As 2025 comes to a close, I’m pleased to share a high-level overview of the year in Waltham, highlighting key City Council initiatives, accomplishments, and ongoing efforts that affect residents in Ward 7 and across the city. While this summary cannot capture every item/issue addressed, it reflects some of the important developments that help shape our community.

Throughout 2025, the City Council focused on responsible growth, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements, balancing long-term planning with practical action, strong fiscal oversight, and continued public engagement.

Here are some highlights.

Growth, Development & the Local Economy

The Council reviewed several major redevelopment proposals aimed at reinvesting in underused commercial properties, including mixed-use plans at Bay Colony (Winter Street), Jones Road, and the former Polaroid/Market Basket site on Main Street. All proposals remain subject to public review and special permit approval.

• Zoning changes to allow mixed-use development (residential, retail, and commercial) are currently before the Ordinances & Rules Committee for three parcels: Winter Street (Bay Colony and Waltham Woods, adjacent to Ward 3), Jones Road (near the future MBTA multi-modal transportation center on Green Street), and 1265 Main Street (Market Basket Plaza).

• Preliminary plans include a mix of residential and retail at all three sites, with detailed designs still in development.

• Any construction will require special permit approval even after zoning changes are adopted.

The Council also revisited redevelopment of long-vacant properties, including a proposed small hotel with restaurant and event space on Moody Street (currently before the O&R Committee for a special permit). Additionally, the City continued supporting local businesses through initiatives such as seasonal outdoor dining.

Housing & Zoning

Housing remained a central focus in 2025. The Council adopted zoning changes required by the MBTA Communities Act, approved a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance following state guidelines and public input, and continued work toward broader zoning updates. (More information here.)

The Council also approved funding for affordable housing renovations, housing rehabilitation, and accessibility improvements.

Public Safety, Infrastructure & Transportation Technology

The City invested in core services and infrastructure, including delivery of new fire engines, long-term planning for future police, fire, and DPW facilities, utility upgrades, and continued road and sidewalk improvements.

In 2025, the Police implemented Flock license plate reader technology, prompting important discussion about privacy, transparency, and oversight. In response, the Council introduced a resolution to ensure that data governance, retention, and resident privacy are clearly addressed.

Transportation and safety efforts included bike and pedestrian planning, and school bus safety cameras.

I also sponsored a resolution for the City to adopt innovative parking technologies aimed at reducing illegal and dangerous parking behavior. One such solution offers 24/7 automated monitoring, real-time data and reporting, and solar-powered devices at no cost to the City. By improving compliance in critical areas such as crosswalks, bus stops, and bike lanes, this technology helps make streets safer while reducing the need for constant on-site enforcement.

Budget & Fiscal Stewardship

The Council approved the FY26 city and school budgets following a detailed review. Waltham remains on solid financial footing while continuing to protect homeowners through the residential tax exemption. Grants and Community Preservation Act funding supported seniors, parks, housing rehabilitation, historic preservation, and community organizations.

The Mayor's Recommendations for the FY2026 budget totaled $378,037,187 for programs and services across 30 program budgets. The City budget is available for public viewing on the Auditor’s webpage on the City website. The FY2026 budget reflects a net increase of $24,187,367, a 6.8% increase over last year.

• The municipal budget totals $254,155,373.

• The school budget totals $123,336,765, representing a 7% year-over-year increase.

Tax Rate Summary                      

Waltham’s FY2026 tax levy was approved at a rate of $10.32, a $0.50 increase over 2025. Residents will see a modest increase, averaging $339 per single-family home per year ($85 per quarter). Contributing factors include rising construction costs, stalled commercial projects, shifts in office and retail space usage, and continued growth in property values. (Over the last 10 years, the average single-family home has increased in value by $367,000.)

To help offset the impact, $1 million in sewer retained earnings will maintain 2026 sewer rates. The residential exemption remains at 35%, with the residential factor set at 0.599736 to balance commercial and residential contributions.

Quality of Life & Community Assets

Replant Waltham Tree Grant (Spring 2025): Waltham was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to plant trees in the West End neighborhood. The “Replant Waltham” initiative will plant 30 different tree species, primarily native, under the supervision of the City’s tree warden, enhancing community green space and environmental stewardship.

Initiatives focused on everyday livability included:

• I sponsored a citywide rodent control resolution to reduce rodent activity through coordinated, preventative action across city departments—supporting cleaner, healthier neighborhoods

• Expansion of Big Belly solar trash compactors and advancement of a stronger dumpster ordinance, aimed at reducing litter and rodent activity

• Updates to the noise ordinance

• Continued planning for the Fernald / 200 Trapelo Road site

• Expansion of the Rail Trail, improving access to safe, connected outdoor recreation in the City

The City also celebrated the opening of the all-inclusive playground, which has been a major success and is already a well-used community destination for families from across Waltham.

