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ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN APPROVING THE REQUEST FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THE CITY CHARTER REQUIREMENT CONCERNING RESIDENT ELECTOR STATUS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND RECREATION GWENDOLYN WILLIAMS.
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WHEREAS, under the revised City Charter, passed on November 7, 2023, Article II, Section 12 of the Charter (“Charter”) of the City of New Haven (“City”) there is set forth an Elector and residency requirement for certain appointed Public Officials, Department Heads and Deputies, unless otherwise provided by Law or waived in accordance with the provisions of § 12.D of the Charter; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2026 the New Haven Board of Alders, via Chapter 2, Art. IV, Division 1, Sec. 2-221 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances (OR-2026-0016), established an exception process to the Charter’s elector and city residency requirements for individuals in roles subject to resident elector requirements under the Charter; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams has been serving in the capacity as the Director of the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department since August of 2020; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams has served the City of New Haven since 2007 and through her years of service has amassed extensive institutional knowledge of City operations as well as a deep understanding of the communities in the City of New Haven; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams worked her way up through the ranks before her promotion to her current role as the Director of Youth and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, at the time of her original hire at the City of New Haven, Ms. Williams was not subject to a residency elector requirement and owned a home in West Haven; and
WHEREAS, upon appointment to the position of Director of the Youth and Recreation Department, the prospect of selling her home came at a personal cost; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams nonetheless demonstrated a commitment to the City by holding a second residence in New Haven to satisfy the Charter’s residency elector requirement; and
WHEREAS, continuing to maintain two residences is a significant financial and personal burden to Ms. Williams and her family; and
WHERAS, based on the information provided, the Personnel Director of the City of New Haven has reviewed relevant criteria pursuant to Sec. 2-221 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances and has certified that this exception request from Ms. Williams does indeed satisfy criteria for consideration; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams’ established West Haven address fulfills the condition as established by Sec. 2-221 for an individual granted an exception to continue to reside within the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams has demonstrated exemplary dedication in serving the City of New Haven; and
WHEREAS, as such, an exception of residency/elector status will not be of detriment to our municipality nor diminish her effectiveness or dedication to her role.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Alders of the City of New Haven that the Director of Youth and Recreation, Gwendolyn Williams, be granted an exception of the New Haven Charter’s elector & residency requirement so that she may remain in her position and continue her hard work serving the people of the City of New Haven.