Worcester City Manager Eric Batista on Litter, Housing, and Homelessness

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

WORCESTER, MA– Worcester City Manager Eric Batista recently spoke with the Talk of the Commonwealth about some of the most pressing issues facing the city.

Tackling Litter with a Citywide Blitz

In August, the city launched a coordinated, multi-departmental “blitz” aimed at aggressively tackling litter before the start of the school year. Batista highlighted the success of Worcester’s expanded residential drop-off program, which saw over 1,400 appointments booked in just one month.

“If we provide the access to our community, they will take advantage of that,” Batista said. “We want to take a step back and re-look at that program—how can we enhance it, how can we provide more access—because we know that people are willing to use the resource.”

Housing Shortage and New Development

Batista acknowledged Worcester’s significant housing shortage, pointing out that the city’s population has grown by 20,000 people in ten years without a proportional increase in housing units. To meet demand, he cited 1,600 affordable housing units currently in the pipeline, as part of a broader strategy that includes senior housing, tiny homes, and permanent supportive housing.

Homelessness and Supportive Services

On homelessness, Batista emphasized that Worcester’s approach is rooted in housing-first strategies, but added that success requires comprehensive supportive services.

“It is not just simply placing someone in an apartment and letting them go,” he said. “It’s about the wraparound services that can help someone adapt, manage daily life, and truly succeed under a roof.”

From litter reduction to affordable housing development and tackling homelessness with dignity, Batista said Worcester’s focus is on providing access, resources, and long-term stability for its residents.