Manchester Releases its City-Wide Age-Friendly Action Plan

Manchester, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais is pleased to announce the release of Manchester’s Age Friendly Action Plan ( the next step in the City’s Age Friendly Planning Initiative to create a more accessible and livable community for residents of all ages, especially older adults.

According to the World Health Organization and AARP, an Age-Friendly City is one that promotes creating environments that support healthy aging by focusing on the physical, social and economic factors that influence how people age. These efforts are structured around Eight Domains of Livability: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation & Employment, Communication & Information, and Community and Health Services.

“This age-friendly initiative is an important opportunity to build a Manchester where everyone, no matter what their age, can thrive and enjoy an enhanced quality of life,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “The Age-Friendly Action Plan identifies how short and long-term efforts, both big and small, can make a measurable impact in improving public health and strengthening our community by ensuring all resident’s needs are taken into account.”

Manchester’s AFAP is the result of efforts by the City’s Health Department, in collaboration with the Mayor’s office and twenty community partners who formed an Age-Friendly Advisory Committee. Working together over several months, the Committee reviewed Manchester-specific data on aging and evaluated feedback from stakeholders and residents gathered through surveys and focus groups. The AFAP provides a summary of those findings and identifies areas of opportunity to enhance Manchester’s livability under each of the Eight Domains.

“With approximately 16,500 Manchester residents 65 years or older – and that number projected to steadily increase, this AFAP represents a commitment to ensuring the City’s older adults can remain independent, connected, and engaged,” said Deputy Public Health Director Elaine Michaud. “We look forward to continuing this effort with our dedicated community leaders, partners, and residents to create a community that supports the changing needs of those we serve.”

Over the coming mo nths, the Age Friendly Advisory Committee will reconvene to evaluate and prioritize their recommendations, identify funding needs and sources, and invite additional stakeholders and community engagement to begin the implementation process.

The Age Friendly Ac tion Plan can be found here:
https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Healthy-Aging

City to Switch Back to Usual Water Disinfection Process

Manchester, NH – The City of Manchester Water Works will be changing its disinfectant in the distribution system back to chloramine on October 14, 2025. This follows a 6-week period where the disinfectant was switched to free chlorine. This temporary conversion was last implemented in September 2024 as a common system maintenance practice. Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners should continue to do so during the conversion back to chloramine.

Manchester Water Works is responsible for providing drinking water and fire protection to the city of Manchester and portions of Auburn, Bedford, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett and Londonderry.

For more information, visit https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Water-Works, or contact the Manchester Water Works Laboratory at (603) 792-2855 Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm

Update on City’s Work in Ending Veteran Homelessness

MANCHESTER, NH – Last Friday, at the Annual NH Veteran Stand Down Event, Mayor Jay Ruais announced significant progress in the City of Manchester’s initiative to end veteran homelessness, launched in September 2024.

Since last fall, 62 veterans have been placed in permanent housing and dozens more have been prevented from falling into homelessness through proactive outreach and intervention. Today, only six veterans remain from the original list of those identified as homeless last year, all of whom are in transitional housing with active housing plans in place.

“For the first time in five years, Manchester is housing veterans faster than new cases are emerging, a critical milestone in our effort to end veteran homelessness,” said Mayor Ruais. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made, and I want to thank Harbor Care and all of our community partners for their leadership and collaboration. Together, we will finish the job and ensure every veteran in Manchester has a place to call home.”

This progress is the result of a broad coalition of partners, including Harbor Care, Veterans Inc., Clear Path for Veterans, Easterseals, Liberty House, HUD-VASH, the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, the Manchester Housing Authority, and numerous landlords, outreach teams, and shelter providers.

“Manchester is proving that ending veteran homelessness is possible. Harbor Care is proud to partner in this effort to ensure every veteran has a safe place to call home,” said Henry Och, President & CEO of Harbor Care.

