Manchester, NH - Today, the Mayor’s office is proud to announce a collaboration with Members First Credit Union and Catholic Charities NH to launch a pilot program for those experiencing homelessness and utilizing services at the Engagement Center. Members First has generously donated $1,000 to this cause and Catholic Charities will play the fiscal agent for this important initiative. This significant contribution will support a new program at the Engagement Center to support those seeking identification, a crucial step in aiding those experiencing homelessness to reclaim their independence and stability.
“In our city, homelessness is not merely a statistic; it's a tragic reality faced by too many. The purpose of a shelter should be to break the cycle the individual is currently in, while helping to transition them into a sustainable life. Self-sufficiency should be the goal, and access to identification is essential. It can serve as a gateway to employment, housing, and vital social services.
“I commend Members First Credit Union for their unwavering commitment to our community's well-being. Their generous donation will undoubtably impact the lives of those most in need. Earlier this week we launched an affordable housing initiative to help address homelessness and today we are taking another important step to tackle this crisis in a comprehensive way.” stated Ruais
We believe in the power of community and the potential of every individual," said Courtney Fifield, President, and CEO of MFCU. "By providing access to essential identification, we are illuminating a path towards employment, housing, and a brighter future for people who are rewriting their stories.”
“Catholic Charities NH is deeply committed to collaborating with the Manchester community and our partners to improve the lives of those facing homelessness and other challenges,” said Tom Blonski, President and CEO of Catholic Charities NH. “Securing a driver’s license, birth certificate, or other forms of identification is a crucial step for individuals stuck in the cycle of homelessness, enabling them to access vital services and opportunities. We are thrilled to be the fiscal agent for this initiative to pave paths forward for many of our neighbors in need.”
“Catholic Charities has been a committed partner in our city's efforts to combat homelessness, and this contribution from Members First Credit Union further strengthens our collective resolve to address this pressing issue. Together, we are not only providing immediate relief but also fostering sustainable pathways out of homelessness.
As Mayor of Manchester, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Members First Credit Union for their generosity and to Catholic Charities for their tireless dedication to serving our community. Let us continue to work hand in hand, ensuring that no one is left behind as we strive for a brighter future for all,” added Ruais.
Get Ready for Summer! This season’s first Wellness on Wheels Resource Fair will be held on May 22nd from 4-6 p.m. at the Gossler Park School. Stop by for helpful health and wellness information and fun for all ages. See the flyer for more details and additional event dates!
Manchester Wellness on Wheels 2024 Events
Mayor Jay Ruais Requests Sale of Surplus City-Owned Lots for Affordable Housing Initiative to Address Homelessness
Manchester, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais has taken an important step towards tackling the shortage of affordable housing in Manchester by initiating the sale of surplus city-owned lots. In collaboration with key city departments including Tax Collector, Assessing, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, and the Solicitor’s Office, the City has identified 23 lots, comprising of 16 sites, that can be deemed surplus to the City’s needs.
Mayor Ruais outlined the primary objectives behind the proposed sale, stating, "This initiative aims to transition these properties into productive use, single family, and multi-family homes while also alleviating the City of maintenance responsibilities and generating tax revenue. Additionally, 50% of the profits from the sale will be allocated to the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund."
Acknowledging the urgency of the affordable housing crisis and its impact of homelessness, Mayor Ruais emphasized, "We recognize the pressing need for affordable housing in Manchester. By utilizing a portion of the sale proceeds to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units, we will make a difference on behalf of those in need."
Accompanying the list of surplus lots is a proposed ordinance that authorizes their disposal and directs half of the net proceeds from the sale to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with the remaining half deposited into the Special Revenue Account.
Mayor Ruais expressed confidence in the initiative, stating, "This effort will not only enhance the utilization of city-owned resources but also foster tangible progress in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Manchester. I want to thank all of the departments for their work these last several months for bringing this effort to fruition.”
