Hillsborough Sun

City of Manchester issued the following announcement on March 23.

Today, Mayor Joyce Craig delivered her 2022 State of the City Address at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. 

Speaking to a room of community members and business leaders, Mayor Craig outlined the work that has been done in the City of Manchester over the past year and announced exciting initiatives in public transportation, education and economic development.

“The pandemic tested every aspect of how we live and work. But though it all, we persevered, one step at a time. And we adapted to COVID-19 in ways that have enhanced our lives and our community,” stated Mayor Joyce Craig. “As we continue forward, we know things will be different. But, I know we’ll come out of this stronger, because that’s what Queen City residents do. We put in the work.” 

Mayor Craig announced the launch of The Manchester Promise Program, an initiative to enable Manchester public school students, who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity and who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to attend college debt-free.  

She shared that in just two years, the City has exceeded their goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50 percent – current reductions are 58.4% – thanks in large part to the City’s solar array. 

In addition, Mayor Craig announced she is establishing an exploratory committee to bring hockey back to the Queen City.

“We’re putting in the work to create equitable futures for our students. We’re putting in the work to help our businesses recover and thrive. We’re putting in the work to build safe neighborhoods and empowered communities,” added Mayor Craig. “The state of our city is strong, because our residents are.” 

Mayor Joyce Craig 2022 State of the City Summary

• In the coming weeks, the City of Manchester will launch The Manchester Promise, a program in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester Community College, and Duet. 
• This program will enable Manchester public school students, who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity, to attend college debt-free.  
• For the first time in Manchester’s history, the Health Department will collaborate with the New Hampshire National Guard to provide essential services for residents.
• Mayor Craig: “We know residents are concerned about gun crimes in the city. Gun violence is unacceptable, and I want to reiterate that the safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority.”
• The MPD is focused on reducing gun crimes, implementing new tactics to address this concerning issue. They established a community-focused gun crime problem-solving team, are holding bi-weekly meetings with internal stakeholders and law enforcement partners, and have deployed additional walking patrols to increase police presence and community engagement in neighborhoods. Their efforts are yielding results – in 2021, MPD seized 81 illegal guns off the streets.
• In two years, Manchester exceeded the goal set in Mayor Craig’s 2020 State of the City to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%. Today, the City has realized a 58.4% reduction in CO2 emissions, thanks to the solar array, plus building and energy efficiencies.
• Manchester was named a finalist for the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge Phase 1. The Phase 2 application was submitted on March 15th.
• If awarded, the grant would bring $100M+ of federal investment into the region, accelerate job creation in tissue engineering and advanced aerial mobility; has the potential to create more than 20,000 jobs. The grant would also fund a pedestrian bridge over the Merrimack River connecting the Millyard to the West Side. 
• The Economic Development Department will soon issue an RFP to update the City’s marketing and branding strategy, working with the state tourism board to continue solidifying Manchester’s place as a top destination in New Hampshire.
• Mayor Craig: “But one thing that’s been missing is hockey – Manchester is a hockey town. I’m pleased to announce that I’m establishing an exploratory committee to work to bring hockey back to the Queen City.”
• The City and MTA are committed to bring innovative forms of public transportation to Manchester, including micro-transit; the City is in the process of piloting a program for on-demand bus service, and hope to launch service in FY23. 
• Mayor Craig: “Housing is one of New Hampshire’s biggest challenges, and we’re focused on increasing affordable housing locally.”
• The City allocated $8M dollars in federal funds to develop new affordable housing; includes $2.3M to construct 48 units at Kelley Falls (MHRA), renovate 101 units in the Elm Street Brownstones and Straw Mansion Apartments (NeighborWorks) and develop three studio apartments for young, at-risk adults (Waypoint). 
• Established the Manchester Housing Commission to monitor housing stock and make recommendations to increase affordable housing options in the city. 
• Currently finalizing proposals for 450+ new mixed-income apartments to be built on underutilized city-owned parking lots. 
• The City is working with MHRA to offer additional incentives for landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. 
• Utilizing federal funds, the City hired the City’s first Director of Homeless Initiatives, Schonna Green.
• We’re working with the outreach teams to address the needs of those who are chronically homeless, and collaborating with non-profits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and residents. 
• We’re also establishing new relationships with recovery service providers and to date, have helped over 30 individuals enter treatment.

Original source can be found here.