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Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista's 2026 State of the City Address

June 17, 2026

State of the City Address Video 2026

City Manager Eric D. Batista's State of the City Address on June 17, 2026.

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  • Good evening. Buenas Noches.  
  • Thank you for taking the time to join me tonight, whether you are here at City Hall or tuning in virtually to hear my third State of the City address.  
  • In particular, I want to thank The Worcester Regional Research Bureau – Paul Matthews and the entire board and staff – for partnering with us again to host this address and uplift municipal work.  
  • The Research Bureau constantly shines a light on local government and did that last week with the celebration of the unsung heroes of Public Service at the 38th Thomas S. Green awards.  
  • Thank you.  
  • Thank you to our incredible Burncoat High School students Jazanea Ramos, Lucy Lassel, and Zoe Bodinizzo for a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.  
  • To Pastor Jose Perez, thank you for your powerful words.  
  • I would not be here giving this speech without the continued partnership, support, and leadership of Mayor Petty and the entire City Council.  
  • Thank you for your commitment to the needs of our residents.  
  • I want to thank our State and Federal delegations, business leaders, institutional partners, academic allies, and all invited guests here tonight for your commitment to the Heart of the Commonwealth.
  • I also want to recognize and show my gratitude for all our municipal employees.  
  • We could not host the State of the City here without their hard work.  
  • More importantly, city services wouldn’t run without them.
  • From our sanitation crews picking up trash, to our parks staff maintaining open spaces, to our teachers helping our students understand the world.  
  • I would like any municipal workers here tonight to stand up so we can recognize them for their hard work.  
  • In addition to my city family, I need to thank my wife Arianys. Her support and strength help guide me every day. Thank you for everything you do for our sons and for me.  
  • So much has changed since my first State of the City address two years ago.  
  • When I spoke to you then, I discussed the city’s era of opportunity that would lead to an era of accomplishment.  
  • While we have accomplished much together, decisions are playing out on a national and global scale that have impacted us here in Central Massachusetts.
  • It’s been a time of change that requires bold action.  
  • Fortunately, Worcester has a history of not just facing change, but being at the forefront of it.  
  • This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, where Worcester played an integral role.  
  • The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in New England happened right here, on our front steps.  
  • While that was the start of a difficult time for our country, it was also what brought us the freedoms we celebrate today.  
  • And while that history has not always been easy, we have come out stronger on the other side.  
  • This year has been no different.  
  • 250 years later, wars have increased costs at the gas pump and in the grocery line.
  • Programs that once augmented the municipality’s budget have been cut.
  • In a report last October, the Massachusetts Municipal Association described how municipalities across the Commonwealth are “confronting a convergence of relentless cost pressures,  
    rigid revenue limits, and eroding state aid.”
  • The MMA dubbed these pressures a “Perfect Storm” for municipalities.  
  • But, my Administration knew this era of uncertainty and change was coming, and – with the support of the Council – we prepared for it.
  • Last year, I told you we proposed a budget with minimal new expenditures to guard against risk, along with a $5 million Contingency budget as a buffer for unexpected reductions throughout the year.  
  • Those strategic decisions have left us on solid financial footing and allowed us to withstand these unpredictable times without having to take drastic measures.  
  • As the current fiscal year ends, dozens of municipalities are asking to override property tax increase limits to make up for revenue shortfalls.
  • But, because of the safeguards Worcester put in place, we do not have to do that.  
  • We are one of the few communities in the state that are still far from reaching our maximum taxing capacity.  
  • In fact, we are $26 million below that limit.  
  • Now, I know that might be hard to grasp since residents are still seeing their bills go up – but that is because property values in Worcester are going up.
  • My Administration – working hand and hand with the Council – has intentionally chosen not to “tax to the max” because we know the hardships our residents are facing.  
  • I want to make it clear…we are intentionally keeping your taxes lower.
  • There’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes to make sure that we don’t have to cut services in exchange for not raising taxes…
  • To make sure that when we have faced headwinds, we’ve been prepared.  
  • We’ve weathered cuts to state aid, a legal settlement with Holden, and the worst snow season in over a decade, all of which came with a hefty price tag.  
  • We were able to handle these situations because we were forward-thinking.  
  • And because of that, we have still been able to invest in the city and work toward our goals.
  • So, I am proud to say that because of those efforts and the hard work of the municipal staff, the State of the City is still strong.
  • That’s because of one thing that has not changed: our continued growth.
  • Nearly 2,000 new residents moved to Worcester from 2024 to 2025.
  • That growth has aided us in this time of uncertainty, keeping us resilient to the changes happening around us and allowing us to remain strong.  