Background:
This initiative begins this evening in the Committee on Lands and Building in the Aldermanic Chambers at 5:15 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE
(HUD FY 2024 Annual Action Plan)
In accordance with the City of Manchester’s Citizen Participation Plan notice is hereby given that as part of the development process of the City’s FY2025 Community Improvement Program, the City of Manchester Planning & Community Development Department has prepared a draft of the HUD FY2024 Annual Action Plan. The draft will be available for public review during a 30-day comment period beginning Monday, April 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. through Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
The Action Plan is an annual element of the five-year Consolidated Plan, which is a prerequisite for the receipt of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME funding. The estimated level of funding for each is as follows: CDBG entitlement funds, including program income, in the amount of $1,620,470; HOME entitlement funds, including program income and unprogrammed funds, in the amount of $1,737,020; and ESG funds in the amount of $146,899, for a total entitlement funding of $3,504,389. Submittal to HUD of the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Action Plan will occur upon approval by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen around May 17, 2024.
The Action Plan includes a number of activities that will primarily benefit low to moderate income City residents, either directly or indirectly. The Action Plan also includes a summary of the consultation process and coordination between the City and the Manchester Continuum of Care to support homelessness needs and services with entitlement funds. Proposed activities encompass (1) Public Services Activities which include day care, health care services, youth outreach, after school and educational and recreational programs, social services and neighborhood safety oriented programs; (2) Homeless Prevention and Homeless Support Services; 3) General Municipal and Community Development Programs including neighborhood and housing revitalization, infrastructure improvements, lead paint hazard remediation; and (4) Planning and Administration to include administrative costs for overall program activities and contingencies.
Copies of the draft Annual Action Plan will be available for public inspection for 30 days beginning on April 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the following locations during regular business hours:
Planning & Community Development Department, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH;
Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, Manchester, NH;
Manchester Community Resource Center, 434 Lake Avenue, Manchester, NH;
Available digitally at: http://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Community-Improvement-Program/HUD-Submittals
Questions regarding the Action Plan may be addressed to CIP Coordinator, Todd Fleming in the Planning and Community Development Department at 624-6450.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on the proposed Annual Action Plan through May 16, 2024. Please submit written comments to the City of Manchester Department of Planning and Community Development, Community Improvement Program, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101.
Signed: Jeffrey D. Belanger, AICP
Mayor of Manchester Applauds House Passage of HB 318 to Address Bail Reform Laws
Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais expressed his support and gratitude following the passage this morning of HB 318 by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. The legislation, aimed at reforming existing bail reform laws, marks an important step towards ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Manchester.
"I am thrilled to see the passage of HB 318 by the House of Representatives," stated Mayor Ruais. "This legislation will be instrumental in addressing the shortcomings of our current bail reform laws and reaffirms our commitment to prioritizing the safety of our community."
Emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of citizen safety, Mayor Ruais encouraged the State Senate to consider this legislation and work to find common ground. “It is essential for the City of Manchester that we make progress on this issue to protect our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Mayor Ruais extended his gratitude to the House of Representatives for their efforts on this critical issue and underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing legislation that serves the best interests of Manchester residents.
HB 318 represents an important step forward in enhancing public safety and addressing the concerns of the City of Manchester. Mayor Ruais reiterated his commitment to working collaboratively with state legislators and Governor Sununu to ensure the safety of Manchester.
**Background:**
-As of March 2024-there have been 817 arrests, with 306 (37%) individuals released on bail.
- Over the past 12 months, the Manchester Police Department conducted 4529 arrests, with 26% of arrestees being out on bail at the time of their new arrest.
Mayor Jay Ruais Presents FY 2025 Budget
Manchester NH-This evening, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais delivered his FY 2025 budget address before a special meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Ruais outlined the tough fiscal challenges our city faces this budget cycle and the difficult decisions made to address them while setting our city up for long term financial health and success. He stated, “As I was putting this together, I consulted with Chairman Levasseur, and Alderman Long, and we have agreed that this is a strong bipartisan framework that sets the stage for smooth enactment as it goes to the Board of Aldermen. I appreciate both of your efforts, and leadership in our city and thank you for your collaboration.”
Ruais went on to outline the fiscal realities presented in this budget. Including the need to last year’s use of $1.7 million in one-time funds, closing a $1.4 million gap in healthcare funding, a significant shift in new revenue from $4.5 million last year to a $166,373 this year and a historically high 4% Cost of Living Adjustment. When adding in the budget request from the school district and departmental asks, the city was facing an 8.25% spending increase. Ruais summarized the efforts to reduce spending by stating, “with a lot of hard work and tough decisions, we were able to cut that number down to 3.86%.”
