I brought together experts from health care, business, academic institutions, and the community to develop a comprehensive blueprint for eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care in the City of Boston.

The tumor had not spread and the mayor was able to return to work in a matter of days. He resides in Hyde Park with his wife Angela Faletra and children Thomas Jr. In 2004 the mayor's doctors confirmed he has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease helping to explain his recurring intestinal problems.

He worked to bring the Democratic National Convention to Boston in 2004. He is the city's first Italian-American mayor as well as the city's longest-serving mayor. A native of Boston Menino served on the city council for several years before becoming mayor.