City of New Bedford

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Darlene Spencer, Jan Baptist and the many others who worked tirelessly over the years to make Island Park such a beautiful addition to the neighborhood.

06/05/2026

The Community Preservation Committee is hosting a public meeting on Monday, June 15, at the New Bedford Free Public Library Downtown to gather input on the FY27 plan that will guide next year's CPA funding process. More information on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/community-preservation-committee-announces-fy27-plan-public-meeting-and-comment-period/

06/04/2026

The Department of Public Infrastructure is hosting a virtual public meeting on June 16 about improvements to the Hathaway Road-Rockdale Avenue intersection. Visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W5pCiCbDQOadnOskCbY7sw #/ to register.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to the top 10 academically ranked New Bedford High School seniors. Mayor Jon Mitchell and others honored them Wednesday afternoon at the annual Mayor's List ceremony:

1. Caroline Huston – University of South Carolina
2. Jacqui Bank – Harvard College
3. Lana Jones – Columbia University
4. Becky Zheng – Wake Forest University
5. Piper Reis – Harvard College
6. Audrey Sousa – UMass Amherst
7. Abigail Reis – Quinnipiac University
8. Maura McEvoy – Simmons University
9. Alexandre Conde – Babson College
10. Gavin Pereira – UMass Lowell

Check out the presentation from Wednesday's ceremony for more on the seniors, and read more about the 14th annual Mayor's List on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/mayor-mitchell-announces-2026-mayors-list/

06/03/2026

The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will begin weekly groundsprayings in the early morning hours next Thursday, June 11. Between 2 a.m. and sunrise, the BCMCP will target parks and other large spaces that host public events. More details on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/blog/news/weekly-targeted-ground-spraying-for-mosquitoes-to-begin-june-11-continue-through-september/

06/02/2026

June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season and staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself!

STAY INFORMED TO STAY SAFE

- Most storm related injuries happen after the storm — not during it.
- Stay inside until officials say it’s safe. Roads may have flooding or debris.
- Avoid the shoreline and all flooded areas. Water can rise again and may have hidden dangers.
- Stay clear of downed wires and unstable trees. Treat every wire as live and extremely dangerous.
- Check your home carefully. Leave if you smell gas; use battery lights; photograph any damage.
- If power or cell service is out: conserve batteries, listen for police/fire announcements, and look for posted updates.
- If you haven’t received clear official information, stay indoors until conditions are confirmed safe.

For the latest local details before, during, and after a storm, follow the City of New Bedford's page.

Know your Risk | Make a Plan | Stay Informed

05/29/2026

Organized by AHA! New Bedford with the support of generous local business, the 2026 Summer Sound Series of free weekly concerts returns Downtown for another solid season on June 26. Check out the lineup and schedule on AHA!'s website:

You're invited to New Bedford’s annual Summer Sound Series delivering to downtown a lineup of musicians who will have you dancing in the streets!

05/29/2026

There are two upcoming public meetings on Tuesday, June 2. The TIF Board will meet at 3 p.m. in the Ashley Room at City Hall, 133 William St., and the Conservation Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Brooklawn Senior Center, 1997 Acushnet Ave. The agendas for the meetings are below.

05/28/2026

Join us for an important community conversation!

📅 Thursday, June 4
🕕 6:00 P.M.
💻 Via Zoom
Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86893099193
Meeting ID: 868 9309 9193

05/28/2026

Mayor Jon Mitchell issued the following statement after Thursday morning’s vote by the New Bedford Retirement Board to increase pension benefits:

“The New Bedford Retirement Board rejected an opportunity at its meeting today to save city taxpayers about $1 million annually. Against the recommendations of the City’s Chief Financial Officer and the City Auditor, the Retirement Board approved a 3% increase in pension benefits. In doing so, the Board ignored the fiscal challenges currently facing the City—which have already required the closing of a fire company, the elimination of nearly 100 positions from the budget, and the reduction of services to residents.

“The un-elected Board’s persistent disregard for the City’s ever-tightening finances has contributed to the burden on property taxpayers and compromised the City’s ability to provided services. Moreover, votes like the one taken today, make it harder long-term to manage the unfunded liability of our pension fund—which is already among the least-funded municipal pension funds in Massachusetts. While I agree that under normal circumstances we should be taking steps to support our retirees, both retirees and residents deserve better than how the Board conducted itself today.”