Ruais then detailed several of the decisions made to reduce spending including a reduction in funded vacancies of $600,000, elimination of $792,957 from the Cash CIP project line, and did not allocate funding for $1,839,748 in department requests. Additionally, he stated that, “the hiring freeze will continue for non-emergency personnel until our fiscal condition dictates otherwise.” To set our city up for long term financial health, Mayor Ruais proposed in this budget a reduction in bonding by 10%, “in order to keep our debt service low so as not to burden future generations of Manchester residents.”
Ruais declared that this budget prioritized that which is important. This includes providing for Cost-of-Living Adjustments, merits, longevities, and retirement benefits for our city workers.
Ruais highlighted the school budget, “we were able to invest an additional $1 million into our School District. The $227 million we are proposing to allocate this evening represents the most ever allocated by the City of Manchester.”
With regard to public safety and first responders, he listed the following, this budget will fund Fusus and ShotSpotter, mental health clinician for Manchester Police Department and 10 police officers previously funded by the federal government. This builds off the city already hiring 6 new police officers since Ruais’ swearing in. Ensuring those that protect us have the proper protective gear to do so this budget covers the $100,000 request from the fire department to provide for this. Ruais stated, “the safety of our citizens is non-negotiable, you have our backs, and this budget has yours.”
Ruais discussed homelessness, “From prevention to case management, to sheltering, to transitional living, job placement, mental health and substance use disorder treatment our support runs the continuum.
This budget allocates money from the FY 2025 CDBG and ESG programs to end homelessness such as Families in Transition which will receive $70,000 for family emergency housing, WayPoint will receive $89,000 for their homeless youth shelter, YWCA will receive $70,000 for Emily’s Place and 1269 Café will receive $50,000 to double their residential room capacity.
He went on to state, “ARPA has fully funded the engagement center since its inception; and those funds run out on June 30th. I don’t believe cities should be in the shelter business, and we do not have the resources to fund this in the long term. We should take this opportunity to transition from a city run shelter, to that of a nonprofit.
What I am proposing today is that we take a portion of the ARPA money we have left to build a transitional bridge to the nonprofit that will take over. This is an important strategy allowing us to address these real challenges without having the taxpayer bear the full burden.”
Ruais outlined the need to plan for the future: “This budget is a governing document. And throughout its construction, I constantly asked, where do we want to see Manchester in 5-10-15 years and where can we make the investment today to get there.”
With that in mind, he highlighted the importance of infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, parks, youth sports and bringing the community together:
“We are investing $5.3 million in road infrastructure and improvements around the city. Well-maintained roads not only improve commute times but also contribute to economic development.
We are allocating $1 million towards sidewalk maintenance and upgrades promoting pedestrian safety and accessibility. Sidewalks are vital for creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
And we are investing $1 million in park renovations, upgrades, and maintenance that benefits the community by providing recreational spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy. This includes significant playground renovations at Livingston, Wolfe and Howe Parks. Parks contribute to public health, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability, making them essential assets for any city.
Building off the theme of Manchester's next generation and using our parks as a catalyst to grow our civic pride, we have identified youth sports as an important function of this. I’m thrilled to announce that we are allocating $200,000 for a league partnership program to further upgrade specific parks in which our youth sports are active.”
Ruais concluded: “If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, ours is a city filled with undeniable and unquantifiable promise, and this budget responsibly funds our potential. Let us remember the core values that unite us as citizens of Manchester. Let us not falter in our commitment to investing in our community while ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead, harnessing the collective strength of our diverse and vibrant city. And, as Bill Belichick would require of us- let us continue to do our jobs in service to the people of Manchester. I am confident that with prudent management and the dedication of our citizens, Manchester will continue to prosper and flourish. “
FY 2025 Budget Highlights
5.6% Allowable Tax Cap:
- Mayor’s Budget-3.86%
- 1.77% under the allowable tax cap
Municipal Spending:
- Total City Spending- $189,153, 835
- Covered a $1.7 million surplus deficit from prior years' one-time fund use
- Covered $1.4 million in increased Healthcare Costs over plan
- Eliminated $600,000 in unfunded vacancies
- Eliminated $792,957 from Cash CIP Project line
- Did not fund $1,839,748 in department requests
- Continued the hiring freeze for all but emergency requests
- Reduced bonding by 10%
- No city employee layoffs
- Did not expand the city staff compliment
- Level funded city departments while providing for 4% COLAS, Merits, longevities and retirements
School District:
- Increased budget $1 million from $226,982,601 to $227,982,601
- The most ever allocated by the city
Capital Improvements: Roads, Sidewalks, Parks and City Fleet:
- $5.3 million in road infrastructure and improvements
- $1 million towards sidewalk maintenance and upgrades
- $1 million in park renovations, upgrades and maintenance
- $3 million in upgrades to city fleet including MTA, Police, Fire and Highway Departments
Affordable Housing:
- Allocates $1.65 million of federal funds to help construct 45 units of affordable housing on the Pearl Street parking lot.