  • Why are people continuing to move to Worcester?
  • Manageable housing prices,
  • Cultural diversity,
  • And access to quality schools are just a few reasons.  
  • The revenue growth from our new residents has brought Worcester to a historic first, an operating budget of more than $1 billion.  
  • That is a massive amount, but one that suits the second largest city in New England and what it takes to provide public services.
  • We must continue to balance the need to spend for now and for the future.
  • I do not take that responsibility lightly.  
  • A priority for my Administration is our infrastructure, because the quality of our infrastructure impacts our employees’ ability to deliver services.  
  • We are investing $25 million into the new South Division Fire Station, $5 million into Police Headquarters, and $10 million into School projects, including initial steps for a new Burncoat.  
  • It is not visible to the public, but we have also been investing in technology across departments to give staff the best tools to provide services.  
  • These efforts have taken resources, changes in work practices, and millions of dollars.  
  • But they are all to ensure that our municipal government can thrive in a modern digital landscape.  
  • And we want everyone to thrive.
  • Every aspect of the modern world involves the internet, whether you’re applying to schools and jobs, or making health care appointments.  
  • However, not everyone has the same access to the internet.  
  • But that should not dictate your access to life’s essentials.
  • So, we are actively working to bridge the digital divide.
  • We want high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet for every household, business, school, and nonprofit, and we are getting there by contacting vendors and industry stakeholders to maximize access.
  • Yes…that means more potential options beyond Spectrum Internet.
  • While these efforts have not come without hiccups – change rarely does – they will ultimately help provide both our employees and residents with better outcomes.  
  • As those efforts are underway, we are also offering options for people to connect to the internet now.  
  • The Worcester Public Library recently launched a Chromebook lending program through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Connected & Online Program.  
  • Meaning the library can now lend out 500 laptops for long-term use, giving access to education, workforce development, and telehealth services to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have it.  
  • On the other hand, one challenge that is very visible to the public is our roads.  
  • We all rely on roads to get from Point A to Point B.  
  • To get to work, to school, and to drop your kids off at daycare.
  • And we should be able to do so safely.  
  • But as I mentioned, the city was slammed this winter and as a result, just like communities across New England, we saw an enormous number of potholes form.  
  • That effort drew renewed attention to the conditions of our roads.  
  • That’s why our Department of Public Works’ budget is $11 million more than last fiscal year, a 66% increase and the highest capital borrowing the municipality has proposed for DPW in the last 10 years.
  • These investments go above and beyond the funding recommendations in our Pavement Management Plan so that we can prevent deterioration of our infrastructure and equipment before it happens.
  • We are investing now and we are acting now.  
  • DPW is in the middle of a blitz to fill potholes on our main roads.  
  • We are also developing a Standard Operating Procedure for potholes – a first for the city – that will allow us to make improvements going forward.
  • We know we need to do better, and we are.
  • We also need to think beyond potholes.
  • Our Pavement Management Program still serves as a guide to protect our roadways in a cost-effective manner that will reduce needed maintenance going forward.
  • And while we make these changes we are doing it with safety as a top priority.  
  • Last year we developed a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, and the first annual report will soon go to City Council.  
  • Under Vision Zero and the Mobility Action Plan, we have made changes that have shown early signs of reduced crashes and speeding.
  • We have improved walkability and safety with 14 new crosswalks, 22 new Rapid Flashing Beacons, and a comprehensive inventory of sidewalks and wheelchair curb ramps.  
  • Vision Zero continues to be our goal, and we are taking steps to get there.
  • Once those streets are complete, we need to keep them clean.
  • I made a commitment to a cleaner Worcester last August.
  • That involved an all hands-on deck push across departments to work overtime to noticeably improve and beautify Worcester’s streets and green spaces,
  • Waiving bulk waste fees for that month,  
  • And the relaunch and expansion of the Keep Worcester Clean program.  
  • Those efforts didn’t stop on August 31st.  
  • We heard you…
  • After years of discussion, we are piloting expanded hours for bulk waste appointments at the Residential Drop Off Center to make it more convenient for residents.  
  • We installed 150 trash and recycling bins on city streets.
  • And this summer we will launch the Zero Waste Master Plan – which charts a clear actionable path toward a more sustainable future.
  • We hear you – we need better recycling bins, less food waste, and less litter on our streets.  
  • The Zero Waste Master Plan will provide a roadmap to meet those demands.
  • Now, while our roads act as the arteries that help transport us through the city,  
  • Worcester businesses are part of the heart that keeps us all going.  
  • They provide a sense of community and make residents realize that Worcester is not just another city…
  • It is their home.  
