Your City at Work: From the Mayor's Desk

Your City at Work: From the Mayor's Desk

I hope everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah had a wonderful holiday and wish you a new year filled with joy, health, and prosperity!

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.

Today, I released the following statement with Superintendent Lucero, and BOE President Hyman on unity, respect, and inclusion: "On behalf of the City of Stamford, the Stamford Board of Education, and Stamford Public Schools, we want to thank everyone affiliated with our schools for helping to get this new school year off to such a positive start. The foundation of a thriving learning community is built on respect, kindness, and shared responsibility, and we strive to instill these values in every student, every day.

Within our schools and the larger community, we must continue to ensure that every child and family feels a true sense of belonging. That is why we are calling on everyone to join us in reaffirming the City of Stamford's Unity Pledge:

• Treat one another with kindness.
• Celebrate diversity as a source of strength.
• Be an upstander who speaks against harm, not a bystander who remains silent.

We must continue to unequivocally reject language intended to diminish others, especially racial, ethnic, or religious slurs. Hate speech in any form has no place in Stamford, and we call on everyone to unite in fostering a safe and supportive environment for everyone who calls Stamford home, especially our community's children".

MAYOR'S UPDATES

• Non-Profit Convening: Last week, I hosted our fall quarterly nonprofit convening, where community partners came together to share updates and exchange ideas on local priorities. We also discussed preparations for potential federal budget impacts, including a possible government shutdown, and previewed the city's FY2026-2027 budget process. We are proud to support these partners and lift up the essential work that these nonprofits carry out every day on behalf of Stamford residents!

• Sweat Local Guide: We are proud to publish Stamford's Sweat Local Guide is here! From yoga studios and boxing gyms to cycling, recovery centers, and social wellness groups, this guide highlights everything you need to stay active and feel your best in our community. Explore the local businesses and organizations that help keep our community healthy, connected, and thriving. Learn more here.

  CITY NEWS

• Hello Lamp Post: The City of Stamford, in partnership with Stamford Downtown Special Services District (DSSD), is excited to launch Hello Lamp Post Phase 1, an innovative interactive AI experience that brings benches, planters, bus shelters, and signs to life. This project invites residents and visitors to chat, ask questions, and share ideas about our downtown in a fun, accessible way. Here's how it works: look for a Hello Lamp Post sign around downtown, scan the QR code, and start a conversation, which is available in multiple languages, with no app download or sign-up required.

• New Walk-in Permitting Hours: Exciting news for the City of Stamford Walk-in Permitting Center! To further improve efficiency and accessibility for residents, the walk-in permitting hours have transitioned from bi-weekly to weekly every Wednesday from 8:30 - 10:30 am. Walk-in permitting sessions take place on the 7th floor of the Stamford Government Center. Since 2024, more than 620 residents and small business owners have met with staff there to get answers and guidance on residential and small commercial permits. For more information, visit here.

• Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan: The Stamford 2035 Draft Plan is available for review click here to view the plan.

• 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.

• 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.
• Learning in Retirement: Classes are offered in art, music, current events, history etc., for senior citizens and other retirees. Click here for additional information and to register.

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.

• Connecticut Department of Transportation Stamford Station Construction: Construction continues at the Stamford Train Station, so please make sure to plan ahead.

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