WORCESTER— After a June 10 meeting was cut short by protesters and a follow-up on June 17 only allowed for the formal introduction of the topic, the Worcester City Council is set to reconvene Tuesday, June 24, to take up the full evaluation of City Manager Eric Batista’s performance.
Aside from formalities — roll call, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem, and public comment — the only item on the agenda is the manager’s self-evaluation, which was originally introduced at the June 10 meeting and carried over to the reconvened June 17 session.
In his written communication to the council, Batista highlights key accomplishments of his administration over the past year, despite what he called “obstacles, challenges, and unpredictability brought on by national issues.” Citing economic uncertainty, housing and food insecurity, and increased immigration pressures, Batista credited his team’s “creative and outcome-based approach to solutions” for keeping city operations resilient and responsive.
“Worcester’s popularity has risen through its display of academic excellence, athletic performance, and artistic creativity on the international stage,” Batista wrote, referencing high-profile achievements by local figures, including a Nobel Prize-winning UMass Chan professor and Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik.
The memo outlines a number of initiatives across public safety, infrastructure, and public health. Batista emphasized reductions in gun violence, citing 90 firearm recoveries citywide and the effectiveness of programs such as the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and the Police Athletic League.
In response to rising traffic fatalities, especially among youth, the administration declared a Road Safety and Traffic Violence Crisis in 2023 and has since implemented a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, added speed humps, and invested in safer street designs. Batista also pointed to strides made in health and human services, noting over 1,400 Narcan doses administered and 276 individuals helped into detox.
“We must work together to identify and manage the needs of a rapidly growing urban center,” Batista wrote. “Our greatest strength is our workforce, and my pride in their commitment grows deeper with each passing year.”
The council is expected to formally evaluate Batista’s performance based on this report and additional discussion during the session.
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