CDBG and ESG Programs to End Homelessness:
- Families in Transition receives $70,000 for family emergency housing
- WayPoint receives $89,000 for their homeless youth shelter
- YWCA receives $70,000 for Emily’s Place
- 1269 Café receives $50,000 to double their residential rooms
Community Improvement Program:
- Funding to a league partnership program to further upgrade specific parks in which our youth sports are active: $200,000
- Funding to Manchester Police Athletic League CHOICES program: $50,000
- Funding to Hillsborough County Child Advocacy: $20,000
- Funding to Manchester Community Resource Center: $110,000
- Funding to Meals on Wheels: $42,000
- Funding to Fun in the Sun for summer camp for students in grades 1 to 7: $100,000
- Funding for six agencies to provide youth services counseling: $150,000
First Responders:
- Protected 10 police officer positions currently funded by expiring federal COPS grant program
- Hired 6 additional police officers since January 2nd
- Funding the mental health clinician for our police officers
- $100,000 for much needed firefighter protective gear
Arbor Day – Energy Saving Trees Program. Through the Energy Saving Trees Program, eligible Manchester Residents can select and reserve a tree at no cost while supplies last, staring on March 28, 2024.
Sign up for this program using the link below.
More information about this program can be found in this flyer.
Media Advisory
Mayor Jay Ruais will present his FY 2025 budget to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen
When: Thursday, March 28th, 6 pm
What: Special Meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen
Where: Aldermanic Chambers, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester
Mayor Ruais Hosts Mayoral Summit with 12 Mayors Across the State
Today, Mayor Ruais convened a Mayoral Summit to discuss issues related to cities around the state. He released the following statement:
“I was thrilled to convene a meeting today with 12 New Hampshire mayors for the first of our quarterly meetings. We covered a lot of great ground about how we can work together to collaborate, advocate and advance issues of mutual importance to our municipalities. We discussed a host of topics such as homelessness, bail reform, education and affordable housing among others. I look forward to continuing our discussions and relationship building while identifying solutions to the challenges we are all confronting.”
The RFP issued for the Hallsville School property at 275 Jewett Street has been amended. A potential applicant contacted the Planning and Community Development Department and requested plans for the building. The City had floorplans on file. Those plans have been included in an amended RFP. Any questions should be e-mailed to Jeffrey Belanger, Director of Planning and Community Development, at jbelanger@manchesternh.gov and Pamela Goucher, Deputy Director for Planning and Zoning, at pgoucher@manchesternh.gov.
Please see announcement from March 19, 2024, for amended RFP, which includes floorplans.
The City of Manchester is pleased to publish a request for proposals for the acquisition of the Hallsville School property, which is located at 275 Jewett Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. The property is comprised of three lots, totaling approximately 55,000 square feet, and includes an historic, three-story school building containing approximately 57,000 square feet. The request for proposals is intended to solicit offers to purchase the property. Proposals will be due by 3:00 p.m. on July 1, 2024. Please refer to the RFP for details. Any questions should be e-mailed to Jeffrey Belanger, Director of Planning and Community Development, at jbelanger@manchesternh.gov and Pamela Goucher, Deputy Director for Planning and Zoning, at pgoucher@manchesternh.gov.
NH RSA 130-A:5-d becomes effective July 1, 2024, and requires all newly constructed rental dwelling units and newly licensed day care facilities within buildings erected prior to January 1, 1978 to have certification of lead safety prior to being used and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. This applies to projects that are currently underway or were issued a building permit prior to the effective date. For fact sheet click here. For more information click here.
Mayor Ruais Announces Ward 11 Town Hall
Manchester NH- Mayor Jay Ruais will be holding a Ward 11 Town Hall on Wednesday, March 13th at Gossler Park Elementary School, 145 Parkside Avenue from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Aldermen and School Board Members representing Ward 11 have also been invited.