Civic Engagement & Recognition

Public participation remained strong throughout the year. The Council honored educators, first responders, cultural institutions, and community leaders, including:

• The Sam Shriberg Resolution, recognizing a lifetime of civic contribution and accepted by Mr. Shriberg’s daughter

• A resolution honoring the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra on its 40th anniversary

Fernald Redevelopment, Recreation & Major Infrastructure

In December, the City Council approved several key actions advancing the long-term redevelopment of the Fernald property at 200 Trapelo Road. The Council authorized $50,000 for design services for a proposed 9-hole, par-3 golf course, as well as a $6.8 million loan authorization for roadway and utility improvements to support planned veterans housing, housing for adults with disabilities over age 23, adult day care services, and expanded recreational amenities.

Demolition of the Withington and Farrell buildings is nearing completion. Planning is underway to refurbish the Howe and Administration buildings for future use by the Recreation Department, with plans also including a historical exhibit honoring the Fernald property and its residents.

Funding was approved for the next phase of recreation improvements, including an outdoor theater and arts space and new athletic fields. In addition, the Council approved project planning funds to relocate the Department of Public Works to the Waverley Oaks Road side of the site—an important first step toward the longer-term goal of constructing new public safety headquarters at 155 Lexington Street.

Beyond Fernald, the City continues to evaluate options for a new hockey rink behind the Lawrence School, along with decisions about the future use of the school building itself, as the state has declined to offer a long-term lease for the existing rink on Totten Pond Road.

Finally, the MWRA is continuing planning for its long-term tunnel project beneath Waltham. A future construction shaft will be located on state-owned land near Waverley Oaks Road; while visible from the roadway, it is expected to be relatively small and unobtrusive.

Select Initiatives Currently Underway

Several initiatives I am actively advancing remain underway:

• Citywide Rodent Control Resolution
  Advancing a proactive, coordinated citywide plan focused on prevention, data, and enforcement. Relevant departments will attend an Economic & Community Development Committee meeting in January to continue this work.

• “Clean & Current” City Website Initiative
  Working to encourage all departments to update and maintain accurate, accessible, and current website content—improving transparency and communication for residents.

• Dog Grooming Zoning Update
  A zoning change to allow dog grooming as a permitted use is currently before the Ordinance & Rules Committee.

• Improved City–School Communication
  Following a resolution I sponsored, the Superintendent now regularly engages with the City Council beyond the annual budget process, improving communication, responsiveness, and coordination on non-budget issues affecting families and schools.

Ward 7: Local Focus Areas

The following items highlight issues and projects of particular relevance to Ward 7 residents.

Traffic & Safety in Ward 7

• New crosswalk with rapid flashing beacon has been installed on Stow Street

• Pending crosswalk request to provide access to the Discovery Village Childcare Center on Stow and Weston Street.

• New South Street crosswalk at Brandeis with in-road lighting, motion sensors, and enhanced nighttime visibility (approved with religious considerations). This was paid for by Brandeis and will be maintained by Brandeis.

• Pending safety improvements near Stanley School on South Street at Shakespeare Road.

• Radar speed signs retained on South Street at the Weston line

• Documented improvement in accident rates at Bedford Street / South Street

• With the West End Traffic Study now complete, providing a comprehensive assessment of traffic patterns, safety concerns, and neighborhood impacts, I am awaiting recommendations from the City’s Traffic Engineer on next steps and specific improvements to enhance safety and mobility.

• Continuing to advocate and monitor progress of the proposed infrastructure improvements at 128/20/117/Green Street and the dead-ending of Stow Street.

Housing & Growth in Ward 7

• Approval of MBTA Communities zoning near the Roberts/Brandeis station

• Two new housing developments on Main Street (near the Weston border) under Chapter 40B

• Brandeis University’s new 631-bed residence hall

• A new overlay district under review on Jones Road that will allow mixed-use zoning

• Opportunities for Inclusion group home at 15 Fiske Avenue

A Personal Note from Your Councilor

This year has been full of both honor and challenge, and I’m grateful to share a few highlights. I was re-elected to represent Ward 7 for a third term – a privilege that allows me to serve our community with passion, pride, and purpose. On November 25, we said goodbye to my mother, my strongest critic and greatest advocate. Though the last few years were difficult as she lived with Alzheimer’s, my sister, our families, and I were fortunate to find the best care for her. Her love and guidance remain with us every day.

In the arts, I continued my work as a music director, including the critically acclaimed production of A Man of No Importance at Speakeasy Stage Company, earning a nomination for an Elliot Norton Award for excellence in Music Direction. I also returned to Reagle Music Theatre as music director for the beloved annual holiday tradition, It’s Christmastime, highlighting the talents of young performers from our community. This spring, I will return to Speakeasy Stage Company to serve as music director for a new musical, Swept Away, featuring the music of the Avett Brothers at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston.

Professionally, I continued consulting in marketing and brand development, while at home I am the proud parent of a senior at Waltham High School – an exciting and busy year for families of seniors.

Throughout the year, I endeavored to be responsive and work hard for all of Ward 7 and Waltham, guided by a simple principle: Do things for people not because of who they are, but because of who you are. I remain undistracted by political or personal attacks, including those related to my fight to keep antisemitism out of our schools. This reflects the kind of person I strive to be: principled, focused, and dedicated to our city.

I am deeply grateful to all of you, my neighbors and constituents, for your trust, encouragement, and engagement. Your support and dedication make Waltham a community we can all be proud to call home. Thank you for allowing me to serve and for all the ways you contribute to the life and spirit of our city.