The site of the new Denver’s women’s soccer stadium will be located along an active rail corridor historically used for industrial purposes. For generations, this corridor has acted as a barrier—separating a stable working-class neighborhood to the west from an older, established community to the east. With a major light rail/bus station adjacent to the site, there’s an opportunity to transform the area into a vital connector—not just between these neighborhoods, but to the entire transit network and downtown.
In an exciting development for women’s sports in Denver, Colorado, the city council recently approved a $70 million infrastructure grant to purchase and ready a site for construction of a new stadium dedicated to a new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. This initiative marks a significant milestone not only for women’s soccer but also for the community at large, as it aims to empower women’s sports and create a vibrant hub for activities revolving around them. The majority owner is IMA Financial Group, led by CEO Robert Cohen, a local philanthropist and hometown hero, and including investors Mellody Hobson, Ariel Investments co-CEO, through her subsidiary Project Level, and Mikaela Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist. This project promises to alter the landscape of local sports by establishing a standalone venue dedicated solely to women’s athletics.
Mark Johnson, cofounder and president, Civitas
Rachel Walters Photography
Civitas, a prominent landscape and urban design firm founded by Mark Johnson, is working with architects from Populous, a global design firm, on this groundbreaking project. Their teams are working diligently to transform a site near the Santa Fe train yards into a state-of-the-art stadium that meets the needs of the new NWSL team and integrates public spaces to enrich the surrounding community. This approach reflects a commitment to creating a lasting legacy for women’s sports in Denver.
The planned venue, designed to seat 14,500 fans, is expected to open in time for the its inaugural season in 2028. Unlike many women’s sports teams that often play in facilities designed for men and share resources, the establishment of a dedicated stadium signifies a profound shift in how women’s sports are perceived and supported. Johnson emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration as they navigate the complex planning processes, aiming to ensure that the stadium and its surrounding areas foster a thriving environment for youth sports and community events.
After the city council’s historic vote, Urban Land sat down with Johnson and with Matthew Breest, principal and design director of Populous, during the ULI 2025 Spring Meeting in Denver.
Urban Land: So, how fast can you get this done?
Mark Johnson: The team already has a temporary setup in Centennial—a suburb about 10 miles south of Denver—with a training facility and a pop-up stadium built on school district fields. [The team has] partnered with Cherry Creek School District so the facility will also support high school tournaments, which is just a great story: a pro team and a school district teaming up for something bigger than both. That temporary venue will open for games next spring.
The permanent stadium is just a couple miles from downtown, at the old Santa Fe Yards. The city council voted last night to approve infrastructure funding to support that site.
Funnily enough, we actually did a district plan for that same area about 10 years ago. Not much came of it at the time—some environmental cleanup, a bit of infrastructure—but now, with the team purchasing the land, it’s a whole new ballgame. Literally.
The site also includes a four-acre [1.6 ha] triangle that’s technically a public park. And in Denver, you can’t touch park boundaries without a public vote. But now, that space is being reimagined as part of an outdoor entertainment area connected to the stadium.
We’re hitting the ground running now. It’s exciting—and a bit of a sprint.
UL: How will you meet such an accelerated timeline?
Johnson: You start by throwing a lot of talented people at it—and then someone’s got to steer the ship. For the stadium, that’s Matthew Breest from Populous. For the district, it’s my partner Chris Parezo at Civitas.
A critical path is to start talking to people, making sure that everybody understands what’s coming. That means public meetings, engaging with the community, and being transparent about what’s next and how it will impact the city. We’re hoping it’ll take about nine months to get the district and zoning plans approved. Then comes the infrastructure master plan, where we’ll be designing and entitling in tandem—basically building the runway as the plane comes in. We want to be ready to cut the ribbon when the team arrives.
UL: What are design challenges for an all-female sports stadium? Women’s sports doesn’t have as large an audience as men’s sports, so is the venue smaller?
Johnson: We’re planning for 14,500 seats, but the scale fits the vibe. Women’s soccer in Denver isn’t just a spectator sport; it’s community-driven. Denver—the Front Range—is a hotbed of youth sports. There are big soccer connections here—more than football on a per capita basis; many more kids [participate locally] in soccer than [in] football or basketball.