  • And just as we need to ensure our roads and bridges remain healthy with proper care and maintenance, we need to do the same for businesses.
  • We need to invest in our heart.  
  • Businesses are facing the same tough times that municipalities are, and my Administration is doing whatever we can to support business growth, spanning Fortune 500 companies to Mom & Pop stores.
  • We are reviewing our policies and procedures, cutting regulations, and leaving no stone unturned to see how we can make it easier to do business in Worcester.
  • As one example, my Administration lifted the restriction on serving alcoholic beverages at events at more parks, with the intention to boost attendance at existing events, spur new ones, and increase revenue for participating vendors.  
  • We have also added two new inspectors to accelerate our permitting processes, and a small business support position.  
  • This will build on the success we’ve had already.
  • Last year, we helped fund 122 for-profit businesses to become certified with the supplier diversity office.  
  • These efforts and more have led companies to not just choose Worcester, but commit to it.
  • Like AbbVie, which began a $70 million expansion of its campus this year,
  • And St. Gobain, which opened a new 47,000-square foot administration building and has helped support the creation of GreenTech Park.
  • The Commonwealth has taken note of these efforts, and named Worcester a TechHub based on the strong culture of innovation in Worcester, and how we have capitalized on it to become a center for bio-manufacturing and life sciences.  
  • In addition to that recognition, the Commonwealth provided more than $5 million to accelerate the commercialization of new food, fuels, chemicals, and materials to create a “BioHub” and build on what Worcester has already created.  
  • Just like our population, our business community is growing.
  • But that doesn’t mean we’re turning our backs on the businesses that have already played a role in shaping our culture.
  • We must honor Worcester’s foundation as we build on it.  
  • Tomorrow, we will announce the first cohort of local institutions being honored for their contributions through our Legacy Business Program.
  • These legacy businesses define the fabric of our neighborhoods, provide jobs and services, and embody the spirit of the city.
  • They are the businesses that people remember when they come to visit Worcester, and they are part of why residents stay here.  
  • The media recently interviewed a woman who had been going to George’s Coney Island for 70 years.  
  • 70 years!
  • The long-time customer cited the Art-Deco design, vintage juke box, and friendly atmosphere as her reasons for coming back year after year for a hot dog with mustard, a bag of chips, and a root beer.  
  • We want these businesses to not just survive, but to thrive.
  • Another icon of Worcester is the diner car, with the Worcester Lunch Car Company distributing the diners across the eastern seaboard for the first half of the 20th century.  
  • Several diners have, appropriately, been named Legacy Businesses as they continue to serve as a place for people from all walks of life to come in and get a satisfying meal...  
  • College students capping off a night out,
  • Plow truck drivers warming up with a hot meal during long nights of snow clearing,
  • Police officers getting a cup of coffee on their shifts.  
  • Diners are where you can find community in Worcester – places where people know each other’s names, check on their neighbors, and share their culture.
  • And that community feel is driving people to move here.
  • Worcester is, and will always be, a welcoming place.  
  • The city was built by immigrants, and to this day it is immigrant communities that help give the city its vibrancy – you see that in our restaurants, our festivals, and our nightlife.  
  • And I will always stand to protect those communities.  
  • We are strong because of the community spirit and cultural diversity that our population growth has brought.
  • At the same time, we need a place for those people to live.
  • We are facing a housing crisis, and my Administration is committed to making sure residents can stay here.
  • That means we need to facilitate the development of new units to keep pace with the number of people moving here and keep Worcester affordable.  
  • We are using a comprehensive approach through our Housing Production Plan, which was approved unanimously by the City Council in August.  
  • The plan identified local housing challenges and set a road map for improving affordability.  
  • We have already taken action on 15 out of 35 strategies in the short time since the plan’s approval.
  • That includes launching a brand-new Homeownership Summit this year.
  • And it includes establishing an understanding of vacant rental housing in Worcester and strengthening our capacity to provide monitoring and compliance oversight for affordable housing.  
  • Efforts like these are why 28% of housing units actively under construction are affordable.  
  • That is important because the average rent remains out of reach for many Worcester residents.  
  • We were able to permit affordable units thanks to the  
    Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Inclusionary Zoning, and our accessory dwelling unit ordinance.  
  • We have more than 1,800 units of housing actively under construction because of “outside the box” thinking and seeing new potential for underutilized spaces.  
  • From breaking ground on four tiny homes on a difficult-to-develop lot…
  • To being on the verge of opening 198 rental units and 22 affordable condos downtown in one of the largest commercial-to-residential conversion in the state.
