Hartford Public Works requests modest FY26 increases to sustain sidewalk repairs, stormwater work and sign replacements

Director Christopher Hayes told the Operations Management Budget and Government Accountability Committee that the Department of Public Works (DPW) is maintaining its 234-person staff level and seeking modest, targeted funding increases in fiscal 2026 to sustain ongoing programs.

Hayes said the department has expanded in‑house training and career tracks, including internal CDL certification and promotions for six employees who completed the program. He described the department as “not only the third largest department in the city, but we're one of the legs of the first responder stool,” and stressed DPW’s role alongside police and fire.

Why it matters: DPW manages sidewalks, street signs, pavement, stormwater compliance and the city’s forestry program. Council members pressed on whether the city or private property owners are responsible for repairing residential sidewalks, how much of the sidewalk backlog the budget will address, and how the department will meet new stormwater (MS4) obligations.

Budget details and sidewalk backlog DPW reported repairing 925 sidewalk panels in the first six months of FY25, compared with 405 in a similar period in FY24, a 28% increase in panels repaired. Hayes said the department currently has more than 1,000…