The Committees That Will Build (or Block) 2026

By: Jerry Filmore, Editor in Chief January 6, 2026

The inauguration confetti has been swept up at Doherty Memorial High School, and Mayor Petty’s eighth term is officially underway. While the full City Council doesn’t convene for its first regular meeting until Tuesday, Jan. 13, the most critical news of the year dropped late yesterday: The 2026 Standing Committee Assignments.

Why does this matter? Because in Worcester’s “Plan E” government, major projects often live or die in committee. Here is the new power map you need to know:

1. Economic Development: Bergman Takes the Chair

• The Chair: Councilor Moe Bergman (At-Large).
• The Impact: This is the gatekeeper committee for TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) and major land deals. Bergman, an attorney by trade, is known for being detail-oriented. If you are a developer looking to break ground in Sector 5 or the Canal District this year, expect a rigorous review of your community benefits agreement before it ever hits the floor for a vote.
• The 2026 Watch: We are watching for the first hearings on the Albany Street DPW redevelopment to land here by February.

2. Traffic & Parking: The Vision Zero Test

• The Chair: Councilor Jose Rivera (District 5).
• The Impact: With the city formally adopting the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, Rivera—a former world champion boxer who campaigned on “safe streets and sidewalks”—will be the one deciding if we actually get speed bumps or just more studies.
• The Conflict: Look for immediate tension over Shrewsbury Street. The new plan calls for “crosswalk daylighting” and potential lane reductions to curb the accident rate. Rivera will have to balance the “Restaurant Row” valet needs with pedestrian safety.

3. Urban Technologies: The “Green” Gavel

• The Chair: Councilor Luis Ojeda (District 4).
• The Impact: This committee handles climate policy and smart-city initiatives. Ojeda will likely lead the charge on the new Municipal Aggregation rates and the expansion of EV charging infrastructure for the 2026 fleet.

The Jan. 13 Preview

The official 2026 meeting schedule marks next Tuesday as a Joint Agenda. While the first meeting is often heavy on housekeeping, we expect the formal referral of the CDBG Block Grant Allocations (Deadline Jan. 14).

We’ll have the full docket breakdown on Monday.

About The Author

Jerry Filmore

Jerry Filmore is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of What’s Up Worcester News, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization community news outlet dedicated to informing, engaging, and empowering Worcester through accessible, accurate, and inclusive storytelling. With over a decade of experience in management, community organizing, and media production, Jerry leads with a passion for amplifying local voices and spotlighting the people, places, and stories that make Worcester Massachusetts thrive.
When he’s not producing new shows or organizing community initiatives like Woo CommuniTree or Worcester Voices: Community Awards & Celebration Night, you can find Jerry collaborating with local creatives, mentoring young reporters, and continuing to build bridges across Worcester’s neighborhoods.

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