Dear Neighbors,

The new Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) was sworn in on January 7th, and I was so glad to be there.. As you may know, the BET makes all the decisions about how our tax dollars are spent, making it one of the most important boards in Greenwich and I’m optimistic members will work collaboratively for the town’s good.

In fact, the proposed Town and Board of Education budgets will be presented to the BET on Tuesday, January 27th at 6 pm at Town Hall and the public can provide comments to the BET that day. If you want your voice heard on issues that are important to you, I encourage you to mark your calendars and make plans to attend and participate in the public hearing. You can make a difference.

Following the BET swearing in, there was the first meeting of the Debt & Fund Balance Policy Committee. This Committee is tasked with defining a capital plan for the town and identifying best practices because, just like we plan and budget for the maintenance of our homes, we need to plan and budget for our town. The committee’s goal is to have a capital planning process that is transparent and clear and includes the participation of the community.

This planning is particularly critical because in 2023, the Greenwich League of Women Voters published a report noting that Greenwich has a backlog of capital projects worth over $1 billion. Determining how we will prioritize these projects and pay for them is vital. Watch my video below to find out why it is so important for a town to have a capital plan.

On January 10th, I joined other newly-elected officials for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ training session. The training provided an overview of municipal government, municipal finance, as well as Freedom of Information requirements for municipal officials.

An interesting fact I learned is that the Selectmen-Town Meeting format is one of the oldest forms of municipal government, dating back to the 1600s. It is a decentralized form of government that ensures direct representation. And as I just mentioned, the session on municipal finance stressed and confirmed the importance of long-term capital planning so the town can be prepared for the future.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at: Rachel.Khanna@greenwichct.gov or (203) 622-7706.

Best Regards,

Upcoming Events:

RTM Swearing In

January 20, 8pm: RTM swearing in at Central Middle School. The members of the town legislature start their 2 year terms. Thank you to all who serve on this 230 person body!

YWCA Greenwich Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Conversation

Abilis Workshop: Supporting Your Young Child's Development

Abilis, the nonprofit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Fairfield County, is offering a very special program for parents entitled, “Supporting Your Young Child’s Development: A Parent Workshop,” to be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center in Stamford, Connecticut. This workshop offers parents and caregivers practical guidance and trusted information as they navigate developmental concerns, new diagnoses and key transitions for young children with developmental disabilities. The workshop is free and open to the public with advance registration; on-site babysitting is provided for $25. Those interested can register at abilis.us/workshop.

AARP Community Challenge Grant Opportunity

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. Now in its tenth year, this initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. Since its inception 32 grants have been made in Connecticut. Applications are due by March 4. Learn more & apply at:

https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/aarp-connecticut-now-accepting-2026-community-challenge-grant-applications

Wallace Center Events for January

Christmas Tree Collection

From December 26 - January 31, you can drop off your undecorated Christmas trees in several locations where they are chipped into mulch. You can pick up wood chips at each drop off location.

In addition to Greenwich Point, you can drop off undecorated Christmas trees at Byram Park, Bruce Park, and the Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility. Or you can repurpose your tree at home.