As we begin 2026, my family and I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

This past year has been one of tremendous progress for the City of Paw- tucket. Together, we’ve continued to move our community forward with important investments in education, infrastructure, housing, and economic development—all aimed at improving the quality of life for every resident. Pawtucket remains a creative, resilient, and compassionate city, known for our strong sense of community and as the proud City of the Arts.

We remain committed to ensuring every Pawtucket student has access to the best possible learning environment. Construction is moving forward on the new Pawtucket High School, a once-in-a-generation investment that will provide modern classrooms, career and technical education spaces, and athletic facilities. This new campus will serve as a hub for innovation

and opportunity for decades to come. Following the recent completion of the new Baldwin Elementary School and the successful openings of Winters and Potter-Burns Elementary Schools, we mark a continued transformation of our school facilities citywide.

The City of Pawtucket is dedicated to providing our youth with safe and modern schools and supporting them through various initiatives and programs. One such program is the Ben Mondor and Mayor Grebien Scholarship Program, which last year successfully distributed $1,000 scholarships to 32 high school students in Pawtucket. Additionally, the City has backed youth sports through the ARPA Youth Sports Revitalization Program and has created summer employment opportunities for youth in partnership with the Nonviolence Institute. This year, I am pleased to announce the creation of a new, City-Wide Youth Commission to engage, mentor, and energize our future leaders.

We’ve also seen major strides in economic development, including continued progress at Tidewater Land- ing—the largest project in our city’s history. The Centreville Bank stadium has seen record-breaking at- tendance for the RI Football Club games, bringing excitement, energy, and visitors to our waterfront while supporting hundreds of local jobs. The next phases of mixed-use development will bring new housing, retail, restaurants, and public waterfront access, transforming the Seekonk River corridor into a vibrant destination for all.

In addition, the Pawtucket–Central Falls Commuter Rail Station is now fully operational, connecting res- idents directly to Providence and Boston. The surrounding Transit-Oriented Development District continues to grow, with new housing, small businesses, and restored mill properties adding to the area’s vitality. Green space enhancements and public infrastructure improvements have also strengthened this key gateway into our city.

We continue to focus on delivering reliable and efficient city services that enhance daily life for our res- idents. Our expanded street paving program, new waste collection services, street sweeping initiative, and citywide signage updates are improving safety and accessibility in every neighborhood. We’ve also strength- ened partnerships with community organizations to support families in need, from food assistance to youth programs and small business aid.

I am also proud to announce that Pawtucket has officially become an AARP Age-Friendly community. This designation connects us to a nationwide network focused on supporting our older adult population and their caregivers, ensuring that their needs are met.

Additionally, the Pawtucket Arts & Culture Commission has partnered with the Harriet Ballou Charitable Foundation and Groundwork Rhode Island for the Outdoor Public Art Mural and Socialization Project at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center and Pawtucket Division of Senior Services. This initiative transforms an underutilized outdoor space into a recreational and event area for older adults and community members.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center and our partners in the Pawtucket Age-Friendly Task Force, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in our commu- nity.

As we embark on 2026, Pawtucket is at an exciting moment in its history. The progress we’ve achieved reflects the spirit of our community—hardworking, innovative, and united in purpose. I would like to express my gratitude to our City Council, School Committee, dedicated city employees, and the countless residents, businesses, and volunteers who contribute to making Pawtucket stronger every day.

Finally, I would like to thank our calendar sponsors, whose continued support allows us to provide this year’s City of Pawtucket Calendar. Inside, you’ll find helpful information on city services, contact details for elected officials, and upcoming events throughout the year.

On behalf of my family and the entire City team, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful 2026 filled

with health, happiness, and community pride.

Warm regards,