News Flash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/20/2026

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

spetroni@framinghamma.gov

508-782-8629

City Seeks Three Volunteers For Framingham Cable Advisory Committee

FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is seeking residents to serve on the Framingham Cable Advisory Committee. 

Three seats are currently vacant, and the City encourages interested residents to apply. No resume or cover letter is required to apply. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Link to apply: Form Center • Boards, Committees, Commission, Officers Appli

The five-member Cable Advisory Committee is appointed by the Mayor and is responsible for negotiating and overseeing franchise agreements with the City’s three cable television providers: Comcast, RCN, and Verizon. 

The Committee ensures that the terms of these contracts are properly implemented and serves as an advisory body to the Mayor on cable television matters that may require City involvement. Satellite television providers are not subject to local licensing and are not under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

In addition, the Cable Advisory Committee acts as an ombudsman for Framingham residents experiencing unresolved cable television billing errors or persistent repair issues, after reasonable efforts have been made to resolve concerns directly with the cable provider. 

Under federal and state regulations, the Committee’s authority is limited to cable television services and does not extend to internet access, voice telephone service, or satellite television.

Committee members serve three-year terms. The Committee presently includes Cynthia Villanueva and Michael Cunningham, whose terms expire in June 2028.

Residents interested in consumer advocacy, municipal oversight, and telecommunications policy are encouraged to apply.

Members must be Framingham residents.

Individuals who apply by the deadline will be considered for the available openings. The Mayor will make the final selections and nominate three individuals. These nominations are then submitted to the City Council, the City’s legislative body, which may approve or reject them. If the City Council takes no action within 30 days of the nominations, the nominees are automatically approved.

                                                                                 ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/21/2026

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

spetroni@framinghamma.gov

508-782-8629

City of Framingham Issues Emergency Snow Emergency Parking Ban Starting Sunday at 7 p.m.; No Trash Collection Monday

FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is issuing an emergency snow parking ban beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. through due to the forecasted snowstorm.

There will be no curbside trash & recycling collection on Monday, February 23. Collection will be on a one-day delayed schedule for the rest of the week.

The ban is expected to last until Tuesday, February 24, at 7 a.m.

During the ban, no vehicles may park on designated snow emergency arterial roadways listed below.

Vehicles parked on these roads are subject to ticketing, towing, and fines.

Parked vehicles will impede snowplow operations and create hazardous conditions for emergency responders.

There is a possibility the parking ban may be extended depending on storm conditions.

The City of Framingham maintains year-round parking regulations:

During a declared snow emergency, parking is prohibited on both sides of all posted snow emergency arteries.

Vehicles that obstruct snow removal operations are in violation of City Bylaws, Article V, Section 15 – Snow Removal.

Under City Bylaws:

Snow Emergency Arterial Roadways No parking on these roads during the emergency ban:

Beacon Street Belknap Road Bishop Street Brook Street Central Street Cochituate Road Concord Street Edgell Road Franklin Street

Gates Street Grove Street Hartford Street Hollis Street Howard Street Irving Street Lincoln Street

Nicholas Road Potter Road Salem End Road School Street Summer Street Temple Street Union Avenue Water Street Waverly Street Winter Street Winthrop Street

Residents are urged to move vehicles off these roadways before the ban begins to allow for safe and effective snow removal operations.

Stay Informed Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for updates throughout the snowstorm, including:

• City website at www.framinghamMA.gov
• City social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc
• The City’s Sunday newsletter (sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3)
• NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts (sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx)

                                                                                 ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/17/2026

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

spetroni@framinghamma.gov

508-782-8629

Framingham Fire Department Promotes Stefanini to Lieutenant

FRAMINGHAM  - The City of Framingham and the Framingham Fire Department proudly recognized the promotion of Mark Stefanini to the rank of Fire Lieutenant during a formal swearing-in ceremony, today, February 17, 2026 in the Ablondi room at the Memorial Building.

Family members and firefighters gathered to mark this important milestone, including Charlie Sisitsky, Lieutenant Stefanini’s wife Audrie, his two sons.

“Today’s ceremony represents a commitment to service and the steady leadership that earns the trust of both this department and the community we serve,” said Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher. 

Lieutenant Stefanini was hired by the Framingham Fire Department on May 1, 2013, and was promoted to Lieutenant on January 22, 2026. 

He is currently assigned to Group 4, Station 1, Engine 1. His previous assignments include Group 2, Station 5, Engine 5, and Group 2, Station 5, Rescue 1.

“Lieutenant Stefanini over the years, he has built a strong reputation for professionalism, teamwork, and always placing the mission and his fellow firefighters first,” said Chief Dutcher.

The promotion to Lieutenant carries responsibilities beyond rank, including leadership, mentorship, and setting the standard for future generations of firefighters, said the Fire Chief.

 “I have every confidence that Lieutenant Stefanini will continue to meet those responsibilities with integrity and pride,” said Chief Dutcher.

The oath of office was administered by Lisa Ferguson, Framingham City Clerk. 

Mayor Sisitsky also offered remarks congratulating Lieutenant Stefanini on his dedication and service to the City of Framingham.

Stay Informed

Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for updates including:

• City website at www.framinghamMA.gov
• City social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.
• The City’s Sunday newsletter (sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3)
• NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts (sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx)

  ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/30/2026

For further information, contact:

Susan Scully Petroni

City of Framingham Public Information Officer

spetroni@framinghamma.gov

508-782-8629

City of Framingham Announces Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program for Small Businesses

FRAMINGHAM –The City of Framingham is now accepting applications for its Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP), a grant initiative designed to support small and start-up businesses located in Framingham.

The program is funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the City’s Community Development Program within the Division of Planning and Community Development.

The program will award 10 one-time grants of $7,200 to eligible microenterprises.

Funding is limited.

Preference will be given to first-time applicants.

Microenterprise Assistance Program is open to all business sectors legal under federal law, including industry, retail, services, agriculture, and tourism. The program is designed to assist entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing due to limited credit history, lack of collateral, or being early in their business development.

 The City’s focus is on job creation, income growth, and strengthening the local economy.

City officials encourage small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply. Whether launching a new idea or working to grow an existing small business, this program is intended to provide meaningful support.

Eligibility Requirements

Businesses must be physically located in Framingham and submit a business plan as part of the application.

Start-up businesses must:

Existing businesses must:

Priority will be given to businesses located within low-income census tracts.

Allowable Uses of Funds

Grant funds may be used for:

Application Process

Applications are available in English, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Spanish on the City’s website at - Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program | City of Framingham, MA Official Website

Program Contact: Nate Doyen-Charon Community Development Coordinator Planning & Community Development Division Phone: 508-532-5457 Email: ndoyencharon@framinghamma.gov

Stay Informed Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for news and updates from the City of Framingham at:

                                                                                 ###