There are two homegrown pro women’s players from this area. Mikaela Shiffrin—who, by the way, is the most decorated ski racer ever—is now a part-owner of the team. Women’s sports are already a big deal here.
And the ownership group wants this stadium and district to feel like it’s for the community—not just another commercial venture. This is about access, pride, and place.
UL: How many professional sports teams does Denver have now?
Johnson: We now have six professional sports teams, which very few cities have. We’ve got the Denver Broncos, football; the Denver Nuggets, basketball; the Avalanche, hockey; the Colorado Rockies, baseball; the Colorado Rapids, men’s soccer—and now, this new women’s soccer team. That’s a pretty elite club. Not many cities can say the same.
On one side of the new stadium, there’s a stable upper-middle-class neighborhood, Wash Park West; On the other, a working-class neighborhood called Athmar Park. In between, there is an industrial corridor including old train lines and warehouses. The rail line connects the southern and western suburbs. The bus rapid transit comes all the way in from Boulder.
UL: Where does the new women’s team stand? Is it moving to Denver, or is it a brand-new team being created?
Johnson: It’s a brand-new team. Right now, they’re finalizing ownership and governance, which is a league requirement. There’s even a social media poll asking fans to weigh in on the team name—it’s generating a ton of buzz and excitement. And get this: Season ticket sales have already surpassed those of other NWSL teams, exceeding expectations.
UL: What’s next in your timeline?
Johnson: We’re heading back to city council in October with the full district and stadium plan. The 11–1 vote we got was contingent on presenting that next level of detail. So, we’re full speed ahead.
UL: Can you talk about the site?
Johnson: Honestly, no one expected the stadium to end up where it did. When I got the call on January 3, I turned to my partner and said, “This is going to be fun—women’s soccer! But I bet it’ll be somewhere out in the suburbs, right?” Nope. It’s right in the heart of the city—which is the best possible outcome for Denver. The economic momentum that comes with a stadium and the development around it will be a huge boost for the south side.
On one side, there’s a stable upper-middle-class neighborhood, Wash Park West; On the other, a working-class neighborhood called Athmar Park. In between, you’ve got the industrial corridor—old train lines, warehouses. But the infrastructure’s there. The rail line connects the southern and western suburbs. The BRT [Bus Rapid Transit] comes all the way in from Boulder. It’s super-accessible.
We did the master plan here 10 years ago. Cleanup happened, but nothing really took off. That’s what makes this moment so exciting. This project could be the key to stitching together neighborhoods that have been disconnected for decades—connecting communities, industries, and cultures with the power of sport.
— — —
UL:What is your overarching vision for the design of the new stadium, and how does it reflect the values and aspirations of women’s sports in Denver?
Matthew Breest, principal and design director of Populous,
Matthew Breest: Our vision is to create a stadium that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports architecture—one that is not only home to elite women’s soccer but also a vital, inclusive part of Denver’s public realm. The design reflects the values of women’s sports by prioritizing openness, accessibility, and connection to community. Rather than isolating the stadium from its surroundings, we’re embedding it into the everyday experience of the city. It’s a space where inspiration and excellence are on full display, not just on match days but every day—redefining what it means for women’s sports to be fully integrated into the civic and cultural life of Denver.
UL:How will collaboration among the various stakeholders influence the design process?
Breest: From the start, [NWSL] commissioner Jessica Berman challenged us to think differently. She made it clear this couldn’t be a stadium tucked away behind gates or surrounded by a sea of parking. It had to connect—physically and emotionally—with the neighborhood and introduce the broader community to the power and passion of the women’s game. That vision set the tone for a deeply collaborative process.
This project has brought together an extraordinary mix of voices—city leaders, developers, athletes, fans, neighbors, and design professionals—all unified by the belief that the stadium should be a true civic asset. The design reflects that input, from the walkable, park-connected layout to the inviting public spaces that welcome people year-round. Collaboration has been essential in making sure the stadium doesn’t just serve one audience or one function—it’s designed to be a shared space that reflects the values, hopes, and culture of Denver itself.
From the earliest stages, community voices have helped shape everything from pedestrian connectivity to how the stadium interacts with the adjacent park. That collaboration ensures the stadium isn’t just designed for the community, but with it.
