MANCHESTER, N.H. – On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais announced the initiation of the City of Manchester Commission on Child Care, a new initiative designed at expanding access to affordable, licensed childcare and strengthening early childhood supports across the city.
The announcement builds on a promise the mayor made during his inaugural address earlier this year.
Ruais is a new father, but noted that child cared isn’t just a personal issue but also a significant factor to the well being of Manchester as a whole.
“Child care isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue and a livability issue for our entire city,” he said. “My vision is a Manchester where every family can access the care and early learning opportunities their children deserve.”
The commission is expected to focus on a blueprint that expands the supply of licensed childcare programs and improves family access to early literacy and engagement resources through coordination with local government agencies, businesses and other partners in order to deliver actionable recommendations by Fall of 2026.
Additionally, the commission will work in partnership with the National League of Cities and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority to leverage national best practices and local expertise.
“This is not a challenge, but it one we can meet by working together,” said 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.”
Ruais announced that the commission will host community listening sessions on child care starting in March and has nominated members to the board, with a list to be released in the near future.
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