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.

On Monday, I was honored to be sworn in for my second term as Mayor of Stamford. Thank you to all the elected officials, faith and community leaders, and city employees who were present for this special day.

I first ran for office because I believed deeply in the power of good government to improve the lives of others and make a difference in our community. That belief has guided me and my administration over the past four years, and I look forward to continuing to work with our local, state, and federal leaders to build on what we've accomplished and to tackle the challenges ahead, so that every Stamford resident has the opportunity to thrive.

MAYOR'S UPDATES

• Oaklawn Avenue Incident: On Wednesday, I joined Police Chief Tim Shaw and Director of Public Safety, Health, and Welfare Lou DeRubeis for a press conference to provide updates regarding this week's incident at 263 Oaklawn Avenue. This was an unsettling situation for our community, and I want to commend the officers of the Stamford Police Department, Special Response Team, Bomb Squad, Stamford Fire Department, EMS, and 911 responders who responded to this call. You exemplify the commitment to service that defines our city's public safety agencies, and we are grateful for the work you do to protect our residents every day. I also want to extend my gratitude to neighboring departments and jurisdictions who provided support during this incident, including the Bridgeport, Danbury, Stratford, New Haven, Westport, and New Canaan Police Departments, as well as the Connecticut State Police, Westchester County Police, and Southwest Regional Department. Their collective professionalism and coordination under uncertain and dangerous circumstances ensured this situation was de-escalated and contained without further harm to first responders or the public.

This was a complex and sad situation involving the loss of two lives and details are still unfolding. I want to assure our community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety, as this was an isolated incident. Residents should be aware that Oaklawn Avenue remains closed while police conduct their work, and we ask for the public's patience as the investigation continues. We will continue to provide updates as we have them, and I want to thank the Inspector General's Office and the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit for their assistance as this work moves forward. Oaklawn Ave is now open to vehicular traffic.

• Warming Shelters Open: Governor Lamont has activated the state's severe cold weather protocol effective at 3:00 pm and will remain in effect until Tuesday, December 9 at 12:00 pm. For more information about the city's warming shelters, click here.

CITY NEWS

• Leaf Pickup: Leaf pickup has started, to learn more visit stamfordct.gov/leaves
• 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 January 2026. 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

• 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
• 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

• Heights and Lights: On Sunday, from 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, Grinch and friends as they make their daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford's tallest buildings, Landmark Square followed by a festive fireworks show. After the rappel Santa and friends will march up Bedford Street to Latham Park for holiday music and the lighting of Stamford's Holiday Tree.
• Mill River Holiday Market: Celebrate the holiday season this year at the Mill River Park Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6^th and Sunday, December 7^th from 10 AM to 6 PM! All are welcome to join this spirit-filled holiday weekend.

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