BOSTON - Deval Patrick, the first black governor in Massachusetts history, pledged an end to business as usual on Beacon Hill, calling on government to be more responsive to the public and citizens to become more involved in government.

Patrick, who yesterday became the state's 71st governor and the first Democrat to hold that office in 16 years, said transforming the political culture of Massachusetts will be difficult, but worthwhile. Referring to the state as a "city on a hill," Patrick said he wanted to remake it so it works for everyone and everyone works for it.

"It's time for a change, and we are that change," Patrick said before a crowd of several thousand people. "Let's rebuild our 'city on a hill' and make it shine again."

Patrick outlined a list of challenges his administration will face, from improving schools to fixing crumbling roads, but cautioned against expecting a quick fix.

"We know that our challenges were long in the making and will require long-term solutions," he said.

Julian Zelizer, a political science professor at Boston University, said Patrick's plans for improvements will require money - as the plans of government usually do. With even the Patrick administration recently questioning the Romney administration's revenue projections, finding the dollars for an activist government will be difficult, Zelizer said.

"The big challenge is there are limits, especially fiscal limits, on what government can do," he said.

Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini, who attended the inauguration, said he welcomed Patrick's call for a greater partnership with cities and towns.

"What I heard today is a ray of hope," said Fiorentini, whose city has depended on increased state assistance in recent years.

In an address lasting little more than 17 minutes, the new governor laid out the themes for his administration. Called a tax-and-spend liberal by critics during the campaign, Patrick said he is "an optimist. But not a foolish one."

He promised to reorganize the governor's office to make it more "modern and accessible and accountable." He said he will ask cities and towns to "enter into a new partnership with state government" to reduce costs, improve planning and rebuild their economies. He also asked for people to become more involved in government.

"And I will be calling on you, each one of you, to stay engaged," Patrick said, "to bring forward your solutions, not just your problems."

This was the state's first-ever outdoor inaugural, and many worried the ceremony would succumb to bad weather. But it was unseasonably warm, and though the sky was overcast throughout the morning, a ray of sun broke through the clouds as Patrick began to speak just after noontime.

Taking the inaugural ceremony out of the Legislature and outdoors for thousands to see in person was part of Patrick's plan for change, he said.

"My point is we will be doing some things differently," he said. "Moving today's rituals within reach of you is symbolic of that."

The new governor will rely on a good relationship with the Legislature to achieve his goals. After his address, he held an unscheduled get-together with House and Senate lawmakers in the Senate chamber before heading off with Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray to greet well-wishers. Sen. Frederick Berry, D-Peabody, said Patrick's remarks signaled that things will be different.

"The key was that he emphasized change," Berry said, "that it won't be government as usual."

Other local dignitaries attending yesterday's event included Sheriff Frank Cousins and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.

Thousands swelled Beacon Street and an edge of the nearby Boston Common to hear the new governor. The ceremony was attended by four former governors - Michael Dukakis, William Weld, Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift. Mitt Romney, who left office Wednesday, did not attend. Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first black governor, also attended.

Patrick took the oath of office at 12:15 p.m., sworn in by Senate President Robert Travaglini. Patrick swore his oath over the Mendi Bible, a gift from blacks kidnapped and transported aboard the slave ship Amistad to John Quincy Adams, who went to court and won their freedom.

Cousins, a Republican, said he was proud to attend the inaugural of a fellow black.

"It's nice to be part of history," he said.

While there has been speculation that Patrick's first order of business might be to rescind Romney's emergency budget cuts or his order allowing state troopers to arrest illegal immigrants, a Patrick aide said the new governor's first act would be to meet with his cabinet at 9 a.m. today.

Yesterday's inaugural marked the culmination of Patrick's unexpected rise to power. Indeed, on the campaign trail Patrick frequently joked about how even after he won the governor's race pundits would still doubt he could do it.

Born into poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Patrick, 50, was raised by a single mother, but got a break when as a 14-year-old he won a scholarship to Milton Academy.

From there, he attended Harvard University and Harvard Law School, served as President Bill Clinton's civil rights chief, and was the top lawyer for some of America's largest companies, including Texaco and Coca-Cola.

A political novice when he launched his campaign in early 2005, Patrick won the election by 21 points over then Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, a Republican who spent millions of her own money in a losing effort.

Patrick began his day by visiting Children's Hospital in Boston. He and Lt. Gov. Murray then attended an interfaith service at historic Old South Meeting House. The service was lead by officials of numerous faiths.

After receiving citizens in the Statehouse for nearly two hours, they then attended what was billed as a "youth inaugural," an invitation-only event at the Shubert Theatre. High schools from across the state and the region were represented.

Patrick and Murray wrapped up their day at the first of a series of inaugural balls and galas across the state in the coming days. One is scheduled for tonight in North Andover.