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Your City at Work: From the Mayor's Desk

Post Date:10/31/2025 5:00 PM

 stamford

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.

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Resources

Mayor Snap Meeting

This week, I convened a meeting of the Stamford Food Collaborative to discuss the anticipated suspension of SNAP benefits and its impact on Stamford residents. Providers continue to see a rising need due to federal changes to SNAP benefits and the increasing cost of food, utilities, and housing – all of which are placing greater strain on local social service organizations.

The suspension of SNAP benefits will affect more than 10,000 residents in Stamford, and we recognize how stressful and uncertain this time is for so many families. We will continue to work closely with our state and federal partners to ensure residents receive the resources and support they need during this challenging time.

Below is some helpful information on how residents can access food assistance and support organizations working to combat food insecurity in our community:

 

MAYOR’S UPDATES

  • 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: 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.
  • Coffee Hour Recap! I had a great time connecting with residents at my Coffee Hour at Bartlett Arboretum last Saturday. These gatherings are one of my favorite ways to hear directly from our community about what’s working and where we can improve. We discussed topics ranging from neighborhood safety and infrastructure upgrades to supporting local businesses and enhancing city services. I’m grateful to everyone who joined the conversation and shared their perspectives — your input helps guide our work to keep Stamford moving forward.
  • Westhill Construction Road: This week, I joined Director of School Construction Katherine LoBalbo, Director of Operations Matt Quinones, and city and school officials at the EMS site to kick off construction of the new access road for Westhill High School. The road will route construction traffic safely away from the current school and nearby neighborhoods, minimizing disruption and keeping students and residents safe. This milestone reflects the strong collaboration between our City Operations and Engineering Departments, Stamford Public Schools, and our project partners. Learn more at spsbuilds.com

Construction Road

  • Improving Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure and pedestrian safety remains 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 Stamford to calm traffic, improve visibility, and make our streets safer for everyone. If you have a sidewalk or speeding concern, you can submit an unsafe sidewalk or traffic investigation request on https://veoci.com/v/p/form/wbvcc7v4ycns.
  • Statement on Hurricane Melissa: My thoughts are with the people of Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The loss of life and widespread destruction across the region are heartbreaking, and the City of Stamford stands with our Caribbean community as recovery efforts begin.

  

CITY NEWS 

  • SAC Grant: The Stamford Arts and Culture Grant application is now open and accepting submissions! Visit our website to learn more. The deadline to apply is Saturday, November 15 at 11:59 pm
  • 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.
  • 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 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, 2025! The Parade will kick off at 12 pm from the Stamford Police Department and continue down Bedford Street, culminating in a ceremony at Veterans Park.

Employment Opportunities in the City

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

WANT TO HEAR MORE?

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Email me at mayorsoffice@stamfordct.gov and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

If there is any information that should be included in this newsletter —
please contact the
Mayor's Office.

To subscribe to the Mayor’s Weekly Newsletter and other city notifications, please click here.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Caroline Simmons

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