UL:What innovative design elements are you incorporating
Breest: The stadium’s distinctive open-ended stadium configuration opens to the south, ensuring that the public realm blends seamlessly with the soccer field. Metaphorically, they tie together, creating a natural visual corridor that connects the playing field directly to the adjacent city park and frames breathtaking views of the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. This intentional openness transforms the spectator experience, allowing fans to feel simultaneously immersed in both the excitement of professional competition and the natural beauty of Colorado’s landscape. The design encourages year-round activity, with the stadium’s surrounding promenades and green spaces flowing seamlessly into public recreation areas, where community members can gather, play, and connect, regardless of game-day schedules.
UL:What are some of the unique challenges you’ve encountered in designing a stadium specifically for women’s soccer, particularly in terms of audience size and community integration?
Breest: Designing a stadium specifically for women’s soccer meant confronting—and ultimately rejecting—the legacy of retrofitted or secondhand venues. Too often, women’s teams are asked to perform in spaces that were never designed with them in mind. We set out to flip that script. This project takes a purpose-built approach from the start: every square foot of the stadium is designed to elevate the women’s game, from athlete facilities to fan experience.
One challenge was redefining what scale means—not downsizing expectations, but right-sizing for impact, flexibility, and future growth. Another was ensuring [that] the stadium seamlessly integrates with the surrounding community, both physically and culturally. That meant rethinking everything from traffic flow and transportation to creating shared green spaces and pathways that invite daily use by residents. In the end, the challenge became the opportunity: to build something entirely new that reflects the rightful place of women’s sports at the center of civic life.
UL:Looking forward, how do you envision the stadium impacting the local community and women’s sports culture in Denver over the coming years? What legacy do you hope this project will leave?
Breest: We hope the stadium becomes a national model for what’s possible when a city unapologetically invests in women’s sports—not as a side story but as a central force for community and economic growth. Beyond creating a space for elite competition, this venue will showcase the tangible returns of investing in women athletes—from growing fan bases and increased tourism to revitalized neighborhoods and year-round public space activation.
This stadium isn’t just a home for a team; it’s a case study in why capital and business leaders should see women’s sports as a smart, future-facing investment. It challenges outdated narratives about profitability and replaces them with proof of concept—highlighting that when infrastructure matches the ambition of women athletes, the results benefit everyone.
The lasting legacy will be a stadium that proves women’s sports aren’t just deserving of equal facilities—they are worthy of visionary ones. It’s about setting a new standard for how we value, support, and celebrate women’s contributions on the field and in society.
By anchoring elite athletics within a walkable, nature-forward public realm, we’re reinforcing the message that women’s sports deserve visibility, investment, and celebration. The lasting legacy will be a new standard—not just for stadium design but [also] for how public spaces can bring people together and elevate community pride through sport.
AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – If you missed today’s interviews with Trevor Johnson, AISD Press Conference and Iron Plains Youth Football League on the Sports Drive, you can watch it all here.
Trevor Johnson, Randall Boys Basketball Head Coach:
Randall Raiders Boys Basketball Head Coach Trevor Johnson walks us through the emotions of the rivalry game against Canyon Tuesday night, leveling it up for district games, and more.
Sports Drive
AISD Sports Press Conference:
We hear from Amarillo High Girls Basketball Head Coach Jeff Williams, Tascosa Girls Basketball Head Coach Zac Tabor, Palo Duro Girls Basketball Head Coach AJ Johnson and Caprock Girls Basketball Head Coach Bill Long.
Sports DriveSports Drive
New in Town: Iron Plains Youth Football League
Zach Woodard talks to CJ Johnson, founder and president of the new Iron Plains Youth Football League along with VP Elijah Baccus about how the league was formed and what it means to the area.
HOUSTON – Down to six available players left in the fourth quarter, the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team fell in a tightly contested 71-62 loss against Kansas State inside the Fertitta Center on Wednesday evening.
Senior guard TK Pitts was Houston’s (6-9, 0-4 Big 12) only scorer in double figures, finishing with 16 points. Tess Heal led Kansas State (9-8, 2-2 Big 12) with 31 points.
