Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam delivered his administration’s first State of the City Address, which focused on building a connected city that lifts up residents in all neighborhoods and how his initiatives aim to connect residents to their city, their government, and each other.
Mayor Arulampalam began by discussing the FY 2025 Recommended Budget, which focuses on protecting renters and homeowners, investing in violence prevention, ensuring small businesses grow, and creating good-paying jobs. The Mayor spoke about investing in young people through the creation of the Department of Sports and Recreation, and he applauded the six young children who advocated for the new department before the City Council. He noted that the budget also centers on not cutting city services or raising taxes or fees on residents who are already experiencing financial strains.
The Mayor also announced that the city would soon launch an Office of Violence Prevention, increasing coordination, collaboration, and communication between non-profits, police, and schools. The office will be the second fully operational office of its kind in Connecticut.
“The state of our city is strong because our people are strong. Because we are resilient, determined, hopeful, and connected. Because when we come together to fulfill the promise of this city, and fight for our future, we grow even stronger. Today, I want to talk about the challenges we face and opportunities in front of us. And how by building a more connected city we will overcome these challenges and rise together,” said Mayor Arulampalam.
Watch Mayor Arulampalam’s full address here.
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