Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais today thanked the Board of Aldermen for approving an audit of the Manchester School District, and a series of Departmental audits, marking a significant step forward in strengthening independent oversight, protecting taxpayers, transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in City government. Last week, the Manchester Board of School Committee unanimously approved the School District audit.

For six years, the City of Manchester operated without the Charter mandated Independent City Auditor. With the restoration of that position, the City is now moving forward with a comprehensive audit plan that will play a central role in the Mayor’s STARS Initiative, which stands for Streamlining, Taxpayer Accountability, and Reform System, and was launched during his inaugural address.

As per the Mayor’s request, the Board of Aldermen approved the conducting of audits of the following City Departments: Central Fleet, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Department of Public Works, and Human Resources, including benefits and payroll.

Our City and School District undergo required annual audits which effectively confirm whether the financial reporting is accurate and compliant. By contrast, the Independent City Auditor works to ensure the City is operationally efficient, and performing effectively before problems arise. These audits are more in depth, looking in greater detail at financial management, and can take significant time.

The Manchester School District audit will be a programmatic and efficiency review focused on ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer resources while avoiding duplication of existing state, federal, and independent financial audits. The audit will examine key operational areas including administrative efficiency, payroll and staffing practices, procurement processes, and insurance administration.

“These audits are about making sure City government is operating as efficiently, transparently, and responsibly as possible,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “For years, Manchester lacked the independent oversight required by our Charter. Restoring that oversight and putting it to work is a critical part of delivering accountable government to our residents.”

Mayor Ruais added, “I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for their thoughtful consideration and approval of these audits. This work is central to the STARS Initiative and reflects our shared commitment to transparency, taxpayer accountability, and meaningful oversight of City government and the Manchester School District.”

The audits will be conducted by the Independent City Auditor in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards, with findings and recommendations released publicly in compliance with New Hampshire’s Right to Know Law.

Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the initiation of the City of Manchester Commission on Child Care, a major new initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable, licensed child care and strengthening early childhood supports across the city.

Mayor Ruais emphasized that this work is both deeply personal and critically important for Manchester’s future.

“As a new dad, I recognize the importance of this issue, and it reminds me constantly of our responsibility to give every child the strongest possible start,” said Mayor Ruais.

The Mayor highlighted the data showing the scale of the challenge. Across New Hampshire, licensed child care capacity for children under five has dropped nearly 13 percent between 2017 and 2024, even though the number of young children has remained steady. Providers are operating at only 85 percent of their licensed capacity due to staffing shortages and financial strain. The economic consequences are significant: New Hampshire businesses lose an estimated $56 million annually because parents cannot find or afford child care and are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce.

“Child care isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a livability issue for our entire city,” Ruais said. “My vision is a Manchester where every family can access the care and early learning opportunities their children deserve.”

The City Manchester Commission on Child Care will focus on creating a blueprint to:

• Expand the supply of licensed child care programs
• Strengthen the early childhood workforce
• Improve family access to early literacy and engagement resources
• Coordinate efforts across city departments, schools, nonprofits, businesses and community partners
• Deliver actionable recommendations to the City by fall 2026

The Commission will work in partnership with the National League of Cities and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to leverage national best practices and local expertise.

Manchester, NH – On January 1, 2026, the City of Manchester experienced a tragic early-morning fire at the Executive Manor apartment building located at 567 Union Street. The fire resulted in the loss of one life, multiple injuries, and the displacement of dozens of residents.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased as Thomas J. Casey, 70, of Manchester. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was accidental. Four individuals remain hospitalized, and three others have been discharged. One child remains in critical condition.

As many as 50 residents were displaced as a result of the Union Street fire. The City continues to work closely with community partners to ensure all impacted residents are being connected to housing, financial assistance, and stabilization services.

These same support resources are also available to residents displaced by a separate apartment fire that occurred on the morning of January 5, 2026, at 305 Amherst Street, which resulted in the displacement of 18 individuals. There were no reported casualties from that incident.

