The City of Utica, NY

Media Advisory: June 5, 2026

Mayor Michael P. Galime is pleased to announce that the UTICA sign at Utica Place Garage will glow Purple on Saturday June 6, 2026 in honor of National Naloxone Awareness Day – to heighten public awareness of drug overdoses, and the availability of life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications.

Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence at John F. Hughes Elementary School Utica City School District

This morning, Mayor Galime had the honor of attending the Centennial Celebration of John F. Hughes Elementary School, marking 100 years of educating and inspiring generations of students.

The administration and staff put together an outstanding event that showcased the school's rich history, remarkable achievements, and the evolution of student learning over the past century. Students and staff delivered wonderful musical performances and presentations that highlighted the legacy and impact of John F. Hughes Elementary School.

A special thank you to Principal Mary Belden and her dedicated staff for hosting such a meaningful and engaging celebration. The event brought together parents, families, friends, alumni, former educators, elected officials, and distinguished guests to honor this incredible milestone.

Thank you to John F. Hughes Elementary School for inviting City representatives to be part of this special celebration and for welcoming Mayor Galime back as a proud alumnus to perform the National Anthem. It was truly an honor to participate in such a meaningful milestone and celebrate 100 years of educational excellence.

Congratulations on your Centennial Anniversary.

Today is National Donut Day!

A big thank you to Kelly from The Salvation Army for stopping by with delicious donuts for National Donut Day! Thank you for all you do for our community!

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2026

The City of Utica set to launch the 2026 Roadway Improvement Program

The City of Utica Engineering Department is set to launch its 2026 Roadway Improvement Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to improve roadway conditions, enhance public safety, and extend the life of the City's transportation infrastructure.

Throughout the 2026 construction season, the City will undertake a series of roadway improvement projects that include the Mill & Fill Program, the Pavement Repairs Program, the Micro-Paving Program, as well as a small road reconstruction project. Together, these efforts represent a significant investment in maintaining and improving Utica's streets while ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Within the coming weeks, the City will release a comprehensive map highlighting all roadway improvements completed in 2024 and 2025. The map will also identify locations scheduled for roadway improvement projects in 2026, providing residents with a clear overview of the City's ongoing infrastructure investments and future plans.

Mill & Fill Program

The City's annual Mill & Fill Program is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2026, weather permitting. Twenty-three roadway segments throughout the City have been selected for resurfacing based on pavement conditions, traffic volumes, maintenance history, and infrastructure needs.

The Mill & Fill process involves several phases designed to provide residents with a durable and long-lasting roadway:

• Milling – The existing asphalt surface is removed to eliminate deteriorated pavement and prepare the roadway for reconstruction.

• Binder Course Installation – A new foundation layer of asphalt, known as the binder course, is placed to provide structural support and establish a stable roadway base.

• Utility Structure Adjustments – Manholes, catch basins, and water valve structures are adjusted to match the new roadway elevations.

• ADA Improvements – Curb ramps are upgraded or replaced as necessary to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and federal accessibility requirements.

• Top Course Paving – A final asphalt wearing surface is installed to provide a smooth, safe, and durable roadway.

• Pavement Markings – Roadways are striped and marked as necessary to improve traffic safety and operations.

This comprehensive process not only improves driving conditions but also upgrades critical infrastructure components beneath and alongside the roadway. Residents should expect to see construction activities begin shortly after June 15 and continue throughout the paving season as weather and field conditions permit.

Pavement Repairs Program

In addition to the resurfacing program, the City has already begun work on its 2026 Pavement Repairs Program. Engineering Department staff conducted extensive field evaluations and developed a prioritized list of locations throughout the City requiring targeted repairs.

This program addresses localized pavement failures, roadway deterioration, utility structure adjustments, and other maintenance needs that impact roadway performance and safety. By addressing these issues early, the City can prevent further deterioration and avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future.

Residents will continue to see construction crews working at various locations throughout the City as these repairs progress during the construction season.

Micro-Paving Program

The City will also begin its 2026 Micro-Paving Program within the next month. Micro-paving is a cost-effective preventative maintenance treatment designed to preserve roadways that remain structurally sound but are beginning to show signs of surface wear.

By applying a protective surface treatment, micro-paving helps seal pavement, improve ride quality, reduce water infiltration, and extend the service life of roadways. This proactive approach allows the City to maximize the lifespan of existing pavement while reducing future rehabilitation costs.

Investing in preventative maintenance is an important component of the City's long-term infrastructure strategy and helps ensure residents receive the greatest value from roadway improvement investments.

Right-of-Way Tree Maintenance

As part of roadway improvement and maintenance activities, it may be necessary to perform selective trimming of trees and vegetation located within the City’s public right-of-way. These efforts are conducted only when needed to ensure safe and efficient passage of construction equipment, maintain required roadway clearances, and support the quality and longevity of paving operations across all programs.