Five players were disqualified in the fourth quarter, including four Cougars. Pitts, graduate forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim, graduate guard Briana Peguero and redshirt-senior guard Kyndall Hunter exited the game for Houston and Jenessa Cotton was the lone Wildcat who was ejected.
A game of runs saw both sides trade momentum in the opening period with Houston taking an early 9-8 lead. A 7-2 run gave Kansas State a lead in the period before the Cougars capped off the quarter with five-straight points to lead 16-15.
Houston produced two major runs in the second, ending the quarter with seven-consecutive makes at the free throw line to extend its lead to 37-26 at the half.
The Wildcats pieced together several runs to cut into the deficit before free throws from sophomore guard Shun’teria Anumele knotted up the score at 45-45 to end the third period.
The Cougars were leading 53-49 with 6:38 remaining in the fourth quarter before Abdur-Rahim, Pitts, Peguero, Hunter and Cotton were ejected due to an altercation. After review, Kansas State was awarded six free throws, converting all six to regain the lead and escape Fertitta Center with the victory.
UP NEXT
Houston welcomes BYU at 1 p.m., Saturday, for Youth Basketball Day. Fans can stick around for postgame autographs with senior guard TK Pitts.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women’s Basketball by providing NIL opportunities, purchasing tickets and joining Full Court Press, which provides support directly to Houston Women’s Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team’s Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
As the new year begins at the Water Tower Recreation Center, the Water Tower Advisory Council wants to share with you the accomplishments of the past year and what to look forward to in 2026.
The big story of 2025 was the comprehensive improvements made to the exterior of the recreation center by the City of Philadelphia, through the Department of Parks & Recreation. This months–long project is the most extensive renovation to the recreation center in decades. The still ongoing project includes new windows and exterior doors, rebuilt steps, new railings, and improved exterior lighting. There is the repointing of stonework, the repair of terracotta tiles and cornice stones, replacing drainage boots, scupper boxes, and downspouts, and the repairing of area drains, replacing underground drainage pipes, and roof flashing. The project is currently paused due to winter weather, but it will resume early next year and is expected to be completed by next summer.
Another big story was the completion of the Advisory Council’s “Light Up the Tower” project. This is the first project from the Water Tower Master Plan and has transformed the upper park and the surrounding area. This is the first time the historic tower has been illuminated, and the distinctive lighting, as well as the extensive landscaping, installation of new gardens, rebuilt steps and pathways, new seating, the addition of a historic marker, new ballards, new area lights, and an entirely new paved path to the ball fields, have returned the park to its original glory. The World War II memorial has been completely restored, and new lighting has been added at its base. All of this was completed almost entirely with the ceaseless work of community volunteers and fundraising local contributions from generations of Philadelphians connected, past and present, with the recreation center. The park is now a must–see destination on a warm summer night.
The year 2025 was also a banner year for expanding the program offerings at the rec center and the continuation of popular existing programs. Current programs such as the after–school program, which has over 70 students, and the summer camp program, which is one of the most popular summer camp programs in the city, are continuing their success in 2026. The award–winning gymnastics program has added an additional preschool class for the new year and offers preschool, Beginner I, Beginner II and intermediate–plus classes. Program gymnasts compete in tournaments both inside and outside Philadelphia.
The Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club will continue to host youth soccer, baseball, and basketball teams at the travel and intramural level. They also offer lacrosse, flag football, and futsal programs. New this year is an all–girls basketball league and a high school intramural basketball program, which draws players from across the city.
New Rec Center programming will include a youth–oriented film club, which will meet on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The program is for teens ages 14 through 18 and runs from Jan. 22 to March 12. There are only 10 openings available, so sign up now!
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Water Tower in 2026 is the arrival of Philly Tutors, LLC. The Advisory Council is sponsoring Philly Tutors to provide various academic tutoring services at the recreation center. Their comprehensive programming includes homework help, scholastic game clubs, small group tutoring, and test prep classes. Their primary focus, though, is one–to–one tutoring sessions for students from the first to 12th grade. All their services are enrichment–rich, community–focused, and are available at family–friendly rates. The first SAT preparation class begins in early January. Contact Philly Tutors directly at 215–948–2225, or anita@phillytutors.com for details and registration.
