Press Release
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2026
Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K.
Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
Mayor Pernerewski to Deliver 2026 State of the City
Address Highlighting Economic Growth, Infrastructure Investment, and Fiscal
Stability
(WATERBURY, CT) Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. will deliver
the 2026 State of the City Address on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during the annual
Mayoral Luncheon hosted by the Waterbury Regional
Chamber at La Bella Vista.
The luncheon will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and
will bring together business leaders, community stakeholders, elected
officials, and residents to hear an update on the city s continued progress and
priorities for the future.
During the address, Mayor Pernerewski will outline major
accomplishments over the past year and provide updates on key initiatives
involving economic development, public safety, education, infrastructure,
healthcare, housing, and fiscal management.
This year s State of the City reflects a community that
continues moving forward with purpose and momentum, said Mayor Pernerewski.
We are seeing measurable progress across nearly every sector, from economic
development and housing investment to public safety, education, and
infrastructure. At the same time, we are confronting long-standing challenges
directly and making the investments necessary to strengthen Waterbury for
generations to come.
The Mayor s address will highlight several transformative
development projects currently underway across the city, including the ongoing
remediation and redevelopment planning of Freight Street, redevelopment efforts
at the Anamet property, the construction of the Amazon Fulfillment Center, and
major downtown revitalization projects involving the Chase Building, Exchange
Place Courtyard, and multiple housing conversions.
The address will also focus heavily on infrastructure
investment, particularly the city s nearly $32 million commitment toward water
system improvements following major transmission main failures and recent
hydrant flow concerns. Additional updates will include roadway and sidewalk
investments, downtown parking modernization initiatives, and continued capital
improvements to public facilities.
Mayor Pernerewski is also expected to discuss continued
investments in public safety, including staffing growth within the Waterbury Police Department and ongoing
modernization efforts within the Waterbury Fire
Department.
Additional topics will include progress within Waterbury Public Schools, the continued
expansion of the Waterbury Promise scholarship program, and partnerships with
higher education institutions including UConn
Waterbury, Post University, and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley.
The Mayor will also emphasize the city s continued fiscal
stability, including the reaffirmation of Waterbury s AA bond rating with a
stable outlook, growth in the city s taxable grand list beyond $7 billion, and
proposed revisions to the FY2027 budget following an additional $23 million in
state aid secured through collaboration with the Governor and Waterbury s
legislative delegation.
Our administration remains committed to responsible growth,
fiscal discipline, and making strategic investments that improve quality of
life for residents while positioning Waterbury for long-term success, Mayor
Pernerewski said. The progress happening throughout our city today is the
result of strong partnerships, sound financial management, and a shared belief
in Waterbury s future.
The annual State of the City Address serves as an opportunity
to reflect on the city s accomplishments, discuss ongoing challenges, and
outline the administration s priorities moving forward.
Event Information
2026 Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon
Hosted by the Waterbury Regional Chamber
Thursday, May 14, 2026
12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
La Bella Vista
For event information, please contact the Waterbury Regional
Chamber at (203) 757-0701.
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