Manchester, NH – Tonight, Mayor Jay Ruais introduced his proposed FY2027 City budget, outlining a plan centered on affordability, protecting core services, and structural reforms to improve efficiency and accountability for taxpayers.

The proposed plan reflects the City’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline while advancing key priorities, including maintaining a clean and safe downtown, supporting our first responders, and addressing homelessness through a structured, and balanced approach designed to strengthen the continuum from sheltering to housing.

Mayor Ruais released the following statement:

“In tonight’s address, I outlined the significant financial pressures we face, including rising contractual and operational costs, and the difficult decisions required to reduce spending. This proposal meets those challenges head-on, cutting spending in targeted areas, while preserving public safety, protecting core services, and making structural reforms to City government that will save dollars.
The last two budgets passed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen came in historically under the tax cap, saving Manchester residents millions of dollars in property tax increases. In a time of continued economic pressure our families, residents, and businesses deserve a City government that lives within its means. At the end of every line item in our budget is an individual or family thinking about filling up their car, putting money away for their future, or paying their mortgage.

Manchester residents also expect their City to deliver for them. They expect our employees to educate our kids, answer emergency calls, repair roads, maintain parks, and clear our streets and sidewalks during the winter. We have to strike a balance. We must live within our means, and live up to our responsibilities.

With those folks in mind, we are making necessary and foundational reforms to City government that will improve oversight, efficiency, and save money, while ensuring our taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. From launching centralized purchasing and payroll divisions to strengthening internal auditing and consolidating services, we are building a more efficient and accountable government that will deliver results for our taxpayers.

The plan continues the City’s commitment to public safety by prioritizing investments in our Police and Fire Departments. As we continue negotiations with our two police unions, I am committing dollars, consistent with the cost of implementing the compensation study, to the budget to help address recruitment and retention challenges. It also allocates $1.4 million in bonding for critical radio and communication upgrades, and $200,000 in bonding for fire equipment and protective gear. Additionally, $160,000 is set aside to fund the SAFER Grant, ensuring we can sustain appropriate fire staffing levels in the years ahead.

Included here is a continuation of the balanced approach to funding our schools with an allocation of $3 million. Should this number become final, the Manchester School District will have been allocated $14.0 million in combined City and State funding since I became Mayor, while requested funding was reduced by approximately $12.7 million.

We are strengthening the heart of our City by finalizing the Downtown Cleaning Program and Street Ambassador initiative as a permanent service. Funded through a dedicated downtown assessment, this program ensures a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for our City, at no cost to residents. In just 20 months, the program has already removed over 125,000 pounds of trash and significantly reduced graffiti, delivering clear, visible results.

The proposal also makes targeted investments in the infrastructure residents rely on every day. Nearly $7 million is allocated to road improvements, along with $600,000 for park maintenance, modernization and paving, as well as $300,000 to advance the Hunt Pool redevelopment project and $60,000 for downtown and neighborhood lighting improvements.

Finally, we continue our structured, compassionate, and accountable approach to homelessness. We have responsibly reduced shelter capacity while focusing on the most vulnerable, veterans, the elderly and infirm, and now families and children with this proposal. We are investing our federal dollars across the full continuum of care, from emergency shelter and outreach to transitional housing and permanent solutions, to make homelessness rare, brief, and one-time. This includes support for the Aged and Infirm Shelter, winter warming efforts, and critical funding for outreach and transitional housing organizations. In partnership with community leaders, we are also advancing a transformational project to provide transitional housing for families, helping them move from instability to independence.

As this process now moves to the Board of Aldermen, I look forward to working collaboratively to deliver a final plan that balances the needs of our City, our schools, and our taxpayers.”

New Commission Aims to Strengthen Child Care Access, Support Early Educators, and Build a More Livable, Affordable City for Families

Manchester, NH - This morning, Mayor Jay Ruais convened the first meeting of the City of Manchester Commission on Child Care, a new cross-sector advisory body charged with evaluating childcare access, strengthening the early childhood workforce, and identifying strategies to ensure that every Manchester family can find affordable, quality early care and education.

At this organizational meeting, Members were introduced, the Commission’s charge was reviewed, a discussion was held on beginning the community listening sessions, and the Commission began outlining priority areas for the report which will be completed in Fall 2026.

