The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Manchester, New Hampshire, convened on January 7, 2025, for its first meeting of the year, welcoming members back from the holiday break. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming a quorum with the attendance of most aldermen, except for Alderman Thomas.

The session featured several recognitions, notably honoring Peter Lally, a distinguished coach with over 40 years of experience in Manchester High School athletics. Lally, recognized as the winningest girls high school soccer coach in New Hampshire, was commended for his significant contributions to the community and the positive impact he had on countless student-athletes.

Following the recognitions, Mayor Craig addressed the ongoing issue of homelessness in Manchester, emphasizing the city's commitment to addressing this challenge through a comprehensive approach. He reported on various initiatives implemented over the past year, including the enforcement of camping bans and the allocation of funds to enhance police patrols in hotspot areas. From July to the end of the year, police conducted 130 arrests and issued 489 citations.

The Mayor shared statistics from the city's engagement center, highlighting over 800 provider connections made since July, with 35 individuals housed and 11 gaining employment. He also noted progress in efforts to end veterans' homelessness, with 21 veterans housed through a dedicated initiative.

In terms of housing development, the Mayor reported that 600 new dwelling units were approved, with 707 units currently under construction. The city was recognized as a housing champion by the state, and significant funding was secured for affordable housing projects.

The meeting also addressed the city's response to the opioid crisis. The Mayor introduced the Rapid Overdose Assessment and Response (ROAR) team, which has been instrumental in reducing opioid overdoses in the community. He announced a 24% decrease in opioid overdoses and a 21% reduction in overdose fatalities from 2023 to 2024, marking the second-lowest annual totals since tracking began in 2015.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing homelessness, housing, and addiction issues in Manchester, with plans for further updates and presentations in future meetings.