Harbor Care’s Veteran Services remains the leading provider of housing and support services for veterans in New Hampshire, assisting more than 450 veterans and families each year. Since the initiative began, Harbor Care has directly supported 118 veterans, including helping 39 avoid homelessness through outreach and interventions, providing transitional housing for 33, and helping nearly 50 veterans re-enter the workforce.

The City will continue working toward its goal of effectively ending veteran homelessness in Manchester by January of 2026.

Mayor Ruais’ 19-Month Shelter and Winter Warming Plan Approved by Board of Aldermen

Manchester, NH – On Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen voted to approved Mayor Ruais’ 19-month plan to provide critical shelter services and winter warming space for Manchester’s most medically fragile and aged homeless.

The plan unfolds in two phases:

• Phase One keeps the 39 Beech Street shelter open through February 28, 2026, preserving its 40 emergency beds and daily services for 40–50 unique individuals. Maintaining this facility prevents the displacement of up to 90 individuals, many of whom are elderly or medically fragile.
• Phase Two, beginning March 1, 2026, launches a new 20-bed, higher-barrier shelter and winter warming site. This facility will shelter those who are aged, and or have chronic health conditions while the city works to develop a sustainable model for long-term care.

Mayor Ruais Released the Following Statement:

“I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for approving this plan that will protect the most vulnerable among us, while allowing for us to prepare for fatality prevention during the winter months. We must be proactive in this effort to address our collective challenges. Additionally, it is essential to note that this effort would simply not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of the Elliot Health System, Catholic Medical Center and Dartmouth Health.

These critical facilities make our city better, and stronger, every single day. With this innovative initiative, they are stepping up in a big way to make a major difference. This is what it looks like when our community comes together. Thanks to their leadership and compassion, we are not only preserving shelter for dozens of people but also ensuring that lives will be protected during the harshest months of the year. This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together to protect and care for those most in need.

I also want to thank Granite United Way who has offered their expertise in structuring the ability to fund this initiative, Manchester Community College for providing staffing assistance through their nursing program, and the NH Job Corps Center, through which, we will be hiring additional staff.

As I’ve always said, the strength of our city is within our people and our organizations that strive to work together and solve problems. We are incredibly fortunate to have such partnerships in the Queen City.”

Elliot Health System Released the Following Statement:

"We are especially pleased with the decision to execute this vitally important plan put forth by Mayor Ruais. At The Elliot, we believe our impact on health for our City is strengthened by working alongside community organizations who provide essential health care support needs. As a community-focused care delivery system guided by our mission to inspire wellness and heal our patients while serving with compassion, caring for all our citizens is crucial to building healthier communities together. The services available through the Beech Street shelter and winter warming facilities offer more than a place for residents to live," said Greg Baxter, MD, president and chief executive officer of Elliot Health System. "They are essential services that help to bridge the gap for our most vulnerable and aging populations, connecting them to needed resources in a safe environment. They allow our health systems to focus on providing a higher level of critical care as aligned with our legacy of excellence in patient care, to ensure we are collectively best serving our communities."

Catholic Medical Center Released the Following Statement:

At Catholic Medical Center. we carry out Christ’s healing ministry by offering health, healing and hope to every person we serve. That mission extends beyond our walls and into the heart of our community. Supporting this initiative is about more than a shelter — it’s about protecting lives, preserving dignity and ensuring that all of our neighbors have the opportunity to be safe and well. We are proud to stand with our partners in answering this urgent need and building a healthier, more compassionate Manchester — because the strength of a community is revealed in how we care for our most vulnerable.

Dartmouth Health Released the Following Statement:

“Dartmouth Health, as New Hampshire’s largest and only academic health system, has deep roots in the Queen City, via our Manchester clinic. Many of our clinicians live here and we care for our patients in the city’s hospitals. It is a duty and privilege for Dartmouth Health to join with city leaders and our healthcare colleagues in supporting this critical effort. The health consequences of homelessness, both to unhoused people and the community at large, are well documented, but not unfixable. Especially for the most vulnerable among those experiencing homelessness—the elderly and those with serious physical and mental illness—shelter in winter, as this initiative will provide, is literally a lifeline.”

