Newton honored its late former mayor as the Setti D. Warren Plaza was dedicated beside the Austin Street development in Newtonville on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Mayor Marc Laredo, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and members of the Warren family gathered for the 12:30 p.m. ceremony. Setti Warren's daughter, Abigail Warren, ducked under the cloth covering the plaza plaque and unveiled it, as photographed by Fig City News. The unveiling took place during the annual Newtonville Village Day.

Warren died unexpectedly in November 2025. He was 55.

He served as Newton's mayor from 2010 to 2018 and was the first popularly elected African American mayor in Massachusetts history. Before entering local politics, he worked in the White House under President Bill Clinton and on John Kerry's Senate staff and 2004 presidential campaign. He was also an Iraq War veteran and former Naval Intelligence specialist.

Tassy Warren, Setti's wife, spoke at the ceremony, as did Aaron Goldman, a longtime friend and colleague of Warren's. Kerry, who employed Warren early in his career, also addressed the crowd. John Warren, Setti's son, spoke as well. Former City Councilor John Rice joined the family and dignitaries for a group photo beside the new plaque.

The dedication anchored a full day of festivities hosted by the Newtonville Area Council. The event stretched along Walnut Street and the plaza next to Caffè Nero, drawing about 75 vendors, live music, games and rides, according to the Newton Beacon. Newton North High School's performing arts program opened the plaza stage with performances directed by Richard Labedz and Olivia de Geofroy. After the dedication, Laredo cut a ceremonial cake sponsored by Icing on the Cake, with free slices for attendees.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss attended with his children and rode the trackless train. When Warren died in November 2025, Auchincloss told the Boston Herald Warren was "my mayor, my friend, and an exemplar to everyone of public service," adding that Warren's door-to-door campaigning style had inspired his own first run for city council.

Community groups staffed booths throughout the day, including LGBTQ+ Newton and Newton's FIRST Robotics team, the Ligerbots. The Cooper Center for Active Living held a concurrent open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The plaza now carries Warren's name permanently, beside the Austin Street development in Newtonville.