  • And our seniors will have access to The Residences on Lincoln Square, an adaptive reuse of the Lincoln Square Boys Club into 80 units of affordable housing reserved for those earning 60% Area Median Income and below.  
  • Because people didn’t just see what already existed, but imagined what could be there.  
  • Worcester is setting the standard for future affordable housing projects.  
  • And we will continue to think creatively to address our housing crisis
  • This year, for the first time in more than 60 years, we are launching a zoning rewrite process to change zoning restrictions that do not suit the Worcester we live in today.  
  • Our zoning laws date back to before ridesharing apps, bike lanes, and fare-free buses.  
  • We will propose ways to remove roadblocks to further development, like parking minimums that hold back housing.
  • These are steps we need to take if we are going to have any hope of constructing enough supply to meet demand.  
  • Fortunately, we are seeing positive signs, with reports that average Worcester rents fell for two straight quarters for the first time since 2010.
  • But that’s not happening quickly enough for everyone.
  • Our unhoused population has continued to struggle, and that is unacceptable
  • We know that simply putting a roof over someone’s head does not address the root issues that caused them to lose their housing in the first place.  
  • While the municipality and stakeholders have dedicated time and resources to getting our unhoused population into stable housing, our piecemeal approach is not doing enough.  
  • So we took action.
  • We created a Housing & Homelessness Steering Committee, which has drafted a Strategic Framework for Supporting Unhoused Individuals in Worcester that will be presented to the City Council soon.  
  • This framework will provide a playbook for municipal departments and our partners that work with the unhoused population to connect them to services.
  • It represents systemic change in how we address homelessness.
  • We will be able to act more efficiently through data sharing.  
  • We will expand shelter capacity.
  • And we will get unhoused individuals out of the unsafe – and sometimes deadly – conditions they face in the woods and on the street and sidewalk, and into the services they need.
  • Those services will be easier to access thanks to the Day Resource Center, which we broke ground on last month…
  • A massive achievement that was a long time coming.
  • Only the third of its kind in the state, the Day Resource Center will act as a base for any unhoused person to charge their phone, take a shower, and connect with housing assistance, employment resources, and wellness services.  
  • I want to thank Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance for taking on this project, along with all the stakeholders that work with the city’s most vulnerable populations.  
  • You are answering the call to unite on this effort – thank you for coming together.
  • There’s work to do, but the steering committee has already made progress, supporting the conversion of permanent supportive housing units on and standing up emergency shelters to get people out of the cold during the harsh winter.  
  • They creatively increased our temporary shelter access by almost 120 beds.  
  •  
  • This past year, our homeless division and Quality of Life Team reported 973 client engagements that led to more than 200 individuals accessing treatment for substance misuse, permanent or transitional supportive housing, or jail diversion and recovery court.  
  • Individuals like a man named Derek, who greeted the Quality of Life Team while they were being filmed for a media feature.  
  • He proudly told the reporter how the team helped him find a place to live, and that their actions helped save his life.  
  • Derek’s story isn’t the only one. Our employees get to know members of our unhoused population by name and take the time to learn about their background, their struggles, and their barriers to seeking treatment.
  • And we learn from those experiences to prevent issues before they arise.
  • We are working with our youth to prevent substance misuse and issues like violence that could lead to arrest or homelessness.  
  • For example, we launched Resilient Worcester, a partnership dedicated to aligning how children, youth, and family are treated during and following a traumatic incident to minimize the impacts of trauma and create positive mentorship opportunities.  
  • Investing in these programs now – before substance use and violence happens – prevents so much hardship and pain.  
  • Which is why our Police Department works so hard to prevent crime before it happens, by improving community relations and pursuing innovative strategies.  
  • For example: the blue light program to enhance visibility and deter criminal activity.  
  • I’m sure you all have noticed that Worcester police cruisers now keep their blue lights on at all times.  
  • We will continue that program based on positive feedback from you – our residents – feeling more comfortable seeing the blue lights passing your homes and businesses.  
  • That comfort and reassurance is exactly the feeling we want to maintain for all residents.
  • Another way officers do that is by spending at least 30 minutes per shift walking and talking with residents in their patrol area.
  • And when ALERTWorcester went down thanks to a data breach beyond our control, we acted quickly to bring it back, better than ever.  
  • So if you aren’t enrolled already, do it now!
  • All you have to do is text JoinAW to 65513.  
  • I can wait…  
  • Efforts like these have continued to make Worcester one of the safest mid-sized cities in the country.  
  • We know it’s working because 2025 saw a drop in crime across the board.
  • Specifically, we saw homicides drop from 16 in 2024 to two in 2025.
  • Let me repeat: 16 to 2.  
  • But we cannot let our guard down.  
