Your City at Work: From the Mayor's Desk

Your City at Work: From the Mayor's Desk

Read below to learn more about initiatives my administration is working on, resources for Stamford residents, information about upcoming events, and important city and state information.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and make your voice heard this week. I am deeply honored to have earned the opportunity to continue serving as your mayor and to represent all Stamford residents. We've made tremendous progress, and I remain committed to building on that work through collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant Stamford. - Mayor Caroline Simmons

MAYOR'S UPDATES

• New Covenant Center and Connecticut Foodshare Visit: Today, I visited New Covenant Center and Connecticut Foodshare's Mobile Distribution at Bethel AME Church to see firsthand how the disruption to SNAP benefits is impacting families. Local food pantries and community organizations are stepping up to meet the increased demand, and resources remain available for those in need of support. To locate a nearby food pantry, text FOODSHARE to 85511 for immediate assistance. Residents can also visit ct.gov/dss/snap or call 2-1-1 for the latest updates on benefits and eligibility. Information on the Stamford Food Collaborative and Food Guide can be found here.

• Open Enrollment: Open enrollment in Connecticut runs from November 1st to January 15th. During this time, residents can sign up for, renew, or make changes to their health coverage for 2026. Individuals and families can enroll directly at any Community Health Center across Stamford and the state, where trained and certified staff are available to provide free, in-person assistance throughout the process.
  • To find a nearby Community Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
  • For more about Access Health CT or to apply online: https://www.accesshealthct.com
• Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown: My administration is closely monitoring the potential impacts of a federal government shutdown on city grants, operations, and our nonprofit and business partners, while continuing to work with our congressional delegation to protect Connecticut residents. Below are some important updates:
  • Social Security & Medicare: Social Security checks will still go out, although new enrollments may face delays. Medicare will continue without interruption.
  • Travel: There may be longer airport wait times, as TSA, Customs, and air traffic controllers will work without pay. Passport processing may also be delayed.
  • Mail: The U.S. Postal Service will continue regular operations.
  • IRS: Many services will pause, so help and refunds could be delayed.
  • Military & Law Enforcement: VA hospitals and the Military Health System will remain open, and TRICARE coverage will continue. Patients should confirm appointments with their providers, though new scheduling may face delays.
  • Small Business Support: The SBA cannot accept or process new business loans during a shutdown

CITY NEWS

• Leaf Pickup: Leaf pickup will begin on November 12^th, to learn more visit stamfordct.gov/leaves

• Reimagine Bedford Street: Based on the data and feedback collected as part of the Reimagine Bedford Street Project, the City has developed 3 draft preliminary concepts plans for the redesign of Bedford Street. Residents can view the three designs here and take the survey here. Feedback will be incorporated into the larger planning and decision-making process.

• Improving Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure and pedestrian safety is one of my administration's top priorities - that's why we're investing in new sidewalks, pedestrian bump-outs, ADA-accessible ramps, and upgraded crosswalks across the city. These projects calm traffic, improve visibility, and make our streets safer for everyone. If you have a sidewalk or speeding concern, please file an unsafe sidewalk request or traffic investigation request on FixIt at https://veoci.com/v/p/form/wbvcc7v4ycns.

• SAC Grant: The Stamford Arts and Culture Grant application is now open and accepting submissions! Visit our website to learn more visit: stamfordct.gov/sacgrant. The deadline to apply is Saturday, November 15 at 11:59 pm

• Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. The target date for reopening the building in early November 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department's walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.

• Apply for a Special Events Permit: To reserve a pavilion or host events at city parks click here.

  RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS

• Boards and Commissions: Are you a Stamford resident interested in serving on a City Board or Commission? Click here to learn more about serving.

• Walk In Permitting: Walk-in Permitting occurs weekly every Wednesday from 8:30 - 10:30 am. Walk-in permitting sessions take place on the 7th floor of the Stamford Government Center. For more information, visit here

City Events

• Veterans Day Parade: The Stamford Patriotic & Special Events Commission in conjunction with Stamford Veterans Council, Stamford Veterans Park Partnership, and Stamford Veterans Resource Center invite all to the Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony on Sunday, November 9 at 12:00 pm! The parade will begin at the Stamford Police Department and conclude at Veterans Memorial Park, where a ceremony will take place immediately following the procession to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 130 Atlantic Street.

Employment Opportunities in the City

• Open positions with City of Stamford

Traffic

• Old Long Ridge Road Bridge: After a visual inspection of the Old Long Ridge Road Bridge, just south of Hunting Ridge Road, city engineers have implemented a temporary one-way traffic pattern, effective immediately. The City will share further updates as they become available.
• Mill Road Bridge: The Mill Road bridge near Old Long Ridge Road is open to one lane vehicular traffic. Residents can click here for updates.
• Wire Mill Bridge: The Wire Mill Bridge is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to replacement. Residents can click here for updates.

Public Health

• For information Health services, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE DIGEST

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Caroline Simmons