I’m running for Watertown City Council At-Large because I believe our city’s future should reflect the voices, values, and hopes of all who call it home.

Meet Theo Offei!

For the past five years, I’ve been lucky to live in Watertown’s Riverside neighborhood with my wife, our two daughters, and my in-laws. Since day one, I’ve felt welcomed into this warm, diverse city through neighborhood friendships, the community at Hosmer Elementary, my volunteer work on Watertown’s Resident Advisory Committee, and just meeting people around town.

I was born in Accra, Ghana and raised in Reggio Emilia, Italy. I moved to California for University and proudly became a citizen of the United States in 2020. As an immigrant, I’ve seen first-hand the power of education, opportunity and community.

After receiving a BA in Political Science and Government from the University of Southern California, I had a career in the technology sector working with startups, venture capital firms and mission-driven organizations. More recently, I’ve been working in real estate development and construction management. I have a deep understanding of finance and budgeting including real estate, construction, and affordable housing finance.

My family has a tradition of public service in Watertown that I am proud to carry on. Since 2022, I‘ve been Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee working with the City Manager to staff Watertown's 24 boards and commissions. This role has given me valuable insight into the city’s operations and challenges. My wife, Abigail, is on the Planning Board and the Community Preservation Committee. My father-in-law Ted volunteers with Watertown’s Rapid Response Network, supporting our immigrant neighbors, and my mother-in-law Nancy is the Chair of the Stormwater Advisory Committee and has been involved in Watertown affairs for decades.

I’m naturally friendly and curious. I love talking to people of all backgrounds and viewpoints and learning about their life experiences, concerns and dreams for the future. I speak fluent Italian and English and passable Twi, Spanish and Portuguese. I'm passionate about data-driven decision making, creating community, and taking my kids for breakfast at the Diner on North Beacon.

Key
Priorities

1. Housing Affordability

Watertown is becoming increasingly unaffordable for working families, seniors, and young people. I support policies that promote mixed-income housing, protect renters from displacement, and streamline the permitting process to encourage responsible, community-informed development. My goal is to ensure that everyone who wants to call Watertown home can afford to do so.
2. Economic Development

I believe Watertown can be a thriving hub for a diversity of businesses from single chair hair salons to bustling local restaurants to innovative biotechs. My platform supports revitalizing underutilized commercial corridors, attracting mission-aligned businesses, and ensuring small business owners have the tools and access needed to succeed—without sacrificing our town’s unique character.
3. Great Schools

Public schools are the backbone of a strong community. I will work to ensure that our schools are well-funded, safe, and inclusive. I support efforts that expand early childhood education and after-school care, attract and retain high-quality educators, and strengthen partnerships between schools and families.
4. Fiscal Responsibility

I bring a data-driven mindset to public finance. I will advocate for transparency, long-term planning, and smart investments that balance present-day needs with future resilience. I am committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that every expenditure contributes to broad-based community benefit.