WORCESTER—As Worcester’s population grows and city streets bustle with new challenges, City Councilor Donna Colorio is aiming to extend her influence for a fourth term. With more than a decade of local government experience — including nearly nine years on the Worcester School Committee — Colorio is positioning herself as a steady hand focused on public safety, affordability, and neighborhood priorities.
With a background in education and business, Colorio has worked as an adjunct professor at Quinsigamond Community College for over three decades and co-owns Dimitria Delights, a family-operated business in North Grafton. She previously owned two local retail businesses in Worcester.
In a recent interview with the Worcester Guardian, Colorio pointed to public safety as her top priority. She stated, “I have consistently pledged not to defund police or fire services, recognizing their vital role in keeping Worcester residents and businesses safe.” She supports fully funding police staffing to meet the needs of the city’s growing population.
As chair of the council’s Traffic and Parking Committee, Colorio said she works closely with residents on safety issues such as stop signs, speeding, and pedestrian concerns. “I bring practical, common-sense solutions to governance, focusing on the real needs of Worcester’s residents and businesses,” she said.
Fiscal responsibility is another key focus for Colorio, who favors maintaining low residential taxes to keep housing affordable. “With a median income of approximately $51,000, I oppose raising residential taxes,” she said, citing her support for programs like the American Rescue Plan Act funds aimed at helping first-time homebuyers.
Colorio explained that her decision to seek re-election comes from a desire to continue addressing “safety, traffic, and neighborhood issues” that affect residents’ quality of life. She emphasized a commitment to shaping Worcester’s development responsibly and maintaining engagement with constituents.
On economic matters, Colorio said supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth help reduce the tax burden on residents. “A robust business sector reduces the tax burden on residents and drives city-wide growth,” she said.
Addressing recent ICE-related events in Worcester, Colorio expressed support for the police department’s response, saying they “were managing a volatile situation to ensure public safety” and were not assisting with immigration enforcement.
Colorio’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Food Marketing Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College.
This article is part of the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage. As part of our ongoing series, we are publishing individual candidate profiles and stories related to key issues facing the city ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. We have reached out—or are in the process of reaching out—to every candidate running for Worcester City Council and School Committee. If you are a certified candidate and would like to ensure you are included, please contact us at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
