HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam delivered his first "State of the City" address Monday, touching upon issues including the city's budget, housing, public safety, and businesses.
"I'm proud of what we have already accomplished in our short time in City Hall," Arulampalam said, adding that he believes that the "state of our city is strong."
Transitioning into the city's 2025 recommended budget, which he submitted to the city council, he said that key priorities included "protecting homeowners," "investing in violence protection," growing small businesses, and giving opportunities for the youth community.
He also said that the city would not cut any city services or raise taxes or fees on residents.
Regarding housing, Arulampalam promised that the city would hold "bad landlords accountable" and said that his office is working to create "more affordable housing for tenants."
In February 2024, the city introduced a "Liaison for Housing" at City Hall to address tenant complaints. In the same month, the mayor also announced the Problem Landlords Task Force to improve living conditions for tenants and crack down on landlords who are neglecting their properties.
When it comes to public safety, Arulampalam has already taken action to make the community safer.
Arulampalam announced the future launch of the first fully operational Office of Violence Prevention in the state. Its goal will be to "increase coordination, collaboration and communication between non-profits, police, and schools." The city's mayor said the office would be "a major step in helping coordinate a smart-on-crime approach that will make our neighborhoods safer."
Also, after taking office, Arulampalam joined other municipal leaders in the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition.
The mayor's Business One Stop, which was created in January, is accelerating the process it would take new business owners in Hartford to open their doors.
"We created this office to get residents from permit applications to ribbon cuttings as quickly as possible because we want to make Hartford the easiest city in Connecticut for people to start a small business," Arulampalam said.
As the work has just started for Arulampalam, he encouraged the city to connect with each other and continue to grow the city together.
"In the year ahead, I'm asking you to keep believing, to keep fighting, keep reaching and stay connected," Arulampalam said. "Because there is nothing this city can't do when we march forward together."
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