Inside City Hall: Your News from the Heart of the Commonwealth

Issue 06

March 21, 2017

The former Worcester Galleria gives way to new development opportunities

It's no surprise to Worcester locals that the core of downtown has been a recent hot spot for urban revitalization efforts. It is exciting to see that others are noticing as well, and Worcester was just featured in the Wall Street Journal as well as the Worcester Business Journal for its work to kick start the downtown. As City Manager Ed Augustus told the WSJ, "It's critical for cities to not just wring their hands about mistakes of earlier eras but to find solutions." Read the WSJ article and WBJ article. Photo courtesy of @igworcester / @jaimefloresphotography.

Going Green

City's LED streetlight replacement project proceeds

As of this month, approximately 3,000 of the city's 14,000 municipal streetlights have been replaced with high-efficiency LED lamps. This project is expected to be completed in early 2018 and will conserve more than 6 million kilowatt hours and taxpayers almost $1 million in electricity costs every year!

Chill Out This Summer

Worcester Ice Center coming in August 2017

The $18M project in the city's Canal District will feature twin ice rinks and 38,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space. The sports complex will be the home practice facility for the Worcester Railers and will host several colleges and universities, high school programs and youth hockey organizations.

Going on a Beer Run

Craft Brew Races return to Worcester on April 29

Join 1,400+ craft brew lovers for a 5k road race through downtown Worcester that will be followed by a local craft beer festival featuring beer sampling, live music, vendors and food trucks! All runners and walkers over 21 years of age are welcome to participate! #Worcester100

Crime on the Decline

Worcester remains one of the safest cities of its size in the northeast

In 2016, crime was down in several major categories, including violent crimes and property crimes. There was also an overall decrease in arrests - thanks to the hard work of the WPD, and in particular two new units, the Crisis Intervention Team and Program for Addiction Recovery, which focus on proactive policing.

Get Out and Play

91 ways to keep the kids entertained all year long

Discover Central Massachusetts, the region's tourism organization, has just released a fun and exciting list of things to do in Worcester and Central Massachusetts with kids of all ages. There is no shortage of creative activities! Check it out HERE.

The City of Worcester does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, as applicable.