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.

MAYOR'S UPDATES

• Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown: My administration and I are continuing to closely monitor the potential impacts of the federal government shutdown on city grants, operations, and our nonprofit and business partners. 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.
  • SNAP & WIC benefits: SNAP will continue and eligible households will still receive monthly benefits. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will no longer receive funding and will only be able to continue operations for a limited period of time.
  • 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.

    We continue to engage with our congressional delegation in their efforts to reach a resolution that protects Connecticut residents.

• Scalzi Park Updates: I'm excited to share that the Scalzi Park Tennis Court Reconstruction Project is underway. This includes a full renovation of one of our community's most popular recreation destinations. Upgrades will include:
  • Demolition of existing courts and installation of new drainage
  • Ten new post-tensioned tennis courts built to USTA standards
  • Six new pickleball courts meeting USA Pickleball/IFP standards
  • New fencing, light poles, fixtures, and digital lighting controls
  • New bleachers, landscaping, and a storage shed

This project builds on our ongoing commitment to investing and enhancing our parks and recreation spaces for all Stamford residents.

• Stamford Launches Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program: This week, my administration officially launched a groundbreaking Drone as First Responder (DFR) initiative, a collaboration between the 911 Emergency Communications Center, Fire Department, and Police Department. The program uses drones to enhance emergency response and public safety citywide.

CITY NEWS

• 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 is late October 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department's walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652. The Stamford Health Department Community Public Health Clinic has temporarily moved to 138 Stillwater Avenue - a former Optimus location. Convenient street parking is available.

• 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

• 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.

City Events

• Visit the Fish: Join us for our annual Tour Day on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm at The Fish Church, Stamford's only National Historic Landmark. Docent-led tours will provide an up-close view of the unique sanctuary and the magnificent Visser-Rowland organ. If you dare, climb the carillon tower and see how the 56 bell carillon is played. First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 1101 Bedford Street Stamford. This event is FREE and open to the public!

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