New Haven Government Meeting Roundup: Week of February 16–22, 2026

$26 Million HUD Grant Moves Forward for Union Square

The New Haven Board of Alders took major steps during the week of February 16–22, 2026, to advance housing, transit, and community initiatives. The board approved an order authorizing the city to apply for a $26 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for the Union Square project, formerly known as Church Street South. The funding would support sweeping housing and infrastructure upgrades in the neighborhood.

Zoning changes to implement the Union Square Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan also cleared the board. The changes include remapping properties from the PDD-15 zone to the Transit-Oriented Community Zone to allow residential development. The board additionally approved rezoning 18 Tower Lane and 1B Tower Lane from a Planned Development District to the BD-3 Central Business/Mixed-Use District.

St. Patrick’s Day Honors and Street Closures

In preparation for the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15, 2026, the board designated the corner of Chapel and Church Streets as “Anne D. Hines St.” and Elm and Church Streets as “Hugh F. Keeffe Blvd.” for the day. The board also approved road closures for the parade and for the PLR Shamrock & Roll 5K on March 1, 2026.

Leadership and Appointments Set for 2026

The board elected Alder Tyisha Walker-Myers as President and Alder Jeanette L. Morrison as President Pro Tempore. Orders to reappoint Lee Cruz and Alder Jeanette L. Morrison to the Board of Library Directors, Tomi Veale to the Greater New Haven Transit District Board, and to confirm Daniel Coughlin as Fire Chief are now in committee.

An ordinance to reclassify library staff positions between the General and Special Funds budgets passed its first reading. Multiple alderpersons were appointed to city boards, including the Parks Commission, Environmental Advisory Council, and Youth Commission.

Parking and Safety Upgrades Approved

The board approved a residential parking zone on Minor Street between Howard and Cedar Avenues. It also adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept state funding for safety improvements on East Street.

Committee Updates Across City Government

The Community Development Committee met February 18, 2026, to discuss the Union Square zoning amendments and the proposed acquisition of 510 and 510A Grand Avenue for park purposes, which could proceed through negotiated sale or eminent domain. Those items remain in committee.

The Legislation Committee convened February 24, 2026, in the Aldermanic Chambers, reviewing pending legislation including the Tenant’s Rights Transparency Ordinance, which remains under consideration.

The Finance Committee met February 9, 2026, and advanced an order for the city’s updated financial reports for December 2025, which received a first reading with favorable recommendation. An ordinance transferring $1.435 million to the Corporation Counsel’s legal services budget was previously enacted.

The Youth Committee met February 4, 2026, and is considering an order to hold a workshop with the Department of Youth & Recreation and New Haven Public Schools to discuss youth sports improvements and the potential creation of a Youth Sports Commission.

The Joint Legislation/Tax Abatement Committee met February 24. Board of Education-related orders, including approval of collective bargaining agreements with school administrators and teachers (2026–2029), received first reading with favorable recommendation. A request to rename the Commission on Parks, Program, and Recreational Facilities to the New Haven Parks Commission remains unassigned.