensuring access and transparency in the clerk's office. Earlier in the program, Greg Burnett Jr. led the pledge of allegiance in memory of his father, the late councilman Greg Barrett Sr.

Speakers repeatedly framed the inauguration as both a handoff and a moment of continuity: officials thanked outgoing Mayor Harry Rilling for years of service and said Smith's experience in local government and education offered both fresh perspective and institutional knowledge. Smith noted the moment's symbolism — "For the first time in 50 years, we have a woman mayor" — and said the administration would pursue its agenda through "collaboration, patience and trust."

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Reverend Gilbert Burgess and remarks from the master of ceremonies, who thanked attendees and urged the city to move forward in unity. No formal policy actions or votes took place during the event; the program focused on the ceremonial transfer of authority and public commitments by the new mayor and her supporters.