The year 2025 also saw the start of Mt. Airy Learning Tree at the Water Tower, offering for the first time continuing education classes for both adults and older youth. MALT offers various classes from dancing to teen comic book creation to learning how to play pickleball. There are three sessions per year, winter, spring and fall, and a complete list of classes can be found in the MALT catalog or contact MALT directly at 215-843-6333 or at info@mtairylearningtree.org.
The big news for 2026 is the start of the second Master Plan project for the Water Tower. The Advisory Board has selected the complete renovation of the entire playground area at the Water Tower as the next project. A subcommittee of the Advisory Board was formed in November to lead the project. We have met with several city–approved vendors to obtain ideas for such a project, and there have been several visits to recently renovated playgrounds in Philadelphia and the suburbs to view various designs. This is a significantly larger and more complex project than the “Light Up the Tower” and will take longer to complete. We are looking for volunteers with fundraising experience, grant writing and research experience, and landscape and playground design experience, to assist the committee’s efforts. Who doesn’t love a great–looking playground for the neighborhood children! Our next meeting is Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Water Tower, and we meet every other week, usually on Thursdays. Contact Craig Hosay at 610–564–2640 or craighosaylavallette@gmail.com if you want to help. We sure can use it!
All of the above efforts would not be possible without the support of the community and the help of our neighbors. The vision of the Advisory Council for the future of the recreation center is not possible without you. Thank you for all of your past support, and help us make 2026 even better than 2025 at the Water Tower.
Five University of South Carolina football players were named to the 2025 Academic All-District® Football Team as selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), it was announced today. The award recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
The quintet representing Gamecock Football include David Bucey, Nyck Harbor, Brady Hunt, William Joyce and Mason Love.
Bucey, a sophomore defensive back from Savannah, Ga., appeared in all 12 games in 2025 making one start. An environmental studies major, Bucey was credited with 14 tackles on the season including 10 solo stops. He also registered a blocked punt against South Carolina State.
Harbor, a junior wide receiver from Washington, D.C., is a public health major. He put together his best season in 2025, earning the Steve Spurrier MVP Award for the offense after catching 30 passes for a team-leading 618 yards and six touchdowns. His 20.6-yard average per reception ranks third in school history. He was also the Gamecocks’ representative on the SEC’s Community Service team.
Hunt owns a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in sport and entertainment management, posting a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his career. The redshirt senior tight end from Muncie, Ind., played in all 12 games in 2025 with seven starts. He was the Gamecocks’ top receiving tight end with 21 catches for 168 yards and added a pair of rushing touchdowns. Hunt was recognized by the coaches as one of three Outstanding Student-Athlete Award winners and shared the Nutrition Award with Nick Barrett.
Joyce, a redshirt senior placekicker from Spartanburg, S.C., earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration during his five years in Columbia. He converted 12-of-15 field goal attempts and all 31 of his extra points for a team-leading 67 points in 2025 in his first season as the starter. Like Hunt, Joyce was recognized by the coaches as one of three Outstanding Student-Athlete Award winners and is a three-time recipient of the Harold White GPA Award for special teams.
Love is a sports media major from Riverside, Mo. He earned Freshman All-SEC honors as selected by the league’s 16 coaches after posting the nation’s second-best average for freshman punters at 45.1 yards. Love placed 16 punts inside the 20 with just four touchbacks, while 13 of his 53 punts traveled 50 or more yards with a long of 61.
For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.
John Way, 72, rural Emporia, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
John Lee Way was born June 27, 1953 in Pratt, Kansas, the son of Ellis and Catherine (Sandquist) Way. He married Janet Blaufuss on February 14, 1981 in Olpe, Kansas. She survives of the home. Also surviving is his sons, Jason Thomas (Erin) Way, Americus, Kansas, and Jeremy Lee (Kristen) Way, Emporia; daughter, Justina Barnes and her fiancé Nick Roach, Andover, Kansas; sister, Linda (Eric) Hurley, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas; and grandchildren, Dylan Kosinski, Seth, Camden, and Piper Way, and Hayden and Jasper Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents.
