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BASIC CITY
SERVICES

Michael Nicholson City Services

Mayor Nicholson is committed to ensuring that Gardner’s basic city services meet the needs of a modern, growing community. Through ordinance reform, technology upgrades, transportation improvements, and infrastructure investments, the city is delivering more efficient, accessible services for all residents.

Modernizing City Governance

  • Ordinance & Policy Updates: My administration reviewed and updated the Administrative portion of the City Code — much of it untouched for decades — to reduce red tape, increase transparency, and streamline communication between city departments and residents.

  • Historic Charter Reform: After nearly a decade of work, the city’s first major update to the Gardner City Charter since 1923 was signed into law by Governor Healey, reflecting our community’s collective effort to modernize city governance.

Expanding Technology and Connectivity

  • Municipal Fiber Network Expansion: Through a $200,000 state grant, we expanded the city’s fiber network, strengthening IT infrastructure and connectivity between city departments and improving service delivery.

  • Hybrid Public Meetings: Gardner has adopted hybrid public meetings, increasing accessibility and participation in local decision-making and aligning with broader state efforts through the Municipal Empowerment Act.

Improving Transportation Access

  • SwiftRide Launch: In partnership with Wood’s Ambulance, we created SwiftRide, a local, low-cost rideshare service offering on-demand transportation within Gardner.

  • Expanded Service Hours: In collaboration with MART, SwiftRide also provides public transportation from 5 p.m. to midnight, filling gaps after regular bus service hours.

  • Commuter Shuttle Service: A new shuttle to the Wachusett Commuter Rail Station gives residents an alternative way to travel to the Boston area beyond Route 2.

Infrastructure Improvements

  • Road & Infrastructure Upgrades: Gardner secured a $925,000 Community Development Block Grant focused on roadway repairs, infrastructure improvements, and housing support — part of our ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more resilient city.

Looking Ahead

By modernizing city government, improving technology, expanding transportation access, and investing in infrastructure, Mayor Nicholson’s administration continues to build a more connected, efficient, and responsive Gardner for residents and families.

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