The City recognizes and values the important role trees play in our neighborhoods and is committed to taking a balanced, careful approach. Any necessary trimming is done with the goal of preserving tree health whenever possible while also maintaining safe working conditions and protecting newly improved infrastructure.

When work in these areas is required, it will be performed in coordination with project activities to minimize impacts to residents. The City appreciates the community’s understanding as these steps help ensure that roadway improvements can be completed safely and effectively.

Construction Impacts

As construction activities progress, residents and motorists may experience temporary lane closures, parking restrictions, and traffic pattern adjustments. The City will work closely with contractors to minimize disruptions while maintaining safe and efficient work zones.

Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling through construction areas, follow all posted signage, and allow additional travel time when necessary.

State Funding Preserved and Extended

We are pleased to announce that the City of Utica has received notice with the passage of the state budget regarding the annual New York State Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

Mayor Galime stated, "As our roads continue to endure the effects of harsh Upstate winters and we have to account for economic increases, this state support is critical to helping municipalities address growing maintenance and repair needs."

Mayor Galime expressed his appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Senate, and the New York State Assembly for recognizing the infrastructure challenges facing local governments and providing additional resources to help address them.

The Mayor extends his gratitude for the advocacy work he and his colleagues have been able to accomplish through the New York Conference of Mayors, and would like to also recognize the efforts of our own City of Utica Engineering Department traveling to Albany to represent the essential need of this infrastructure funding.

Commitment to Infrastructure

The 2026 Roadway Improvement Program reflects the City of Utica's continued commitment to investing in critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents. Through a balanced approach of roadway rehabilitation, targeted repairs, and preventative maintenance, the City is working to build a safer, more reliable, and more resilient transportation network for years to come.

The City appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses, and visitors as these important improvements are completed throughout the construction season.

For additional information regarding roadway improvement projects, please contact the City of Utica Engineering Department at (315)792-0152.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2026

Mayor Galime Announces Façade Improvement Grant Funding Available for Businesses in Targeted Areas of Utica

UTICA, NY – Mayor Michael P. Galime announced that a new Façade Improvement Program is available for businesses located in specific areas of the city. Up to $20,000 in grant funds are available to businesses that are interested in making improvements such as new signage and lighting or new windows or doors. Applications for this first round of funding are due to the City’s Department of Urban & Economic Development by 4:00 PM on Friday, July 10th.

The grant require that businesses pledge a minimum of 25% of the grant with their own funds. Additionally, the businesses must be located within non-residentially zoned districts within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Target Area; the CDBG Target Area is an area where more than 50% of the families that reside within that area have an income at or below 80% of the area median income. A map of the targeted areas along with the application and the program description is available on the City’s website at:
https://cityofutica.com/departments/urban-and-economic-development/business/facade-program/index

Of the rollout of the Façade Program, Mayor Galime stated, “This program is part of my continuing effort to revamp economic development in Utica. From my focus on manufacturing businesses with the City Limits series to the recent NY Forward announcement to our second round of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, I believe that we must create an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.”

For more information on the Façade Improvement Program, business owners should contact the City’s Economic Development Specialist Jack Spaeth at (315) 792-0181.

Today, Mayor Galime and the Codes Team conducted a neighborhood assessment in Lower East Utica as part of the City's ongoing effort to improve our neighborhoods.

These assessments have proven to be a valuable tool for the City. By walking through neighborhoods, speaking directly with residents, and discussing concerns with property owners before issuing violations, we have seen increased cooperation and voluntary compliance.

A special thank you to our Codes Team for their dedication and follow-up efforts. Their work in revisiting properties after assessments helps ensure issues are addressed and, when necessary, appropriate enforcement action is taken. This proactive approach continues to produce positive results for our neighborhoods and residents.

We look forward to continuing these neighborhood assessments throughout the year as we work together to keep Utica clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

Mayor Galime shares an update on several recently improved West Utica neighborhood parks. New playground equipment has been installed at Hirt Playground, Lincoln Playground, and Addison Miller providing safe, modern spaces for children and families to enjoy.

Even more improvements are on the way for West Utica, and we look forward to the upcoming updates at Pixley Park.

We encourage all Utica residents to visit these beautiful parks, enjoy the new amenities, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

Great news, Utica

A local favorite is back. Parkway Pizza; Home of Rumors Cafe has officially opened and is ready to serve up the delicious food you've been missing.

In recognition of Pride Month, Mayor Galime will be flying Pride Flag outside his office at City Hall.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and recognize the contributions of the Pride Community. The City of Utica remains committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all residents.

Throughout Mayor Galime's term he has proclaimed June as Pride month in the City of Utica.