John was an equipment operator and carpenter who had been employed at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, Mark II Lumber, and Better Life Technology.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kansas Fur Harvesters, Kansas Muzzle Loaders, and the Sons of the American Legion.
John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and trapping and was known across Kansas as the area fur buyer. He was very passionate about passing his knowledge of the outdoors on to others.
He also loved sports. He was always on the road traveling across the state to support his kids, grandkids, and their teams.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Champion’s Landing, Emporia, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
The family will be setting up a Trapper John Memorial Fund for Youth Sports and Outdoor Activities. More details to come in the near future.
Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the City of Rochester celebrated the inauguration of the Mayor, City Council, School Board, Police Commission, and Election Officials. Following the swearing-in of elected officials, Councilor David E. Walker (Ward 4/Seat A) was unanimously chosen to serve as Deputy Mayor.
Click here to watch online.
Mayor Chuck Grassie delivered the following address:
Thank you all for coming.
I want to thank Mayor Callaghan for his service to our city. I also want to thank everyone who has stood up to serve our community—our election workers, school board members, and city council members.
As we reflect on the history of our city, it becomes clear that we have experienced numerous changes over the years. Many of these changes have been met with applause and approval, while others have faced criticism and debate. The impact of these transformations has shaped our community in profound ways—some for the better, others perhaps less so, depending on one’s perspective. Regardless of whether these changes were welcomed or opposed, we now find ourselves on the threshold of an uncertain future, moving forward together as a community.
Recent assessments have resulted in significant tax increases for many working families and seniors. Given ongoing funding uncertainties at the federal level and reductions at the state level, developing sustainable school and municipal budgets will be increasingly challenging. Your mayor and city council recognize the difficulties facing our community and are committed to addressing the city’s needs with fiscal responsibility. We will pursue public-private partnerships where appropriate and explore innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet these challenges.
We also need to make sure our state representative delegation understands that actions taken at the state level can have dramatic effects on our local property taxes. I will be asking the city council to speak out when state actions cause increased costs for our property taxpayers.
Governance and Civic Responsibility
During the last election, some tried to bring political parties into our city’s government. By choosing the Council-Manager system without political affiliation, we moved away from party rule and toward elected councilors and school board members who serve Rochester’s voters—not political interests.
Personal opinions outside City Hall are your responsibility, but remember: partisanship has no place in City Hall. We represent the citizens of Rochester, not outside political powers.
As a city councilor, your responsibility is to actively listen to those you represent. Make time for regular ward meetings where you can hear their concerns and viewpoints. If you need assistance organizing a meeting, reach out and we will support you. I encourage you to ask questions and thoughtfully examine any issues that arise. You serve as the voice of your constituents, representing everyone in your wards. Bring forward their ideas—no suggestion is too unusual if it could help make Rochester better for all. As mayor, I promise that I will never silence your perspective.
As a citizen, it is your responsibility to reach out to your elected representatives and let them know how you feel about issues. Don’t be afraid. These councilors and school board members are your neighbors—you elected them to be your voice. We cannot represent you if we never hear from you.
Looking Ahead
Now let’s look forward. (The next two years are going to be tough.)
When I speak to many new citizens who move here, one of the first things they talk about is the number of people who volunteer. Whether it be youth sports, city beautification, faith-based activities, community festivals, or arts and culture, many work to make Rochester a special place to raise a family or retire.
But now we need to get even more involved.
If you have children in school, join your PTA or PTO and help make your school the best it can be. Volunteer in a classroom. Read to kids in a classroom. If you’re a businessperson—either large or small—join the Chamber of Commerce. If you’re a downtown business, join Main Street. If you attend church or are active with any other faith-based group, find out what programs they may have to help those less fortunate.
If you have kids, volunteer to coach or help with a youth sports or scouting program. Find a local cleanup or gardening group. Find a soup kitchen and lend your cooking skills to help feed those in need. Join the Rotary, Elks, Lions, Moose, or other groups that help our community in different ways. Volunteer at the Opera House or the Historical Society and help promote the arts, culture, and history of our city.
Encourage your children to get involved with extracurricular sports, music, theater, or community activities in the schools, because teaching them to get involved will ensure our future. Every hour you volunteer strengthens our community.