“Our community has come together during these tragic incidents in an extraordinary way to support neighbors impacted by these fires,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “We remain focused on ensuring every displaced resident is connected to housing and support services, and I am deeply grateful to our first responders, city staff, and partner organizations for their continued work.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DISPLACED FIRE VICTIMS

All registered families are currently eligible or are already receiving:

• Financial support
• Daily meals
• Placement assistance, with multiple agencies actively working to secure permanent housing

Residents who were displaced by the fire and have not yet registered or are in need of housing and support services are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross directly. If you have not yet come forward, or if you are unable to access services on your own, please call:

1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The American Red Cross can help connect residents to emergency assistance, housing support, and partner agencies.

This relief effort is a coordinated collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, Office of Homelessness Initiatives, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Housing, Manchester Welfare Department, the American Red Cross of Northern New England, Choice Realty, and the First Baptist Church.

Assistance for Displaced Residents and Those Seeking to Help

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to displaced residents.
Residents in need of assistance may contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donation and volunteer opportunities are available at redcross.org.

Salvation Army

Greater Manchester The Salvation Army is assisting on a case-by-case basis for affected residents.
Location: 121 Cedar Street, Manchester, NH 03101
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Phone: (603) 627-7013

Manchester Welfare Department

The Manchester Welfare Department is available to assist displaced residents with emergency housing support, benefits navigation, and stabilization services. Location: 1528 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101 Office Hours: Monday–Friday
Phone: (603) 624-6484

Community members are reminded that while there has been a strong outpouring of generosity, organizers request that donations not be brought directly to partner sites at this time. Additional guidance regarding how to donate funds, clothing, household items, and non-perishable food will be released soon.

The City will continue to share vetted updates as additional information becomes available

Manchester, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais, along with members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee, were officially sworn into office today during an inauguration ceremony held at the Palace Theatre.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Ruais reflected on the City’s recent progress and outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on affordability, accountability, public safety, and collaboration.

“Manchester has been tested before, and we have shown that when we work together, we can deliver real results for our residents,” said Mayor Ruais. “The people of this city sent us here to govern responsibly, work collaboratively, and make their lives better and that is exactly what we intend to do.”

During his remarks, Mayor Ruais highlighted Manchester’s recognition as the third best run city in the United States, while continuing the goal to make Manchester the best mid-sized city in the United States.

A large portion of the address focused on homelessness, particularly veterans’ homelessness. Mayor Ruais announced that all 47 veterans previously experiencing homelessness in Manchester are now housed, with 89 veterans placed into stable housing overall, and the City now housing veterans faster than new cases emerge even amid a historically tight housing market.

Building on that progress, the Mayor announced a new partnership aimed at addressing family homelessness. Through collaboration with Family Promise, local philanthropic leadership, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, the City will support the creation of 15 to 18 units of transitional housing for families with children, a project designed to eliminate the daily shelter waitlist that leaves approximately 20 families without access to shelter.

Public safety was also emphasized as a cornerstone of the City’s success. Mayor Ruais noted that crime fell 15 percent in 2024 and an additional 8 percent in 2025, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Manchester Police Department and addressing staffing shortages through their upcoming union contracts.

On housing affordability, the Mayor highlighted the passage of a historic rewrite of Manchester’s zoning ordinance, only the third complete rewrite in the City’s history, which will take effect March 1. He mentioned additional reforms intended to expand housing opportunities, reduce barriers to development, and improve long term affordability.

Mayor Ruais also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, noting his first two budgets came in well under the tax cap, saving taxpayers nearly 7 million dollars.

To further strengthen accountability and efficiency, the Mayor announced the launch of the Manchester STARS Initiative, which stands for Streamlining, Taxpayer Accountability, and Reform System, including the creation of a centralized purchasing division to address inefficiencies costing taxpayers more than 1 million dollars annually, expanded departmental audits, and strengthened oversight practices.

Looking ahead, Mayor Ruais announced the formation of a new City commission dedicated to expanding access to affordable, licensed child care and strengthening early childhood education, addressing a critical gap affecting nearly 3,000 Manchester children under the age of five.

