Mayor Jon Mitchell

23/02/2026

This week the City’s flags will be lowered to half staff in honor of Senator Maclean. Through his three decades in office, Biff ensured that Greater New Bedford had a seat at the table of state government. He was instrumental in establishing the state university system, including what became UMass-Dartmouth, and the state lottery, along with numerous state funded infrastructure in projects in our region. I extend my condolences to his wife Mary Jane, his extended family, and his many friends.

Former Massachusetts Senator William “Biff” MacLean Passes Away
The veteran Democratic legislator from Fairhaven, known for his lengthy service in both the House and Senate, has passed away. Details: https://tinyurl.com/3kfuf92c

21/02/2026

25/01/2026

Mr. Reliable, Joe Rua, owner of Rua’s Pizza, is preparing 40 pizzas in the middle of a blizzard for the plow drivers and other city employees working the storm today.

18/01/2026

MONDAY UPDATE: Parking ban lifted at 9 a.m. - if you have a car in a school lot, please move it ASAP so we can clear the lots and get ready for school to reopen on Tuesday.

WEATHER UPDATE: City Announces Parking Ban Starting 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18

The City of New Bedford has announced a citywide snow emergency parking ban to take effect at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18.

The parking ban will be strictly enforced and will remain in effect until further notice. The parking ban is designed to allow City workers to efficiently remove snow from New Bedford roadways, and enable public safety vehicles and residents to travel safely.

While the snow emergency parking ban is in effect, parking is permitted on the north side of all streets going east and west, and is permitted on the east side of all streets going north and south. The permitted side of the street is typically the side opposite of the fire hydrants.

More information on parking bans, including a list of parking lots the City has made available to residents seeking free, off street parking during the ban, can be found on our website: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/emergency-management/winter-storms/storm-guide/

13/12/2025

This afternoon’s weather forecasts have raised the range of snowfall tonight in Greater New Bedford such that plowing will be necessary. We will not impose a mandatory parking ban, but if you are able to move your car off the street, it would be helpful to our plow drivers. They will start to salt the streets at about ten o’clock. I appreciate their coming in to work on a Saturday night.

14/11/2025

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bruce Oliveira, a New Bedford leader, father and friend who devoted himself to important organizations and worthy causes. Here are my reflections on a life fully lived:

10/11/2025

The City’s annual Veterans Day parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday from Buttonwood Park, heading down Union, County and William streets to a ceremony by the Downtown Library. We hope to see you all there.

City Hall and all City offices will be closed on Tuesday in observance of the holiday, and trash pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week in most of the City.

03/11/2025

Municipal midterm elections are tomorrow. Please remind your friends.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, is the Municipal Election in New Bedford. Polls are open across the City from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents will cast votes for Assessor, City Council and School Committee.

The Board of Election Commissioners offers the following reminders for Election Day:

• The polling location for Ward 3 Precincts A and C was moved to the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St. Voters are asked to use the entrance on Mt. Vernon Street. The polling location was moved from Hayden-McFadden Elementary School to Holy Name due to traffic and parking concerns stemming from the multiyear reconstruction of I-195 and Route 18.

• All mail-in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. They can be dropped off at the Elections Office in City Hall, or in the drive-by drop box on Elm Street by the SRTA terminal on the corner of N 6th Street.

Any New Bedford resident with a question about polling location, voter status or anything else election-related can contact the Elections Office at 508-979-1420.