Happy New Year!

Welcome to the first issue of the D3 Dispatches. Every month you'll receive this update from me about Council happenings, volunteer opportunities, events, and other important information for our district and the city. Please share this newsletter with your neighbors and encourage them to subscribe.

This newsletter is one way I plan to communicate and keep you in the loop. Right now my other outlet is my Facebook page and posting in various neighborhood Facebook groups. If your neighborhood has a group, I welcome an invitation to join. It is important to me that I have connections in all of our neighborhoods in D3.

Inauguration Day

Hard to believe it was a week ago I was being sworn in with my fellow Councilors in Nevins Hall. It was an incredible moment for me, my family and friends, and all of you who have stood by me. I do not take this moment nor this role lightly. I am excited to collaborate with you and others to get things done. If you have an idea, I want to hear it.

First Council Meeting

Tuesday was my first full Council meeting.

During the Mayor’s Report, I asked Mayor Sisitsky about the status of the new Chief Sustainability Officer position as outlined in the Charter update.

The Mayor said HR is currently working on a job description and salary. There is still question if this position can start in this fiscal year or in FY27. When asked if there is a time frame to bring this position for Council approval, he said there isn’t at this time.

I will continue to follow up on this new important position for the city. When I hear more, I’ll let you know.

The meeting lasted less than an hour, but we did take a few votes. The 2026-2027 Council calendar was approved. We also voted to advertise public hearings and refer to the Planning Board for rezoning areas around Clark’s Hill and Eagle Rock.

With the Charter changes comes a new budget process. Everything has moved up in timeframe. The Council is about to jump full speed into the capital improvement plan and the budget very soon.

The next Council meeting is Tuesday, January 20 at 7pm in the Blumer Room.

Office Hours and Neighborhood Meetings

I am in the process of scheduling regular office hours and setting up neighborhood meetings in each part of the district. These meetings serve as a chance for you to share your ideas and concerns about specific neighborhood issues and wider Framingham ideas/concerns. From traffic calming to infrastructure to schools to open space, I want to hear your ideas on how we can make our home better for everyone.

If you would like to host a meeting or a get together, please reply to this email.

Community News

Do you know an outstanding senior?

Nominations are open for the Framingham Senior Heroes Awards! These awards are given to four residents who are 60+ years old, who volunteer efforts reflect their value for diversity and show significant contributions to inclusivity in Framingham.

There are four categories:

• Culture/Arts: Performing arts, painting, poetry, playwriting, music, dance, video, and singing/vocal, etc. that celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

• Social Development: Programs that improve or promote positive interactions among people from different ethnic groups, abilities, gender identities, and ages, such as sports, after-school programs, special events, or other activities.

• Health or Healthcare: Efforts that focus on the populations whose access has been limited due to race, gender, gender identity, language, disability, immigration status, etc.

• Public Service: Contributed in this way with their volunteer service on our municipality's boards, councils or committees, Town Meetings or former elected officials.

Former public officials or residents of Framingham who are not currently employed by the city may be nominated for outstanding volunteer efforts that show they value diversity and inclusivity.

Nominations are open until February 9. To nominate someone, please fill out the form explaining why your person should be recognized. I look forward to celebrating this year's awardees!

Looking for the Next D3 Youth Councilor!

Do you know someone between the ages of 13 and 22 who love Framingham and want to volunteer in their community?

Encourage them to apply for the Youth Council.

I am looking for applicants for District 3.

As a Youth Councilor, members will represent our kids in meetings with public officials, debate and collaborate on issues important to their peers, and get a first hand experience at how government works.

This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and have an impact on our community. (I wish we had this when I was younger!)

The term is for one year. The group will meet at least once a month.

Applications are open now until January 31.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to talk to anyone about this awesome opportunity!

Those interested can apply online via a form on the city website.

Openings on Boards and Commissions

Board of Cemetery Trustees

The Role: Filling one (1) vacancy for a four-year term (remainder of an unexpired term).

Responsibilities:

Oversee the care, management, and control of the City’s cemeteries.
Manage cemetery operations, maintenance, and related policies.
Ensure municipal cemeteries are respectfully administered in the public interest.

Qualifications: Must be a resident and registered voter in Framingham.

Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply: Click here to apply for Cemetery Trustee

Planning Board

The Role: Two (2) open seats on this five-member board.

Responsibilities:

Act as the primary land use planning and development review body.
Review site plans, special permits, and subdivisions.
Maintain the Master Land Use Plan and Zoning By-Laws.

Qualifications: While no single background is required, applicants should ideally have familiarity with land use, zoning, construction, engineering, or architecture.

Deadline: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply: Submit an application, cover letter, and résumé. Apply via the Boards & Committees Form Center

School Building Committee (SBC)

The Role: One (1) resident seat (filling a resignation).

Responsibilities:

Monitor the MSBA application process for the elementary school building project.
Provide guidance and oversight on planning, design, and construction.
Meetings are typically held on Monday evenings.

Qualifications: Preference for a community member with experience in architecture, engineering, and/or construction.

Deadline: Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply: Submit an application, cover letter, and résumé via the link below. Apply via the Boards & Committees Form Center

This dispatch will continue to evolve as I continue to get my sea-legs as a Councilor. As always, if I can be of any assistance or if you have an idea, please do not hesitate to call/text me at 508-733-3153 or via email.

Have a wonderful rest of the month!

All the best,