It's Time For Something Different

Mayor Erin E. Stewart served as the 40th Mayor of the City of New Britain. She was first elected at the age of 26 on November 12, 2013 then was reelected six times by double digit margins. Mayor Stewart was the youngest Mayor in City history, was the longest serving female Mayor and longest serving Republican Mayor in City history, and is tied for the title of longest serving consecutive Mayor in City history. Mayor Stewart had a successful career as a Republican leader of a City where Democrats outnumber Republicans 4 to 1.
 
Mayor Stewart was born and raised in New Britain, attended New Britain Public Schools, and graduated from New Britain High School in 2005. Following high school graduation, she continued her higher education at Central Connecticut State University in 2009 receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a minor in Communications. Mayor Stewart recently received her Master’s in Public Administration, Finance, from University of New Haven.
 
Mayor Stewart has earned accolades for her leadership and results-driven style of governing. She closed a deficit of more than $30 million during her first term and increased the City’s Rainy Day fund to $34 million, which brought stability and responsibility back to the City’s finances. Under Mayor Stewart’s leadership, the City’s Standard and Poor’s bond rating increased by four notches to “A+.”
 
During her time in office, Mayor Stewart oversaw the complete renovation of Gaffney, Chamberlain, Smalley, and Holmes Elementary Schools, totaling an over $600 million investment in New Britain’s educational facilities. She was a vocal advocate for improving the quality of public education New Britain’s students received in the classroom, leading to significant leadership, policy, and curriculum changes within the Consolidated School District of New Britain.
 
Mayor Stewart led the transformation of Downtown New Britain, and paved the way for development projects in almost every corner of the City. As a result of nearly $45 million in Complete Streets projects and infrastructure improvements, there was an influx of outside investment that the City had not seen in decades. Notable projects include a mixture of housing projects that include luxury to market rate, as well as, senior and affordable options. Currently there are over $330 million in private development projects in Downtown New Britain alone, due to Mayor Stewart’s vision and the investment her administration made.
 
Under Mayor Stewart’s leadership, New Britain invested significant resources to address the issues of homelessness, addiction and youth prevention in a holistic manner. The City’s Opioid Task force, Homelessness Plan, and Local Youth Drug and Alcohol Prevention Council were brought under the umbrella of a new program called New Britain Recovers. New Britain Recovers is a consortium of the many individuals and community resources that provide services in these critical areas. These efforts spearheaded by Mayor Stewart continue New Britain’s tradition of compassionate service and care for those who have encountered difficult struggles in their lives and that need a helping hand up. New Britain Recovers has earned accolades from recovery professionals and elected leaders alike as the “model” in the State of Connecticut.
 
Mayor Stewart placed a priority on upgrading the park system in New Britain during her time in office, which most recently included the $10 million renovation of Osgood Park. Over the past 12 years Mayor Erin Stewart made significant improvements to Stanley Quarter Park, Chesley Park, and AW Stanley Park just to name a few. These projects greatly improved the quality of life for families in New Britain, and ensured that residents and visitors alike had a fun, safe, outdoor spaces to enjoy.
 
Mayor Stewart continues to be humbled by the recognition she has received for her service and leadership. She was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s Power 50 list in 2022-2024. Connecticut Magazine named her one of their “40 Under 40.” She has been the subject of in-depth profiles by national media outlets like the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Time Magazine, and Newsmax. Hartford Magazine readers also named Mayor Stewart Best Politician in Connecticut in 2020-2025, as well as Best Community Leader in Connecticut in 2021-2025.
 
In addition to her former role as Mayor, Mayor Stewart served as a member of the Connecticut Board of Regents, as Chairwoman of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.
 
Mayor Erin Stewart is married to Domenic, and is the proud mother to two small children, Lina (5) and Nicky (2).