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.

Government Shutdown Update

We are actively engaged with our federal delegation and across city and state government to monitor the potential impacts of a federal government shutdown on city grants, operations, and our nonprofit and business partners. Key updates include:

• Social Security & Medicare: Social Security checks will continue to be issued, though new enrollments may experience delays. Medicare services will remain uninterrupted.
• Travel: Expect longer airport wait times, as TSA, Customs, and air traffic controllers will be working without pay. Passport processing may also face delays.
• Mail: The U.S. Postal Service will continue operating as usual.
• IRS: Many IRS services will pause during a shutdown, which may delay refunds and access to assistance.
• SNAP & WIC Benefits: SNAP benefits will continue, ensuring eligible households receive their monthly support. However, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will lose federal funding and can only operate for a limited period.
• Military & Law Enforcement: VA hospitals and the Military Health System will remain open, and TRICARE coverage will continue. Patients should confirm existing appointments, though scheduling new ones may be delayed.
• Small Business Support: Some federal small business services, including loan processing and technical assistance, may be delayed or suspended.

We remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon, minimizing impacts on local services, grants, and the community programs Stamford residents rely on.

MAYOR'S UPDATES

• Rippowam Visit: It was great visiting Rippowam Middle School with Representative Himes to meet with students and teachers and hear how their Full Service Community Schools program is improving school climate and attendance rates at Rippowam and Dolan Middle School. Thank you to Stamford Cradle to Career and all the students, teachers, and parents for your collaboration to make this program possible.

CITY NEWS

• 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: https://www.stamfordct.gov/.../mayor-s.../walk-in-permitting.

• 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.

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