WORCESTER—Tony Economou, a former three-term Worcester District 1 City Councilor, is seeking a return to the seat he held from 2011 through 2017.
A lifelong Worcester resident, Economou works as a real estate broker and has been active in community service, serving on the Worcester Public Library Board of Trustees and the Worcester Educational Development Foundation.
In an interview with the Worcester Guardian, Economou said his motivation to run again stems from what he sees as the council straying from city issues.
“There [are] plenty of things here in Worcester that need attention such as common sense,” he said, “dealing with city issues instead of world politics, the condition of streets and sidewalks … the start and completion of Burncoat High School, supporting our police, our fire and EMS services, continuing to invest in our parks, supporting and eliminating unnecessary requests for small business permitting.”
Economou said his experience in real estate has allowed him to meet residents from across the state and the world, many of whom are moving to Worcester for its affordability, culture, and work opportunities. He said the city needs to strengthen those assets to remain attractive.
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If elected, Economou said his top priorities include ensuring the Burncoat High School project moves forward, completing the Tacoma Street park improvements, and working with the Worcester Business Development Corporation and city staff to advance Greentech Park. “It adds many, many jobs for area residents, takes a once successful local manufacturing engine and reimagines it for today’s industry,” he said.
Economou also stressed the importance of small businesses, describing them as “the backbone of every single neighborhood of the city.” He said he would push for a stronger small business support team within city government to simplify the permitting process, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and provide timely inspections.
On housing, Economou described affordability as a national problem and argued that local fees and permitting delays contribute to costs. “Relief in some permitting fees would go a long way to more development … sewer permitting fees and the time it takes for inspections,” he said.
Public safety, he said, remains central to his platform. “We have to support our public safety teams, fire, police, DPW,” he said. “These people are part of everyday life.”
Economou, who began working in his teens and later ran his own carpet and upholstery cleaning business before shifting to real estate, said he has long been drawn to city politics. “When I was a teenager I was always listening and watching the city council meetings, it was in my blood,” he said. “I envisioned myself on the council floor one day, and so it happened.”
According to state campaign finance records, Economou has raised $24,575 between Jan. 1, 2024, and Sept. 9, 2025, from 190 donors.
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.