Issues Facing Rochester
1. Homelessness
One of the major issues I heard most from voters was homelessness. On any given night, Rochester has conservatively over 150 individuals sleeping outside under the sky—most not by choice, but by circumstance. A recent comment from our superintendent of schools stated that there were almost 100 students who were housing insecure.
Last year, 2025, our welfare department placed 68 households in motels as emergency housing. Most of those were families with children and some people with medical conditions that would not be appropriate for traditional shelters. This year, 2026, we have assisted 23 households with emergency housing in motels. The problem is getting worse, not better, and we need to find ways to solve it by working with the state and county.
People living in the woods, in tents, in cars, under tarps, in boxes—this is not a solution; it’s the problem. No one deserves to live in conditions less than an animal. Whether the cause is drugs, mental health challenges, poverty, physical disability, or job loss, we can and should do better.
I will be asking the school board to work with us to form a special committee to address youth homelessness. This committee will include community homelessness and housing advocates, members of the faith-based community, and city, county, and state elected officials.
Homelessness is not a problem Rochester can solve on its own. I have been—and will continue to—work with the mayors of Dover and Somersworth, as well as Strafford County and state officials, to find solutions to homelessness, drug and mental health treatment, and transitional and affordable housing.
2. Affordability of Housing
High housing costs in New Hampshire have forced many children and grandchildren to leave Rochester for affordable options elsewhere. It is troubling that new families moving here for jobs struggle to find affordable homes, and this situation must improve.
We need to review our zoning and building codes to see where we might reduce the cost of housing. Smaller “starter” homes used to be the norm but are now unpopular due to lower profit margins. There is a company right here in Rochester that I have been speaking with that uses innovative building techniques to 3D-print homes.
Small-footprint “cottage” homes need to be considered. Tiny home developments, such as one in Dover, need to be replicated here in Rochester. Concepts such as pattern zoning, accessory dwelling units, and workforce housing within commercial and industrial developments need to be expanded. What’s old may be new again, as companies are successfully developing workforce housing within their projects.
3. Education
I will be working closely with the chair of the school board to understand how we can help improve our schools. Most parents love their children’s teachers and their schools, and we need to support the efforts that have been successful in helping our children succeed.
With cutbacks at the state and federal levels, our schools struggle to make improvements. Our teachers work hard every day to help our children succeed but are constantly seeing reductions in special education supports and a lack of tools to do their jobs. Adolescent mental healthcare needs to be addressed, and I have reached out to mental healthcare professionals to see where we can help.
I will be asking both boards to hold regular meetings between our finance committees so issues, opportunities, and challenges are not surprises to either body. I will also be asking to meet monthly with the school board chair to keep us both informed on the common issues we face. The success of our schools will determine the success of our city.
4. Arts, Culture, History, and Community
The vibrancy of a community—and its ability to attract young families and new businesses—is rooted in its ability to provide arts and culture to its citizens. We have had many successful festivals in Rochester, but we can and should do more.
I will be reaching out to all community groups to find new and more innovative ideas to bring excitement to Rochester. Working with the Rochester Fair Association, Main Street, the Rochester Chamber, the Rochester Opera House, and other arts and cultural organizations, we will bring more energy to our city.
But most importantly, we should never forget the history that makes Rochester, Rochester. The stories that built our community need to be preserved and repeated. Our schoolchildren need to hear how Rochester became what it is today.
My father’s family came to the United States in the mid-1800s from Italy and settled here in Rochester. We were the first Italian family to settle here. Many more families followed from other countries to work in the woolen mills, shoe factories, and box shops.
I’ve heard it said that Portsmouth always wanted to be Boston, Dover always wanted to be Portsmouth, but Rochester just wanted to be Rochester—a working-class community where everyone could claim a piece of the American Dream, raise their children, work a good job, and retire with dignity.
Closing
I’ve only addressed four issues I’d like the city to focus on over the next two years. There are many more. It will not be easy, but I can tell you this: I will not be discouraged, nor will I accept the name “Rottenchester” any longer.
We will work with any group that has an idea or a desire to make our community better. I ask you—the people who make Rochester what it is—to help your city council and school board face the future.
One thing I can promise: no matter how hard it gets, we will have fun walking into the fight.