The Mayor concluded by emphasizing that affordability will define the City’s work moving forward, including affordable housing, affordable child care, and an affordable, accountable city government.

“We have a limited window to turn ideas into action,” Mayor Ruais said. “This is our moment, and we will not waste it.”

MANCHESTER, NH – Last night, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve Manchester’s historic new Zoning Rewrite, a major step toward modernizing the city’s land use regulations and advancing the community’s vision for growth, housing, and economic opportunity.

The rewrite implements key recommendations of the 2021 Manchester Master Plan, which was the first master plan update since 2009. The Master Plan was shaped by extensive community input and outlines residents’ long-term goals for how Manchester should develop. One of the plan’s central recommendations was to update the city’s land-use regulations to reflect the community’s goals and to make these laws clearer and more user-friendly.

The rewrite is the first and most important step toward fulfilling that recommendation. It will anchor a new Manchester Land Use Code that will bring together the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and site plan regulations into a single and streamlined document. This consolidation will make the rules easier to understand and apply, reduce red tape, and create more opportunities for development, housing, and business investment.

Work on the rewrite began in late 2021. Since then, the City has partnered with planning consultants and engaged in an extensive public process that included interviews, a multi-day design charrette, and multiple rounds of drafting. The first public draft was released on June 21, 2024, followed by a robust citywide outreach effort.

Throughout the summer of 2024, Manchester hosted 12 community meetings in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension to ensure broad public participation. The City also partnered with the UNH Survey Center to conduct a zoning survey. More than 1,000 residents attended public meetings and nearly 1,500 responded to the survey. The thousands of comments provided during this process helped shape the second draft, which was released on August 8, 2025.

“We must drive down the cost of housing and make Manchester more affordable. This zoning rewrite is one of the most important steps we can take to secure Manchester’s future,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “By modernizing our land use code, we are unlocking new opportunities for housing, promoting responsible growth, and making it easier for residents and businesses to invest in our city. This work reflects the voices of thousands of Manchester residents, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this process. I especially want to thank Director Jeff Belanger, Senior Planner Kristin Bixby, and the entire Planning and Community Development Department for their leadership, their persistence, and their tremendous dedication to getting this right.”

“This zoning rewrite is the product of the most comprehensive public engagement that the City of Manchester has ever done for a zoning ordinance,” said Jeff Belanger, Director of the Manchester Planning and Community Development Department. “From the beginning, our goal has always been to understand what the people of Manchester want for the future of their city and to deliver that to them. I want to thank everyone who participated in the public engagement, whether they came to a community meeting, or filled out a survey, or submitted a comment. We heard you, the rewrite is a reflection of what you said, and this process could not have succeeded without you. I also want to sincerely thank Mayor Ruais for his leadership and support, which was essential to the adoption of the zoning rewrite.”

This is only the third comprehensive zoning rewrite in Manchester’s history. Its approval marks a significant milestone in ensuring the city remains responsive to the needs of today’s residents and businesses while supporting sustainable and well-planned growth for decades to come.

MANCHESTER, NH — The City of Manchester announces the Inauguration of Mayor Jay Ruais, Members of the Board of Aldermen, and Board of School Committee.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this civic event, which marks the beginning of a new term of municipal leadership and service to the community. The ceremony will include the administration of oaths of office, remarks from the Mayor, and musical performances.

“The inauguration is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate public service, and look ahead to the work that lies before us,” said Mayor Ruais. “I am honored to continue serving the people of Manchester, and I look forward to partnering with residents, businesses, and our dedicated city officials to continue making progress here in the Queen City.”

Details regarding parking, accessibility, and program schedule will be shared closer to the event date on the City’s website and official social media channels.

Event Details

• What: Inauguration of Mayor Ruais, Board of Aldermen, and Board of School Committee
• When: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Palace Theater, 80 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH

Public Invitation

All residents, community partners, media, and stakeholders are welcome to join the City of Manchester for this important civic celebration.

Organizational meetings of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Board of School Committee will be held at City Hall immediately following the ceremony.