City of Manchester Launches AI Chatbot to Enhance Resident Engagement

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the official launch of a new AI-powered Chatbot on the City of Manchester’s official website. This follows the three-week soft launch period that allowed the system to learn and improve. This phased approach ensured the Chatbot could provide more accurate, personalized, and convenient access to government services for all residents.

“Our goal is to make City services as easy to access as possible,” said Mayor Ruais. “This new AI Chatbot allows residents to get the answers they need quickly, accurately, and in a way that works for them, no matter the time of day or the language they speak. As a City, we must adapt and grow, and meet the needs of our residents, and I’m deeply grateful to our IT Director Jean Fortier and his team for all their work on this project.”

The Chatbot offers a range of features designed to improve the resident experience. It provides fast, personalized assistance that helps people find the information they need without unnecessary delays. Residents can interact with it in multiple languages, and the Chatbot will respond in the same language as the question asked. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it ensures that help is always just a click away.

Using the Chatbot is simple, residents can either type a question or select from a list of common inquiries displayed at the top of the interface. Its user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone to navigate, whether they are looking for information on City services, public events, or municipal processes. Because the Chatbot is powered by advanced AI, it continuously learns from each interaction. After training the AI over the past three weeks, it already answers over 80 percent of questions correctly, and City staff can update and refine its knowledge to improve future responses.

The technology works seamlessly across all browsers and devices, pulling information from multiple sections of the City’s website to deliver customized replies. Built on a trusted platform, it combines cutting-edge innovation with proven reliability.

The City encourages residents to try the new Chatbot today by visiting www.manchesternh.gov and exploring this new, user-friendly tool.

BMA Approves Mayor Ruais’ 19-Month Initiative for Homeless Shelter and Winter Warming

Manchester, NH – Last night, the Board of Aldermen approved Mayor Ruais’ 19-month plan to provide critical shelter services for Manchester’s most medically fragile and aged homeless. Included in this plan is winter warming capacity for fatality prevention and a doubling of the transitional beds available at 1269 Café.

The plan unfolds in two phases:

• Phase One: Continues operations at the 39 Beech Street shelter through February 28, 2026, preserving its 40 emergency beds and daily services for 40-50 guests. Maintaining this facility prevents the displacement of up to 90 individuals, including many who are elderly or medically fragile. Additionally, continued operation of this site avoids an estimated $121,000 per month in potential hotel placement costs the city is legally obligated to provide those in need.
• Phase Two: The 39 Beech Street Shelter and Engagement Center closes on February 28, and on March 1, 2026, the city will launch a new 20-bed, high-barrier shelter and winter warming site. This facility will shelter those who are homeless and have a chronic health condition, physical disabilities, or are in advanced age.

The initiative builds on the progress made at the Engagement Center at 39 Beech Street which has realized the following successes in the last year:

• Helped 60 individuals secure permanent housing
• Facilitated 49 residents in obtaining vital documents
• Supported 40 people entering detox or recovery programs
• Assisted 19 individuals in finding employment

The current shelter population includes:

• 21 people with chronic health conditions
• 20 with physical disabilities
• 8 using wheelchairs (2 due to amputations)
• 5 seniors over age 65
• 1 person with a walker and 2 reliant on oxygen 24/7

The plan’s winter warming strategy is essential to protecting this vulnerable population, and the city. Without this plan, individuals would be forced onto the streets just as temperatures drop, risking hypothermia and creating logistical strain on emergency responders. Continued shelter operations also avoid decentralizing warming efforts across multiple city sites, preserving efficiency and safety. This initiative is made possible through broad community support including a collaborative funding effort.
Phase One (September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026) preserves operations at the 39 Beech Street Shelter and Engagement Center through the winter:

As part of the agreement with funding entities, the Mayor will use the donated funds to leverage additional contributors into this initiative.