Mayor Ruais Released the Following Statement:

“As a new dad, I am reminded constantly of our responsibility to give every child the strongest possible start. Child care is now the second-highest expense for families, only behind housing. Childcare isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workforce, economic and livability issue for our entire city. High-quality early care and education promote family well-being, supports our workforce, and strengthens Manchester’s economic future,” said Mayor Ruais. “As a father and as mayor, I am committed to making this vision real. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant future for every family in Manchester.”

Background Data:

• Licensed child care capacity for children under age five has dropped nearly 13% between 2017 and 2024, even though the population of young children has remained largely changed.
• Providers operate at just 85% of licensed capacity due to staffing shortages and financial strain.
• New Hampshire businesses lose an estimated $56 million annually, and families lose $177.9 million, due to parents reducing hours or leaving the workforce because they cannot access or afford care.

A Vision for a Family-Friendly Manchester
A Manchester where every family can access high-quality early care and learning, whether in centers, homes, or school-based settings.

• A community where early literacy, numeracy, family engagement, and school readiness are embedded into the city’s future.
• A coordinated strategy across city departments, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to treat child care as essential infrastructure.

To accomplish this vision, the Commission brings together leaders from across municipal government, public health, early childhood education, business, healthcare, and workforce development, including:

• Mark Gomez, Mayor’s Designee: Chief of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, City of Manchester
• Alderwoman Kelly Thomas, City of Manchester, Board of Aldermen
• Julie Turner, School Board Member, Manchester School District
• Dr. Jennifer Chmiel, Superintendent, Manchester School District
• Anna Thomas, Director of Public Health, City of Manchester
• Jodie Nazaka, Economic Development Director, City of Manchester
• Kitty Larochelle, Director, The Growing Years (West Side)
• Sarah Vanderhoof, MSM, RD, LD, Chief Operating Officer, Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
• Nichole Martin Reimer, President & CEO, Granite United Way
• Lisa Doyon, Family Provider, Lisa’s Daycare
• Michele Sheppard, Chief Executive Officer, Granite YMCA
• Shirley Tomlinson, MA, Community Engagement & Outreach Specialist, NH DHHS – Office of Health Access
• Courtney Tanner, Senior Director of Government Relations, Dartmouth Health
• Heather McGrail, President & CEO, Greater Manchester Chamber
• Dr. Jennifer MacDonald, M.D., Chief Operating Officer, ReGen Valley Consortium / ARMI

The Commission is supported by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and the National League of Cities. The Commission will meet regularly throughout 2026 to evaluate current childcare capacity, identify opportunities for innovation, and recommend city-level strategies to expand access, stabilize the childcare workforce, and ultimately improve readiness for school and beyond.

MANCHESTER, NH- Mayor Jay Ruais announced the following events:
Joint Meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Board of School Committee

WHAT: Joint Meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Board of School Committee

WHEN: 6:00 PM Wednesday, March 25, 2026

WHERE: Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH 03103

Notes: The Manchester School District will deliver a presentation on the District’s FY27 Budget.

Mayor Ruais FY27 Budget Address

WHAT: Mayor’s FY27 Budget Address

WHEN: 6:00 PM Thursday, March 26, 2026

WHERE: Manchester City Hall, Aldermanic Chambers, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101

Manchester, NH- Following last night's votes on three budgets by the Board of School Committee, Mayor Jay Ruais issued the following statement:

“The Tax Cap this year is 3.0%. Families are already stretched thin by rising costs, and I cannot support budgets that would increase taxes by nearly 9% and 14%, respectively. As I stated last night, over the past two years the Manchester School District has received an additional $11 million in combined City and State funding. During that same period, requested funding was reduced by $12.2 million. These were not cuts, they were reductions in requests.

More broadly, ensuring we spend taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently is paramount. That is why we reinstated the Independent City Auditor, and that is why I requested, and the Board of Aldermen approved, a plan to conduct operational and efficiency audits of the Manchester School District and our largest City Departments. The budget is an iterative process. Last night’s votes were another step ahead of my Budget Address next month, after which the proposal will move to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for consideration. Moving forward, the BOSC and the BMA must work together to produce a sustainable budget that balances the needs of the City and the Manchester School District without overburdening taxpayers.”

Manchester, NH — Last night, the Board of Aldermen voted to approve Mayor Ruais' funding and operational plan aimed at strengthening the City’s response to homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, and transitioning away from emergency responses toward a stable, accountable, and fiscally responsible service system.

