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Mayor Rilling alerts residents to SNAP changes, previews events and city awards
Summary
Mayor Harry W. Rilling told the Common Council that SNAP benefits could be affected by a federal shutdown starting Nov. 1 (no new EBT deposits until reopening), reminded residents of early voting and upcoming community events, and announced Sustainable Connecticut gold certification and a streetscape grant-supported project.
Mayor Harry W. Rilling used the Oct. 28 Common Council meeting to brief residents and the council on several community items including SNAP benefits, local events, infrastructure work and city awards.
On federal benefits, the mayor said SNAP food-assistance deposits to EBT cards will pause if a federal shutdown persists. “If you already have SNAP funds on your EBT card, you can still use that after November 1. No new SNAP benefits will be added to EBT cards until the federal government reopens,” Rilling said, and he directed residents in need to the city’s local food-access guides and community resource hubs.
Rilling praised the SoDo Halloween Night Fair and estimated the Department of Economic and Community Development data suggested about 6,000 attendees over the day. He reminded residents that early municipal voting was open through Sunday, Nov. 2, with extended hours on Oct. 30, and urged turnout for the Nov. 4 election.
The mayor highlighted the hospital-neighborhood streetscape improvement on Stevens Street, noting the project increased parking by about 20 spaces and was made possible in part by an $8,100,800 grant and more than $1 million in city funding. He also announced that Norwalk received Sustainable Connecticut’s gold certification and a climate-leader designation; he thanked Jody Trendler, the city’s director of sustainability and resilience, and noted the police department is undergoing reaccreditation processes.
Upcoming city-supported events mentioned in the meeting included a Keep Kids Safe Connecticut gun buyback and gun-safe giveaway on Nov. 1, as well as holiday events in December. Rilling asked residents to consult the city website for local food and services resources during the federal shutdown and said the city will continue sharing updates as they become available.
What to watch
Residents seeking immediate help with food access were directed to the city’s website and community resource partners; the city indicated staff would post updated guidance as state information becomes available.
