The first four-year mayoral term in Warwick’s history is underway.

Mayor Frank Picozzi on Tuesday took the oath of office for a third time in front of a packed crowd at the Crowne Plaza. Though his term is different, Picozzi said in his speech that his goals for Warwick over the next four years remain unchanged.

“My goal for the next four years is the same as it’s always been,” Picozzi said: “To provide an open, honest and transparent government, to provide quality services in the most cost-effective manner as possible, to always find ways to preserve and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Picozzi said his proudest accomplishments as mayor include making improvements in infrastructure throughout Warwick, as well as boosting the city’s economy.

“More than 200 new businesses have opened, vacant buildings are being refurbished, over 1,000 residential units are being constructed, which means more residents to support our businesses and enhance our economy,” Picozzi said. “Warwick leads the state in issuing building permits. We took advantage of over $6 billion of ARPA funds to improve our infrastructure. We’ve also paved more than 400 roads.”

Picozzi was officially sworn in by a former mayor of the city – Francis X. Flaherty, who also administered the oath of office to Picozzi to begin his second term.

Flaherty, who noted that he was first sworn in 40 years ago Wednesday, said Picozzi had proven to the Warwick community that he would work constantly on the city’s behalf.

“This municipality is a community of overwhelmingly good people,” Flaherty said. “Good people deserve good government. The voters have endorsed the work ethic, diligence and character of the mayor and those elected to the City Council and the School Committee, and I have confidence that the people’s trust was well placed.”

Much of Picozzi’s speech consisted of thanking his family members, city employees and various residents who had helped him throughout his previous four years as mayor.

With a new City Council in place, Picozzi thanked the four departing council members – Tim Howe, Donna Travis, James McElroy and Steve McAllister – for working with him despite their differences to pass legislation to improve the city.

Picozzi gave McAllister, who was council president through the mayor’s first two terms, a special mention, saying he was “like a son to me.”

“Even when he was thinking about running [against me],” Picozzi said. “Steve could have sabotaged me; he could have stopped doing things. But because he’s a man of principle and integrity, he never did that. He always supported our community, our city.”

Dignitaries in attendance included Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Treasurer James Diossa, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, state Sen. Mark McKenney, Representatives David Bennett, Marie Hopkins, Joe Solomon Jr. and Evan Shanley, and the mayors of Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket and East Providence.

Picozzi closed his remarks by expressing his regard for Warwick, saying he hopes to make every resident feel as proud of the city as he is.

“I’ve lived in this city since I was 8 years old,” Picozzi said. “I grew up here, raised my daughters here. My daughters have raised my grandchildren here. I’ll retire here and I’ll die here. I just don’t have the words to express how incredibly proud I am to be the 17^th mayor of this city.”