  • Last week, we were reminded that violence has not been eradicated.
  • I will reiterate that any homicide is one too many, and we will not let up on our prevention and suppression efforts.
  • I also know that recent events in the Common have led to some questions about the safety of our parks
  • Those incidents were isolated, but they will not be tolerated.
  • Worcester remains a safe place to live, work, and raise your families.  
  • And it is my pledge to keep it that way, even as we work to adapt to the changes around us.
  • As I said at the beginning of my speech, a lot has changed in the two years since I gave my first State of the City Address.
  • Even more has changed since I first arrived in the city.  
  • Many of the places I grew up going to have closed…
  • Like Skylite Roller Skating Center and Boston Billiards.
  • But the grit and heart that give Worcester its charm have survived.
  • They can be seen in our legacy businesses, our landmarks, and our community.  
  • While we work to bring new business and residents to Worcester that will make their own impact on the city, it is important to remember that there is a place for all of us.  
  • We can keep what we love about Worcester while refusing to settle for the status quo – or worse, returning to the way things used to be.  
  • Change is necessary to survive.
  • But, it comes with its challenges.  
  • As English author Arnold Bennett wrote, "Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts."
  • It is hard to give up what you know.
  • You experience a loss when something changes,
  • But through that loss you open yourself up to the possibility of something better.  
  • While we may not have Skylite anymore, we will have weekly skate nights here on the Common that will celebrate the city’s history while promoting current businesses.  
  • And I commit to bringing more energy and life to the Common, building on events like Movies on the Common and Out to Lunch.  
  • From housing to recreation, new and creative uses of existing spaces are attracting people to the city.  
  • The PanMass Challenge, after 45 years – that's two generations – moved its start to Worcester because it saw an opportunity to continue its growth.  
  • The Massachusetts Republican and Democratic parties found common ground this year and both chose Worcester to host their conventions.  
  • Hundreds of people descended upon the Common on Saturday to watch the World Cup.
  • Patriots' Quarterback Drake Maye just hosted his inaugural MayeDay Family Foundation Celebrity Softball Classic at Polar Park.  
  • They are coming to the city because of the changes we have made.  
  • Let me take that last example – a charity softball game that drew thousands of visitors to Worcester.
  • It was made possible because we built one of the best minor league baseball parks in the country.  
  • We used that momentum to bring new life to the Canal District…
  • Hundreds of new market-rate and affordable housing units.  
  • New businesses and placemaking have blossomed.
  • And that is all because we dared to imagine more for a parking lot.  
  • We didn't dwell on what Worcester is or what it used to be, but instead imagined what Worcester could be.  
  • As City Manager, it is my job to imagine what Worcester can be.  
  • Lately that charge has directed my attention down the street to Lincoln Square.
  • I am not the only one.  
  • Businesses are investing in properties, and apartments are being constructed because developers see the potential in that area.  
  • It is my intention to capitalize on that potential.  
  • We are working with partners to redesign the transportation infrastructure to best suit development.  
  • We cannot let properties sit idle, and the time is now to activate them…  
  • Like the Worcester Auditorium, an iconic landmark, that once hosted legends like the Rolling Stones and Bob Cousy.  
  • But now it sits empty, slowly deteriorating.  
  • However, I am committed to what it can be.  
  • Just as Worcester Mayor Pehr G. Holmes was in 1917, saying at the time "I believe Worcester needs an auditorium. That is undoubtedly one of the next large activities toward which public sentiment should direct itself."
  • I can imagine the concerts and performances that will fill Lincoln Square with people and every corner of the Aud with music and chatter.  
  • A place where we honor our history, paying homage to our veterans, while preparing the space for the future of entertainment.
  • Momentum is at our backs – we have already had success preserving historic buildings in Lincoln Square like the old Courthouse.  
  • Freeplay now lights up the area, down the street from where Boston Billiards once stood.
  • And as we redevelop individual buildings it is important that we keep the whole area in mind and unlock opportunities for future development for a flourishing district.  
  • Because while I love Worcester as it is, I want to build on its full potential.  
  • That does not mean giving up on what we love about it but enhancing what we already have.  
  • Lincoln Square will not just be my legacy, but our legacy.  
  • Because this is our city and while we may be up against outside forces beyond our control, we can control how we guide Worcester's path into the future.
  • I will not let difficult times define this city.  
  • Instead, it will be defined by how we rose to the moment, and in the face of uncertainty, changed for the better.  
  • Just like we have for the past 250 years.
  • Worcester does not get knocked down and, for better or worse, is not afraid of a challenge.  
  • Join me in building the future of Worcester we want to see.  
  • Thank you.