WORCESTER—Worcester event organizers could have an easier time planning gatherings thanks to major changes in the city’s Special Event Permitting process. Officials announced Wednesday that the process has been streamlined to reduce redundancies, cut fees, and provide more hands-on support for applicants.
The improvements follow a 2023 community engagement effort that identified barriers in the permitting system. As a result, the city has consolidated applications, eliminated four unnecessary permits, and waived or reduced fees for 14 others.
“These enhancements are a major step forward in removing barriers for individuals and groups to host special events in the City of Worcester,” said City Manager Eric Batista in the announcement. “This is the first step in what will be a continuous process to improve our special event permitting based on user feedback.”
Among the permits being eliminated are those for portable toilets, parades, sound amplification, and animal exhibitions. Fees for special event applications, park usage, temporary signage, and certain fire permits have also been waived.
While fees for city services such as police details and park staffing still apply, the Cultural Development Division is going to provide more support to event organizers, including acting as a central point of contact, according to the announcement.
The city hosts a virtual information session on April 9 to walk organizers through the changes. More details can be found on Worcester’s “Plan an Event” webpage.
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