Manchester, NH – On Tuesday, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a proposal to strengthen Manchester’s recovery infrastructure by supporting the expansion of Hope for NH Recovery’s services at 293 Wilson Street.

“I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for unanimously supporting this initiative. Hope for NH Recovery has been, and continues to be, an indispensable partner in our city’s response to the substance use crisis,” said Mayor Ruais. “Their teams work every day to meet people where they are, whether on our streets, alongside our first responders, or in our neighborhoods. They help guide residents toward treatment, recovery, and long-term stability. This project gives them the tools they need to strengthen and expand that impact.”

Hope for NH Recovery has long served as a trusted resource for individuals with a substance use disorder, providing peer-based recovery services, crisis engagement, and navigation to treatment and ongoing supports. Their close collaboration with first responders and outreach teams has allowed them to build strong relationships with some of Manchester’s most vulnerable residents.

The approved funding will allow Hope for NH Recovery to acquire a condominium unit at their current service location, creating a dedicated short term, substance free recovery and emergency stabilization facility. The site will offer temporary housing for up to ten individuals in acute crisis while they await placement in treatment programs, ensuring safety, stability, and continuity of care in a familiar and supportive environment. This is a one-time city expenditure used only for property acquisition.

"The impact of this partnership is visible in the hundreds of members currently rebuilding their lives at Hope," said Randy Stevens, Executive Director at Hope for NH Recovery. "This collaboration has become a catalyst for the kind of systemic change we all want to see. It’s not just about services; it’s about creating an environment where recovery is contagious. You can feel the difference the moment you enter the building. By working so closely with the City, we are effectively converting individual successes into a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for everyone."

Mayor Ruais added, “There is a critical service gap in our community. There is often a short window when someone has accepted help to get them into long-term treatment and off our streets. That window closes if they are waiting for the help, and hope is lost. At zero cost to the taxpayer, we are working to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction on our streets, and I want to thank Hope for NH Recovery, and Aldermen Kelly Thomas and Bill Barry for their continued efforts on this important issue.”

Additional Background on the City’s Support of Hope for NH Recovery:

• The Board of Mayor and Aldermen previously approved $201,000 in Opioid Abatement funds for an expansion of their community outreach teams.
• The Manchester Fire Department donated an SUV to Hope for NH Recovery to support their outreach and engagement efforts

Manchester, NH – The City of Manchester is proud to highlight continued progress in addressing homelessness. Since January of 2024, through the Engagement Center at the 39 Beech Street Shelter, hundreds of individuals have been connected to vital services, housing, employment, and recovery opportunities.

From June of 2024 through October of 2025, the City and its partners have realized the following outcomes:

• 2,733 provider connections made linking individuals to critical resources
• 69 individuals housed
• 50 people obtained vital documents such as birth certificates and identification cards
• 45 individuals entered detox or treatment programs
• 22 people gained employment

“More work remains to continue addressing homelessness, but these results demonstrate that our comprehensive, partnership-driven approach is making a difference,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “Each person who finds stability, housing, or employment through our efforts represents meaningful progress for our city as a whole. By combining compassion with accountability, we’re demonstrating that we can make measurable progress for our city and those in need.”

These successes have been built on a collaborative effort involving a wide range of community partners who provide on-site services and outreach, including:

• Manchester Mental Health
• Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
• CMC Street Medicine/Healthcare for the Homeless
• Meals on Wheels
• Hope for NH Recovery
• NH Employment Security
• City of Manchester Welfare Department
• Do You Know Him? Ministries
• Bethany Chapel
• House of Prayer
• Elliot Hospital Visiting Nurses Association
• SNAP Benefits Outreach

The Engagement Center serves as an important component of Manchester’s comprehensive response to homelessness, providing a central hub for individuals seeking assistance, case management, and connections to housing and recovery services.

“I’d like to specifically thank the team at East Coast Evolution Leadership for their management of this effort. Through strong partnerships and persistent outreach, we are working to clean up our streets, assist those in need while strengthening our community as a whole,” Mayor Ruais added. “I’m deeply grateful to all our partners for their ongoing commitment to this work.”

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