Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons Statement Regarding Passing of City Budget

City of Stamford budget for 2023-2024 passes! Mayor Simmons says it executed upon the priorities she laid out in March:

• Mitigating the Tax Impact: Extended the revaluation process for two years which will help mitigate the tax impact for residents as a result of the state-required revaluation.
• Strengthening Critical Infrastructure & Pedestrian Safety: Authorized funding for essential services for residents, with a focus on public safety, health, and welfare, and infrastructure, including road and sidewalk paving and pedestrian safety projects.
• Investing in Public Schools: Increased bonding authorization for school facility projects by about $28M and included $15M in reserve for schools; funding authorized for Stamford High, Julia Stark Elementary, Springdale Elementary, Davenport Ridge Elementary, Northeast Elementary, Newfield Elementary, and Rippowam Middle School.
• Expanding Mental Health Support: Authorized funding for two school nurses at Strawberry Hill School and Rogers International to add more mental health resources available on school campuses to provide support to Stamford students.

"Tonight's approval demonstrates another important step in our ongoing commitment to making government work for the people of Stamford. I am grateful to the hundreds of residents, business and civic leaders, and advocates that weighed in during this process, and am thankful for the Boards of Finance and Representatives for listening to that input, working with our administration, and then approving their respective budgets.

 Budgets reflect priorities, and tonight’s action will advance our work by fulfilling our promise to strengthen critical infrastructure including steps to improve pedestrian safety, strengthen our investment in our schools – from overdue upgrades to facilities to providing resources and support for the health and wellness of our students, to enhancing the quality of life for our residents through support for our parks and crucial sustainability initiatives. Throughout this process, I am proud that we kept our focus on maintaining fiscal discipline and made Stamford more affordable for residents, local businesses, and visitors who work and enjoy our city".