Ruais lays out accomplishments and plans in 2026 State of the City Address

Manchester Mayor highlights progress on homelessness, housing, public works, and more

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais delivered his 2026 State of the City Address, highlighting the city's accomplishments and plans across various areas including homelessness, housing, public works, children and the elderly, and public safety. Ruais discussed initiatives to address homelessness, expand the city's housing stock, maintain infrastructure, support education, and improve public safety.

Why it matters

The State of the City Address provides an important update on the priorities and progress of Manchester's city government, giving residents and community leaders insight into the key issues facing the city and the mayor's plans to address them. As a major New Hampshire city, Manchester's trajectory has significant implications for the state as a whole.

The details

Ruais highlighted several key initiatives, including providing housing for 103 homeless veterans, opening a new facility to serve the aged and infirm homeless population, and seeing a 28% drop in homeless encampments and 54% drop in opioid overdoses. On housing, he noted recent and upcoming additions to the city's stock. For public works, he praised the Department of Public Works' extensive maintenance and improvement work. Ruais also discussed efforts to support children and the elderly, including a new childcare commission and dual-language immersion schools. Additionally, he touted decreases in violent, property, and total crime, while noting challenges in the Manchester School District budget.

  • Ruais gave the 2026 State of the City Address on February 10, 2026.
  • The Elm Street homeless facility is currently funded until the end of February 2027.
  • The Manchester School District is facing a $14-15 million funding gap in its upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The players

Jay Ruais

The mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire, who delivered the 2026 State of the City Address.

Frederick Smyth

A former mayor of Manchester who discussed annexing portions of Bedford and Goffstown in his 1853 speech.

James Weston

A former mayor of Manchester whose efforts in 1872 led to a hydraulic plant that continues to be used today.

Scott Spradling

The moderator who discussed the State of the City Address with Mayor Ruais.

HB 1831

A piece of state legislation designed to remove $10 million in cuts to state-level differentiated aid to the Manchester School District.

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What they’re saying

“Some of the best decisions in our city's history weren't immediately popular, but decades later they defined the city we are proud of today.”

— Jay Ruais, Mayor of Manchester (Manchester Public Access Television)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This State of the City Address highlights Manchester's progress on key issues like homelessness, housing, and public works, while also identifying ongoing challenges around the school district budget and public safety. The mayor's focus on long-term, community-oriented solutions suggests Manchester is taking a thoughtful approach to addressing its most pressing needs.