Sisitsky: State of Framingham is “Strong”

FRAMINGHAM - Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky gave his annual State of the City address at the Memorial Building on Monday, January 27.

Local and state officials gathered at Nevins Hall to hear remarks on education, infrastructure, and other aspects of life in Framingham. During his speech, Sisitsky pointed to local achievements over the course of the past 12 months.

“All of these accomplishments took bold vision and leadership, and they will significantly enhance the lives of residents,” Sisitsky told attendees on Monday.

“Tonight, I am proud to report that the state of our city remains strong.”

Mayor Sisitsky highlighted steps taken in local education, as he mentioned Framingham Public Schools’ (FPS) ongoing partnership with Framingham State University and Massachusetts Bay Community College—the latter of which opened a new facility in Framingham in early 2024—for early college programs provided to local high school students, along with the expansion of pre-K offerings in the city. Sisitsky praised the Framingham Public Library for their programming offered to residents of all ages, as well as the continued growth of the Framingham Adult English as a Second Language program. Sisitsky said that the city remains focused on the development of a new south side elementary school following Framingham’s inclusion into the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) process.

Sustainability and environmental protection were also pillars of Sisitsky’s address on Monday. He mentioned that he and his administration will be looking to install more electric vehicle and solar devices across Framingham, while officials are working to initiate a local tree planting program. This comes after Framingham received a $22,000 state grant last year for composting bins; Sisitsky said those bins will be provided for free to the first 1,000 homes who sign up for a city-based composting program.

Sisitsky praised the work that went into planning free community events in 2024. After close to 26,000 people attended the Framingham Farmers Market in 2024, the mayor announced that June 19 will mark the first day of the market season at the Centre Common this year. Sisitsky told guests at the Memorial Building that the Stars and Stripes Over Framingham fireworks show at Farm Pond—which he anticipates will have a turnout higher than last year’s mark of 15,000—will take place on June 27. Additionally, municipal officials are aiming to host Framingham Day, an event to honor the artistic and cultural background of the city, on October 4, along with celebrations to commemorate the 325th anniversary of Framingham’s establishment on June 25.

Improvements to local recreation offerings were mentioned by the mayor on Monday as well. Sisitsky touted developments to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the Chris Walsh Memorial Trail thanks to grant funding, along with the ongoing renovation of Mary Dennison Park, the opening of the Arlington Street Park, new amenities at Fuller Field and the Longs Complex, additional events held at Loring Arena, and continued work to create a new community center at the former Marian High School property.  Moving forward, Sisitsky said he plans on utilizing the Economic Development Corporation to identify areas of economic growth within Framingham alongside public and private stakeholders.

The mayor cited additional grants from the state level for infrastructure upgrades, as he pointed to various road, sidewalk, and traffic projects that have been carried out over the past year. Sisitsky mentioned a new structure for water and sewer billing, with the intention of making those charges more equitable in Framingham.

Sisitsky highlighted the recently-launched police body camera pilot program along with the addition of a new Engine 3 vehicle for the Framingham Fire Department, as the planned regional emergency dispatch center along Concord Street (https://www.theframe.news/article/city-council-approves-provisions-for-regional-911-dispatch-center) is said to be on track to start operations in 2026. He also brought up the creation of a banner program to honor local veterans along with efforts to place more than 5,500 wreaths at the graves of armed forces vets. Sisitsky added that he and other officials are hoping to host more events at the Cushing Memorial Chapel going forward.

“I am encouraged by the progress we’ve made, but know there is still work to do,” Sisitsky continued.

“The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we work together.”

As for some of those challenges, Sisitsky said he is continuing to work with FPS leaders for a new plan to alleviate school bus troubles, which have persisted for months in Framingham. The mayor said he wants a new system in place for the next school year.

Sisitsky addressed concerns regarding federal immigration policies as well, as he explained that he is convening with municipal and state officials, along with local organizations and religious leaders, to form a strategy for Framingham. Sisitsky added that his administration has reached out to the offices of Framingham’s federal delegation on this matter: U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren as well as U.S. Representative Katherine Clark. These updates came following a statement from FPS Superintendent Dr. Robert Tremblay on January 22, as he wrote that the city’s school district is working to solidify student protections “to the extent of the law.”

Sisitsky told attendees that officials are working to fill vacant positions within municipal groups. A total of 65 people have been appointed to various boards and committees, according to the mayor on Monday, t the city’s website still shows close to 100 remaining vacancies as of the time of publication. Sisitsky said the city will be offering training on the state’s Open Meeting Law to help facilitate more community involvement, while his administration is planning on increasing language access and scheduling more district-based community meetings to hear directly from residents.

On the topic of the MBTA Communities Act, Sisitsky said he felt that his request to the state to recognize the downtown Central Business district as an area that meets the requirements of the multi-family zoning law was a product of a “crucial need” to avoid litigation or a loss of state funding sources—even if no final zoning amendments have been approved. He expressed confidence that Framingham will eventually be granted final approval from the state following the conditional approval passed down on January 22.

As 2025 marks a municipal election year in Framingham, Sisitsky finished his address by stressing “the power of community,” which is what he described as his motivation when carrying out his role as mayor.

“I don’t claim to have all the answers,” Sisitsky said, “but I commit to you that I will always work to ensure that our city is a place of promise, of progress, and of pride.”

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