Today, January 1, 2018, the Framingham government changed and some new rules began…

• Framingham changed from a town to a city.  One difference between a town and a city is that a city has a mayor – a person elected to lead the city government
  • The new mayor, Yvonne Spicer, was inaugurated, along with 11 new city councillors and 9 new school committee members
  • Here are the names of all the people on the city council and school committee, plus which Framingham district they represent
  • If you live in Framingham, you can use this map to see which district you live in
  • Here is a video of the Inauguration Ceremony
• Also today, the on-street parking rule changed.  Because 2018 is an even number, cars may only park on the even side of streets in Framingham this year, unless there is a sign posted on the street with a different rule.
• And beginning today, retail and grocery stores in Framingham are not allowed to give you thin plastic bags at checkout.  They can still give you paper bags, and most stores can sell you inexpensive reusable bags.  They encourage you to bring your own reusable bags.