Phase Two (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027) launches a new high-barrier, 20 bed shelter with winter warming capacity:

Additionally, the plan provides $50,000 in funding to 1269 Café, a nonprofit transitional housing program that will double its sober housing capacity from 12 to 24 beds. This high-barrier, no-cost program offers structure, community support, and a pathway to long-term recovery and housing stability. With last night’s approval, the necessary CIP-amending resolutions and budget authorizations will be brought to the next Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on September 2nd for approval.

Mayor Ruais Released the Following Statement:

“I am deeply appreciative of the Board’s approval of this plan, without which, the city would have had to address 80-90 individuals being immediately displaced onto our streets on September 1 with no long-term plan to care for those medically fragile, or a plan to conduct winter warming. This would have been devastating to our downtown community, and city writ large.

We have worked tirelessly with our community partners to create a compassionate, coordinated, and fiscally responsible plan that protects lives and builds toward lasting solutions. Manchester has seen far too many cycles of temporary fixes, and this plan marks a deliberate shift away from reactive spending and toward coordinated, sustainable care.

Our goal is to stabilize lives, reduce the strain on city services, residents and visitors, while ultimately helping people transition into permanent housing. This will allow us to meet our goal of preventing fatalities in the winter months, while caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Importantly, these centralized building locations also help prevent large scale encampments in the downtown and around our city.”

Mayor Jay Ruais issues statement regarding his upcoming annual two week required training for the New Hampshire Army National Guard:

"I have always felt that public service is the highest of callings. From 11 July through 27 July, I will be completing my annual military commitment with the New Hampshire Army National Guard. I have received permission to return for one day, during the second week, in order to complete certain essential duties. This will not interfere with the performance of my military duties. I look forward to continuing our efforts upon my return.”

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Update on City’s Work in Addressing Homelessness:
53 Veterans Housed under Mayor’s Initiative, 55 Housed through Engagement Center

MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced that 53 formerly homeless veterans have now been housed since the launch of his initiative to effectively end veterans’ homelessness in Manchester. The goal is to achieve this by the end of his term in January 2026. The announcement comes approximately ten months after the mayor first unveiled the initiative in September 2024.

“Each one of these 53 placements represents a veteran who is no longer living on the street, in a shelter, or in transitional housing, but now has a safe, stable home,” said Mayor Ruais. “We made a promise to do right by those who served our country, and this milestone is proof that our approach is working. But our work is not done. We will keep pushing until every veteran in Manchester has a place to call home.”

Mayor Ruais underscored that this success is the direct result of close collaboration with a network of dedicated partners. “Our partners at Harbor Care, the VA, Easter Seals and more have been absolutely vital in leading outreach, case management, and housing navigation for our veterans. Additionally, local landlords have stepped up to open their doors, showing a level of commitment and compassion that is truly inspiring.”

He added, “This initiative works because our entire community has rallied behind it. From nonprofit organizations to housing advocates, service providers, and city staff, this is a shared mission that shows what we can achieve when we work together.”

Additionally, the latest data out of the Beech Street Shelter and Engagement Center is incredibly positive. Since June of 2024, 55 individuals have been successfully housed, 47 vital documents such as IDs and birth certificates have been provided, and 17 people have secured employment. Additionally, 38 individuals have entered detox programs, 60 bus passes have been distributed to support transportation needs, and overall, there have been over 2,000 connections made with service providers, demonstrating the center’s vital role in helping people access the resources and support they need.