The approved plan supports the operation of the Aged and Infirmed Shelter, Winter Warming services, coordinated outreach, and housing stabilization efforts using a combination of Opioid Abatement funds, federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, charitable gaming revenues, and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.

Mayor Jay Ruais emphasized that the City is seeing measurable progress:
“This plan reflects a shift away from reactive, short-term emergency responses toward a more sustainable system that supports our most vulnerable residents while protecting our community. We are making progress, but we know there is still more work to do.”

Over the past two years:

• Encampments in the city have declined by 22.3 percent
• Winter Warming utilization has decreased
• Overdoses and overdose fatalities have fallen to their lowest recorded levels
• 103 previously homeless veterans have been housed
• 90 additional individuals have secured housing
• 51 individuals have entered detoxification or rehabilitation programs
• 29 individuals have obtained employment

Mayor Ruais noted that the City’s strategy has focused on addressing root causes while maintaining public safety:

“Since 2024, we have taken important, comprehensive steps like banning public camping, increasing police presence in hot spot areas and strengthening coordination with service providers. Those actions, combined with housing and treatment pathways, are helping address homelessness and improve quality of life in Manchester for businesses, residents and visitors.”

The plan is also designed to reduce reliance on costly emergency hotel placements and temporary solutions by establishing a predictable shelter model with integrated services, creating operational stability while reducing long-term financial pressure on the City. Over the past year, we have responsibly reduced shelter capacity to focus resources on our most vulnerable residents, lowering costs and eliminating operational inefficiencies while expanding coordinated outreach. With this approval, the City now has the opportunity to permanently co-locate services on site, further reducing barriers to access and moving Manchester closer to the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

Mayor Ruais thanked the Board for its support:

“I appreciate the partnership of the Board of Aldermen on this issue. Their approval allows us to keep moving forward, and build long-term infrastructure that is humane, structured, and financially sustainable. I also want to thank Chief Ryan Cashin, Fire Chief of the Manchester Fire Department, and Owen Love, Director of Homelessness Initiatives, along with our Welfare, Police, Solicitor, Health Department, Planning and Community Development, and Public Works Departments who have played such an integral role in serving those in need, and protecting our City.”

Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais today thanked the Board of Aldermen for approving an audit of the Manchester School District, and a series of Departmental audits, marking a significant step forward in strengthening independent oversight, protecting taxpayers, transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in City government. Last week, the Manchester Board of School Committee unanimously approved the School District audit.

For six years, the City of Manchester operated without the Charter mandated Independent City Auditor. With the restoration of that position, the City is now moving forward with a comprehensive audit plan that will play a central role in the Mayor’s STARS Initiative, which stands for Streamlining, Taxpayer Accountability, and Reform System, and was launched during his inaugural address.

As per the Mayor’s request, the Board of Aldermen approved the conducting of audits of the following City Departments: Central Fleet, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Department of Public Works, and Human Resources, including benefits and payroll.

Our City and School District undergo required annual audits which effectively confirm whether the financial reporting is accurate and compliant. By contrast, the Independent City Auditor works to ensure the City is operationally efficient, and performing effectively before problems arise. These audits are more in depth, looking in greater detail at financial management, and can take significant time.

The Manchester School District audit will be a programmatic and efficiency review focused on ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer resources while avoiding duplication of existing state, federal, and independent financial audits. The audit will examine key operational areas including administrative efficiency, payroll and staffing practices, procurement processes, and insurance administration.

“These audits are about making sure City government is operating as efficiently, transparently, and responsibly as possible,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “For years, Manchester lacked the independent oversight required by our Charter. Restoring that oversight and putting it to work is a critical part of delivering accountable government to our residents.”

Mayor Ruais added, “I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for their thoughtful consideration and approval of these audits. This work is central to the STARS Initiative and reflects our shared commitment to transparency, taxpayer accountability, and meaningful oversight of City government and the Manchester School District.”

The audits will be conducted by the Independent City Auditor in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, with findings and recommendations released publicly in compliance with New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law.

Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the initiation of the City of Manchester Commission on Child Care, a major new initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable, licensed child care and strengthening early childhood supports across the city.

Mayor Ruais emphasized that this work is both deeply personal and critically important for Manchester’s future.

“As a new dad, I recognize the importance of this issue, and it reminds me constantly of our responsibility to give every child the strongest possible start,” said Mayor Ruais.

