Honestly, walking down Pleasant Street these days feels a little different. There is a sense of "hurry up and wait" in the air. While the holiday lights are barely down, the reality of 2026 is hitting hard. If you've lived here long enough, you know Malden isn't exactly a stranger to a bit of grit and hustle, but what's coming up this March is a first for us.
We are talking about the first-ever Proposition 2 1/2 override campaign in the city’s history. It’s a big deal.
Basically, the city is at a breaking point. Mayor Gary Christenson and the City Council have spent months crunching numbers, and they’ve landed on a special election set for March 31, 2026. This isn't just bureaucratic noise. It’s about whether we keep our current level of public safety, school staffing, and neighborhood services, or if we start seeing some pretty deep cuts.
The News in Malden MA About the Budget Cliff
You might be wondering why now. Why is the budget suddenly a "crisis"? It's kinda a perfect storm. Inflation is eating away at the city's purchasing power while federal pandemic relief funds—which acted as a safety net for a few years—have officially dried up. On top of that, state aid hasn't kept pace.
Specifically, Malden is staring down a missing $1.1 million in gaming revenue that was supposed to come from the state to offset the impact of local casinos. When that money doesn't show up, the city has to find it somewhere else.
Breaking Down the Ballot Questions
When you head to the polls on March 31, you're going to see two distinct questions, often referred to as Question 1A and 1B. This "tiered" approach is something we saw recently in places like Melrose and Stoneham.
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- The $5.4 Million Request: This is the baseline. If this passes, the average homeowner will likely see a one-time tax increase of about $328. Even with this money, the city still expects to cut around $2 million from the budget through layoffs and reduced maintenance.
- The $8.2 Million Request: This is the "stability" option. It would cost the average homeowner roughly $517 but would cover the increases required by state law for school spending and help prevent the most drastic service eliminations.
If both pass, the city takes the higher amount. If neither passes? Well, that’s when the conversation gets really uncomfortable. We are talking about potential cuts to the Housing Stability office and positions within the Malden Public Schools.
Education and Schools: What’s Changing?
Speaking of schools, there is a lot of movement in the district. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel just had his contract extended through June 2029. The School Committee was unanimous on this. They like the stability he's brought, especially as the district navigates a tricky "competency determination" policy change.
If you have a kid in the Malden Public Schools, keep an eye on the graduation requirements. For the classes of 2026 through 2029, things are staying mostly the same as they were set in February 2025. However, the current 8th graders—the class of 2030—are going to face a much more significant shift in what’s required to earn that diploma starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
Upcoming School Dates to Circle
- January 22: District-wide STEM Night at Ferryway School (5:30 PM).
- January 23: The end of Quarter 2.
- January 29: SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) elections.
Attendance is also a massive focus right now. The district is pushing hard on "timely attendance" because ACCESS testing for English language learners is in full swing.
Infrastructure and the "Malden River Works"
It isn't all budget gloom, though. There is some cool stuff happening on the environmental front. Have you seen the activity near the DPW yard? That’s the Malden River Works project.
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This is a $13 million effort to finally give us a real public riverfront park. It’s actually a pretty unique setup because it’s led by a coalition of community leaders of color and environmental advocates, rather than just a top-down government plan. They are adding over 200 trees, rain gardens, and a public boating dock.
The first major phase, including the new DPW yard and park landscape, is slated for completion in June 2026. It’s about time we actually get to use the river, right?
Roadwork and Construction Delays
On the less glamorous side, Allied Paving is currently working through a long list of street improvements. If you live on Roberts Street, Whitman Street, or Hillside Avenue, you’ve probably seen the "No Parking" signs. This project is a "full depth" reconstruction, meaning they are digging deep and rebuilding. Expect this to continue through July 2026.
Housing and Small Business Wins
We also just saw the completion of the Cross Street affordable condo project. Five families are moving into brand new units at 272-274 Cross Street. These were built on a lot that used to be a total eyesore—vacant and dilapidated. It’s a small win in a massive housing crisis, but for those five families, it’s life-changing.
Mayor Christenson also recently snagged two state grants:
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- $460,000 (MassWorks): To study a redesign of Commercial Street. Think better sidewalks, lighting, and more trees.
- $50,000 (Vacant Storefront Program): This provides tax credits to small business owners who are brave enough to fill those empty windows downtown.
Community Events and Getting Involved
If you want to have a say in how the city looks in twenty years, the Malden Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is looking for members. They need at least four residents to help guide the "Malden 2050" vision. The deadline to apply is January 20, 2026.
Also, the annual Point in Time Count is happening on January 28. This is when volunteers go out late at night to collect data on the homeless population in Malden, Medford, and Everett. It’s a somber task but essential for getting the state funding we need for shelters and support services.
Neighborhood Quick-Hits
- Power Outages: We just had a nasty crash at Pearl and Thacher Streets on January 15 that knocked out power for over 200 people. Utility poles were snapped like toothpicks.
- Inauguration: The 2026 ceremonies just wrapped up at Malden High, where the new City Council and School Committee were sworn in. They are hitting the ground running—mostly because they have to.
- Teen Center: The Malden Teen Enrichment Center is still a hub of activity. They have guitar lessons on Wednesdays and "Her Space" groups on Tuesdays.
What You Should Do Next
The news in Malden MA isn't just something to read; it's something to act on.
First, make sure you are registered to vote before the March 31 special election. You can check your status on the Secretary of State’s website or head down to City Hall.
Second, if you're a homeowner, use the city’s tax impact estimator to see exactly how much the override will cost you. Knowledge is power, and it's better to know the number now than to be surprised by your tax bill in the fall.
Lastly, attend a City Council meeting. They meet most Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM at 215 Pleasant Street. If you can't make it in person, they stream them on Teams. Listening to the Finance Committee debates will give you a much better sense of where your tax dollars are actually going than any social media thread ever will.
Stay informed, stay involved, and let’s see where 2026 takes us.