“We have to break the cycle of homelessness in our city, and that starts with removing the barriers that keep people from finding stability,” said Mayor Ruais. “The connections made through the Beech Street Shelter and Engagement Center are doing exactly that by helping people get vital documents, treatment, employment, and ultimately, access to permanent housing. I want to thank all of our community providers who visit the Engagement Center to connect folks with assistance, city staff, Board of Aldermen, and the team at East Coast Evolution Leadership for their monumental efforts to help those in need. We know more work remains, and we are committed to continuing to address this challenging issue in a comprehensive manner.”

Background:
The federal standard for effectively ending veterans’ homelessness (reaching “functional zero”) is achieved when a community has fewer veterans experiencing homelessness than it can routinely house in a single month. It measures whether the community has a system in place that can quickly and sustainably rehouse any veteran who becomes homeless in the future.

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Mayor Ruais Applauds Passage of State Budget Including Group II Retirement Reform and Manchester Education Funding

MANCHESTER, NH – “I want to thank Governor Ayotte and the Legislature for reaching a compromise budget agreement on two major issues that will significantly benefit the City of Manchester.

On public safety, the reforms to Group II retirement represent a commonsense and fiscally responsible step forward. The recruitment and retention of our police officers and firefighters is essential to the long-term health and prosperity of our city. Last year, we saw a dramatic 15% reduction in overall crime, and a 21% and 24% reduction in overdoses and overdose fatalities, due in large part to our first responders. Failure to recruit and retain our first responders leads to excessive overtime costs and burnout, which ultimately weakens our public safety.

Regarding education funding, this budget protects Manchester from a dramatic cut of more than $12 million which would have led to harmful consequences for our children, families, educators, and taxpayers.

I fully recognize the difficult nature of this budget cycle and appreciate the work done to address these two critical provisions.”

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Manchester Named Third Best-Run City in the U.S. by WalletHub

MANCHESTER, NH - Manchester has been named the third best-run city by WalletHub.  The Queen City scored the designation when the personal finance website recently released its Best & Worst-Run Cities in America report for 2025 – a jump from 18th place in 2024.

Commenting on the selection, Mayor Jay Ruais said, “I am honored we have received this designation as the third best-run city in the U.S. It’s a real testament to the dedication of our residents, aldermen, department heads, business leaders, and developers. We are all working towards making Manchester the best mid-sized city in the country. Additionally, the public safety factor in the city continues to impress with dramatic declines in overdoses and fatal overdoses as well as a 15% reduction in overall crime. I give tremendous credit to our first responders for leading the way with this turnaround. Our affordable housing situation also continues to improve with hundreds of units being developed and brought on line all across the city. Manchester is thriving and WalletHub’s ranking is an excellent reflection of a city on the grow.”      

Scoring a pool of 148 cities, WalletHub used data across six categories: financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, as well as infrastructure and pollution. This data was used to create a “Quality of City Services” score, which is a result of combining those metrics, and then compared to the City’s total budget per capita to determine a city’s overall ranking. 

The City of Manchester ranks seventh-highest in the forecasted one-year change in median home value, with the overall economy also propelling the City towards the top, boasting the 15th-lowest unemployment rate among the cities scored.

The Manchester economy was ranked eighth in a category based on several factors, including unemployment, annual job growth rate, growth in the number of businesses, and changes in housing prices. Ranked 15th overall for safety, WalletHub used markers including crime rates and perception of safety, also ranking 15th lowest for property crime rates.

Manchester’s landing in the top three overall also includes the city’s approach to infrastructure and pollution, placing it as the seventh-lowest in air pollution.

This news comes on the heels of Livability ranking Manchester as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live for the second consecutive year. The City secured a spot on the list due to its high-scoring amenities, education, and low cost of living. WalletHub ranks Manchester as having the seventh-smallest traffic congestion, a fact supported by Livability, which calculated that the average commute time for residents of Manchester is under 20 minutes. 

Livability again scored Manchester as providing top amenities, including a variety of activities to suit different interests, access to diverse events, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Tax rates, rental and homeownership affordability also influenced Manchester’s ranking in the top 100 in the cost-of-living category. 

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