The Mayor highlighted the data showing the scale of the challenge. Across New Hampshire, licensed child care capacity for children under five has dropped nearly 13 percent between 2017 and 2024, even though the number of young children has remained steady. Providers are operating at only 85 percent of their licensed capacity due to staffing shortages and financial strain. The economic consequences are significant: New Hampshire businesses lose an estimated $56 million annually because parents cannot find or afford child care and are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce.

“Child care isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a livability issue for our entire city,” Ruais said. “My vision is a Manchester where every family can access the care and early learning opportunities their children deserve.”

The City Manchester Commission on Child Care will focus on creating a blueprint to:

• Expand the supply of licensed child care programs
• Strengthen the early childhood workforce
• Improve family access to early literacy and engagement resources
• Coordinate efforts across city departments, schools, nonprofits, businesses and community partners
• Deliver actionable recommendations to the City by fall 2026

The Commission will work in partnership with the National League of Cities and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to leverage national best practices and local expertise.

Manchester, NH – On January 1, 2026, the City of Manchester experienced a tragic early-morning fire at the Executive Manor apartment building located at 567 Union Street. The fire resulted in the loss of one life, multiple injuries, and the displacement of dozens of residents.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased as Thomas J. Casey, 70, of Manchester. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was accidental. Four individuals remain hospitalized, and three others have been discharged. One child remains in critical condition.

As many as 50 residents were displaced as a result of the Union Street fire. The City continues to work closely with community partners to ensure all impacted residents are being connected to housing, financial assistance, and stabilization services.

These same support resources are also available to residents displaced by a separate apartment fire that occurred on the morning of January 5, 2026, at 305 Amherst Street, which resulted in the displacement of 18 individuals. There were no reported casualties from that incident.

“Our community has come together during these tragic incidents in an extraordinary way to support neighbors impacted by these fires,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “We remain focused on ensuring every displaced resident is connected to housing and support services, and I am deeply grateful to our first responders, city staff, and partner organizations for their continued work.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DISPLACED FIRE VICTIMS

All registered families are currently eligible or are already receiving:

• Financial support
• Daily meals
• Placement assistance, with multiple agencies actively working to secure permanent housing

Residents who were displaced by the fire and have not yet registered or are in need of housing and support services are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross directly. If you have not yet come forward, or if you are unable to access services on your own, please call:

1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The American Red Cross can help connect residents to emergency assistance, housing support, and partner agencies.

This relief effort is a coordinated collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, Office of Homelessness Initiatives, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Housing, Manchester Welfare Department, the American Red Cross of Northern New England, Choice Realty, and the First Baptist Church.

Assistance for Displaced Residents and Those Seeking to Help

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to displaced residents.
Residents in need of assistance may contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donation and volunteer opportunities are available at redcross.org.

Salvation Army

Greater Manchester The Salvation Army is assisting on a case-by-case basis for affected residents.
Location: 121 Cedar Street, Manchester, NH 03101
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Phone: (603) 627-7013

Manchester Welfare Department

The Manchester Welfare Department is available to assist displaced residents with emergency housing support, benefits navigation, and stabilization services. Location: 1528 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101 Office Hours: Monday–Friday
Phone: (603) 624-6484

Community members are reminded that while there has been a strong outpouring of generosity, organizers request that donations not be brought directly to partner sites at this time. Additional guidance regarding how to donate funds, clothing, household items, and non-perishable food will be released soon.

The City will continue to share vetted updates as additional information becomes available

Manchester, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais, along with members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee, were officially sworn into office today during an inauguration ceremony held at the Palace Theatre.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Ruais reflected on the City’s recent progress and outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on affordability, accountability, public safety, and collaboration.

“Manchester has been tested before, and we have shown that when we work together, we can deliver real results for our residents,” said Mayor Ruais. “The people of this city sent us here to govern responsibly, work collaboratively, and make their lives better and that is exactly what we intend to do.”

During his remarks, Mayor Ruais highlighted Manchester’s recognition as the third best run city in the United States, while continuing the goal to make Manchester the best mid-sized city in the United States.

A large portion of the address focused on homelessness, particularly veterans’ homelessness. Mayor Ruais announced that all 47 veterans previously experiencing homelessness in Manchester are now housed, with 89 veterans placed into stable housing overall, and the City now housing veterans faster than new cases emerge even amid a historically tight housing market.

