Full Video: State of the City 2026

The City of Rahway held its State of the City 2026 event on March 13, 2026, featuring speeches from city officials including Council President Jeff Brooks and Mayor Raymond Giacobbe. The mayor highlighted significant accomplishments in infrastructure, redevelopment, arts and culture, public safety, and public works. Key procurement-related updates included the cancellation of bids for the sale of the city's water utility, signaling a decision to retain and invest in this asset. The city has completed over 100 capital improvement projects involving roads, parks, utilities, and flood control, with ongoing projects such as the East Cherry Streetscape Project and the upcoming James Jim Kennedy Amphitheater supported by a $500,000 Union County grant. Redevelopment efforts focus on balanced growth with major projects like 329 New Brunswick Avenue for non-residential development and the Monroe Street residential project. The city also emphasized partnerships with Union County and community stakeholders to support these initiatives. The event underscored a commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and continued investment in public infrastructure and cultural assets.