Public Announcements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Manchester, New Hampshire Office of Mayor Jay Ruais, January 27, 2026

Mayor Ruais Launches Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care to Expand Access for Manchester Families

Manchester, NH — Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the initiation of the Manchester Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care, a major new initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable, licensed child care and strengthening early childhood supports across the city.

Mayor Ruais emphasized that this work is both deeply personal and critically important for Manchester’s future.

“As a new dad, my wife Veronica and I feel every day the hopes and pressures that so many Manchester families carry, and it reminds me constantly of our responsibility to give every child the strongest possible start,” said Mayor Ruais. 

The Mayor highlighted the data showing the scale of the challenge. Across New Hampshire, licensed child care capacity for children under five has dropped nearly 13 percent between 2017 and 2024, even though the number of young children has remained steady. Providers are operating at only 85 percent of their licensed capacity due to staffing shortages and financial strain. The economic consequences are significant: New Hampshire businesses lose an estimated $56 million annually because parents cannot find or afford child care and are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce.

“Child care isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a livability issue for our entire city,” Ruais said. “My vision is a Manchester where every family, no matter their language, neighborhood, or income, can access the care and early learning opportunities their children deserve.”

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care will focus on creating a blue print to:

• Expanding the supply of licensed child care programs
• Strengthening the early childhood workforce
• Improving family access to early literacy and engagement resources
• Coordinating efforts across city departments, schools, nonprofits, businesses and community partners
• Delivering actionable recommendations to the City by fall 2026

The Commission will work in partnership with the National League of Cities and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to leverage national best practices and local expertise.

To the first Manchester Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care, Mayor Ruais nominated City leadership, elected officials, representing child care providers, employers, and early childhood experts. The Commission will need the community’s support and input, we will host community listening sessions on child care starting in March and we invite you to participate. Information on the Commission and about the listening sessions will be available on City of Manchester Economic Development webpage. 

“This is not a small challenge, but it is one we can meet by working together,” said Mayor Ruais. “As a father, as a mayor, and as someone who wants every child in Manchester to have the opportunities my own child will have, I am committed to making this vision real. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant future for every family in Manchester.”

New Commission Aims to Strengthen Child Care Access, Support Early Educators, and Build a More Livable, Affordable City for Families

Manchester, NH – This morning, Mayor Jay Ruais convened the first meeting of the City of Manchester Commission on Child Care, a new cross-sector advisory body charged with evaluating childcare access, strengthening the early childhood workforce, and identifying strategies to ensure that every Manchester family can find affordable, quality early care and education.

At this organizational meeting, Members were introduced, the Commission’s charge was reviewed, a discussion was held on beginning the community listening sessions, and the Commission began outlining priority areas for the report which will be completed in Fall 2026.

Mayor Ruais Released the Following Statement:

“As a new dad, I am reminded constantly of our responsibility to give every child the strongest possible start. Child care is now the second-highest expense for families, only behind housing. Childcare isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workforce, economic and livability issue for our entire city. High-quality early care and education promote family well-being, supports our workforce, and strengthens Manchester’s economic future,” said Mayor Ruais. “As a father and as mayor, I am committed to making this vision real. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant future for every family in Manchester.”

Background Data:

• Licensed child care capacity for children under age five has dropped nearly 13% between 2017 and 2024, even though the population of young children has remained largely changed.
• Providers operate at just 85% of licensed capacity due to staffing shortages and financial strain.
• New Hampshire businesses lose an estimated $56 million annually, and families lose $177.9 million, due to parents reducing hours or leaving the workforce because they cannot access or afford care.

A Vision for a Family-Friendly Manchester
A Manchester where every family can access high-quality early care and learning, whether in centers, homes, or school-based settings.

• A community where early literacy, numeracy, family engagement, and school readiness are embedded into the city’s future.
• A coordinated strategy across city departments, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to treat child care as essential infrastructure.

To accomplish this vision, the Commission brings together leaders from across municipal government, public health, early childhood education, business, healthcare, and workforce development, including:

• Mark Gomez, Mayor’s Designee: Chief of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery, City of Manchester
• Alderwoman Kelly Thomas, City of Manchester, Board of Aldermen
• Julie Turner, School Board Member, Manchester School District
• Dr. Jennifer Chmiel, Superintendent, Manchester School District
• Anna Thomas, Director of Public Health, City of Manchester
• Jodie Nazaka, Economic Development Director, City of Manchester
• Kitty Larochelle, Director, The Growing Years (West Side)
• Sarah Vanderhoof, MSM, RD, LD, Chief Operating Officer, Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
• Nichole Martin Reimer, President & CEO, Granite United Way
• Lisa Doyon, Family Provider, Lisa’s Daycare
• Michele Sheppard, Chief Executive Officer, Granite YMCA
• Shirley Tomlinson, MA, Community Engagement & Outreach Specialist, NH DHHS – Office of Health Access
• Courtney Tanner, Senior Director of Government Relations, Dartmouth Health
• Heather McGrail, President & CEO, Greater Manchester Chamber
• Dr. Jennifer MacDonald, M.D., Chief Operating Officer, ReGen Valley Consortium / ARMI

The Commission is supported by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and the National League of Cities. The Commission will meet regularly throughout 2026 to evaluate current childcare capacity, identify opportunities for innovation, and recommend city-level strategies to expand access, stabilize the childcare workforce, and ultimately improve readiness for school and beyond.