Building on that progress, the Mayor announced a new partnership aimed at addressing family homelessness. Through collaboration with Family Promise, local philanthropic leadership, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, the City will support the creation of 15 to 18 units of transitional housing for families with children, a project designed to eliminate the daily shelter waitlist that leaves approximately 20 families without access to shelter.

Public safety was also emphasized as a cornerstone of the City’s success. Mayor Ruais noted that crime fell 15 percent in 2024 and an additional 8 percent in 2025, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Manchester Police Department and addressing staffing shortages through their upcoming union contracts.

On housing affordability, the Mayor highlighted the passage of a historic rewrite of Manchester’s zoning ordinance, only the third complete rewrite in the City’s history, which will take effect March 1. He mentioned additional reforms intended to expand housing opportunities, reduce barriers to development, and improve long term affordability.

Mayor Ruais also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, noting his first two budgets came in well under the tax cap, saving taxpayers nearly 7 million dollars.

To further strengthen accountability and efficiency, the Mayor announced the launch of the Manchester STARS Initiative, which stands for Streamlining, Taxpayer Accountability, and Reform System, including the creation of a centralized purchasing division to address inefficiencies costing taxpayers more than 1 million dollars annually, expanded departmental audits, and strengthened oversight practices.

Looking ahead, Mayor Ruais announced the formation of a new City commission dedicated to expanding access to affordable, licensed child care and strengthening early childhood education, addressing a critical gap affecting nearly 3,000 Manchester children under the age of five.

The Mayor concluded by emphasizing that affordability will define the City’s work moving forward, including affordable housing, affordable child care, and an affordable, accountable city government.

“We have a limited window to turn ideas into action,” Mayor Ruais said. “This is our moment, and we will not waste it.”

MANCHESTER, NH – Last night, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve Manchester’s historic new Zoning Rewrite, a major step toward modernizing the city’s land use regulations and advancing the community’s vision for growth, housing, and economic opportunity.

The rewrite implements key recommendations of the 2021 Manchester Master Plan, which was the first master plan update since 2009. The Master Plan was shaped by extensive community input and outlines residents’ long-term goals for how Manchester should develop. One of the plan’s central recommendations was to update the city’s land-use regulations to reflect the community’s goals and to make these laws clearer and more user-friendly.

The rewrite is the first and most important step toward fulfilling that recommendation. It will anchor a new Manchester Land Use Code that will bring together the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and site plan regulations into a single and streamlined document. This consolidation will make the rules easier to understand and apply, reduce red tape, and create more opportunities for development, housing, and business investment.

Work on the rewrite began in late 2021. Since then, the City has partnered with planning consultants and engaged in an extensive public process that included interviews, a multi-day design charrette, and multiple rounds of drafting. The first public draft was released on June 21, 2024, followed by a robust citywide outreach effort.

Throughout the summer of 2024, Manchester hosted 12 community meetings in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension to ensure broad public participation. The City also partnered with the UNH Survey Center to conduct a zoning survey. More than 1,000 residents attended public meetings and nearly 1,500 responded to the survey. The thousands of comments provided during this process helped shape the second draft, which was released on August 8, 2025.

“We must drive down the cost of housing and make Manchester more affordable. This zoning rewrite is one of the most important steps we can take to secure Manchester’s future,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “By modernizing our land use code, we are unlocking new opportunities for housing, promoting responsible growth, and making it easier for residents and businesses to invest in our city. This work reflects the voices of thousands of Manchester residents, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this process. I especially want to thank Director Jeff Belanger, Senior Planner Kristin Bixby, and the entire Planning and Community Development Department for their leadership, their persistence, and their tremendous dedication to getting this right.”

“This zoning rewrite is the product of the most comprehensive public engagement that the City of Manchester has ever done for a zoning ordinance,” said Jeff Belanger, Director of the Manchester Planning and Community Development Department. “From the beginning, our goal has always been to understand what the people of Manchester want for the future of their city and to deliver that to them. I want to thank everyone who participated in the public engagement, whether they came to a community meeting, or filled out a survey, or submitted a comment. We heard you, the rewrite is a reflection of what you said, and this process could not have succeeded without you. I also want to sincerely thank Mayor Ruais for his leadership and support, which was essential to the adoption of the zoning rewrite.”

This is only the third comprehensive zoning rewrite in Manchester’s history. Its approval marks a significant milestone in ensuring the city remains responsive to the needs of today’s residents and businesses while supporting sustainable and well-planned growth for decades to come.