Town Manager Weekly Update - February 26, 2026
Elaine Lazarus
Thank you to the Hopkinton Department of Public Works employees, their contractors and support staff for the response to the blizzard earlier this week. Cleanup around town will continue for some time as operations continue. Please join me in thanking them for their commitment to public service this winter.
Hopkinton Police Department Accreditation
The Hopkinton Police Department (HPD) is proud to announce that it has been granted full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC), effective January 8, 2026. This prestigious designation was formally recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by MPAC on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Marlborough Country Club.
Accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process that underscores a police department's unwavering commitment to upholding and maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence in law enforcement.
To attain this status, the HPD successfully met or surpassed 274 mandatory standards and 95 optional standards. These standards are defined by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, a Board established following the Massachusetts Police Reform Act of 2020. The MPAC accreditation program incorporates current best practices and evolving trends within the field of law enforcement. To ensure continued compliance, departments must re-apply for accreditation every three years.
The accreditation process involved a thorough self-assessment by the HPD and officers from accredited agencies, followed by an on-site visit in November 2025 from a team of MPAC assessors. The assessors conducted a comprehensive review of the HPD's operations, policies, and procedures. This review covered critical areas, including management, technical support activities, emergency response planning, prisoner transport and holding, communication, facilities, evidence handling, training, equipment, use of force, and vehicle pursuit policies.
Statements on the Achievement:
“We are proud to have achieved full accreditation status,” said Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett. “This significant, department-wide achievement demonstrates the Hopkinton Police Department’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement and service.”
Chief Bennett added, “Participating in this voluntary process guarantees that our department adheres to the highest standards and best practices in law enforcement, both regionally and nationally. It is a critical component of our commitment to continuous improvement in serving and protecting the community of Hopkinton.”
The Hopkinton Police Department is dedicated to transparency and community engagement. For more information about the Department's accreditation program or the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, please contact Accreditation Manager Lt. Matthew McNeil at mmc...@hopkintonpd.org or 508-497-3401.
FY 2027 Town Budget Process
The Town’s budget process for Fiscal Year 2027 (7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027) is underway. At the Select Board meeting on March 3, the following departments will be presenting their budgets: School Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Public Safety Communications Department, Engineering/Facilities Department, Department of Public Works.
Please see the comprehensive budget proposal on the Town website at the 2026 annual town meeting link here: Town Meeting & Budgets
Feedback and comment on the Town budget is encouraged. Please note your thoughts, recommendations and comments about the Town’s budget using this online form: FY27 Budget Listening Form. The Select Board will receive your responses.
If you would prefer to complete a paper form, they are available at the Library and the Senior Center, and collection envelopes are provided. You may also pass along your comments and recommendations to me via email at ela...@hopkintonma.gov. Thank you in advance!
Just a reminder that the Town’s FY27 budget will be voted at the Saturday, May 2 Annual Town Meeting. All registered voters are eligible to vote, and you must be present to vote. The meeting will start at 9:00 am. Please save the date!
Winter Farmers Market - Sundays from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Weston Nurseries, 93 East Main Street.
Guided Trail Walk - Sunday, March 15
The Hopkinton Trails Club will lead a guided trail walk on March 15 at 1:00 pm, at the Hopkinton State Park, Duck Pond trails. Explore the Hopkinton State Park trails on the other side of Route 85. The main path runs from the DCR ranger station (the Smokey The Bear sign) over to Duck Pond, though a beautiful woods with many stories. Daniel Shays, a pipeline from Lake Whitehall, stone quarrying, and more. Meet at the parking area by the ranger station on Rt. 85 (Cedar St.).
Artful Connections - Tuesday, March 17
Charusmitha Ram and Betsy Johnson will host the event on March 17 at 6:30 pm at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (98 Hayden Rowe). Refreshments are available; the event is free and open to all.
This series is a collaboration between the Hopkinton Freedom Team and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, with support from Riverside Properties, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Hopkinton Cultural Council, and Hopkinton Youth and Family Services. For more information, see the flyer below or the Hopkinton Center for the Arts website: hopartscenter.org
Summer Job Opportunities and Spring/Summer Parks and Recreation Programs
Looking for a great summer job? Check out Parks and Recreation open positions by going to the Town website Human Resources Page: Job Postings - Town of Hopkinton
The Spring and Summer Parks & Recreation Activity Guide is at this link: SpringSummerAG_1.25.26.pdf Within these pages, you’ll discover a variety of recreational opportunities designed to inspire, engage, and bring the community together. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, sports leagues, fitness classes, STEM, or cultural programs, there is something for everyone. Registration for Spring and Summer programs is open.
Save the Date - Community Recycling and Reuse Day - Saturday, April 4
Saturday, April 4, 2026 10am-1pm
Marathon School
Rain or Shine
Questions: hopgr...@gmail.com
2026 Boston Marathon Events
The Boston Marathon is on April 20 and as always, there will be several events planned in Hopkinton leading up to it. Here are some from the 26.2 Foundation in partnership with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, with Premier Sponsor Dell Technologies - this year’s The Start of Something Extraordinary - a celebration of art, sport, community, and purpose.
Stories & Songs, a special event
April 2 | HCA
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and music at Stories and Songs, a special event presented by the 26.2 Foundation and the HCA. Set against the backdrop of the Boston Marathon®, presented by Bank of America, five remarkable marathoners will take the stage to share their personal stories of triumph, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Each athlete will select a song that reflects their journey, and after their story, a live band will bring that song to life. Come celebrate the intersection of endurance, emotion, and music as we honor the marathon experience in a unique and moving way. Whether you're a marathoner, a music lover, or simply inspired by stories of perseverance, Stories and Songs will leave you uplifted and empowered.
Winged Foot Art Exhibition & Auction
April 4 - April 26 | Hopkinton Town Common
A unique art exhibition and auction of 26 winged feet painted by regional artists with their interpretation of the spirit of the marathon. The exhibition will be on display at the town common from April 4th through the 26th creating a beautiful public art display connecting the community and visitors alike. Be sure to stop by and bid on your favorite!
The stART Line Experience
April 18 - April 26 | Hopkinton Town Common
A self-guided art and education tour of the Marathon Legend sculptures in Hopkinton. Participants download the map and begin at the newly installed, The Girl Who Ran, by Bobbi Gibb, artist and first woman to run the Boston Marathon. From there, they will visit each sculpture and scan a QR code to learn more about the artist and the sculpture. Also included are online coupon codes for discounts at neighboring restaurants.
Marathon Mural
April 4 - April 26 | Hopkinton Public Library
A signature piece celebrating the spirit of the marathon by artist Faith Sycaoyao. This is a photo opportunity that you do not want to miss.
Building Dept./Municipal Inspections Office Hours
The Town’s Director of Municipal Inspections/Building Commissioner has open office hours on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm and Fridays from 9 am to noon at Town Hall. Drop in or call 508-497-9745. The Inspectional Services web page also has a lot of information on permitting, and answers to frequently asked questions. Hopkinton Inspectional Services
account are public records unless qualified as an exemption under the
*Massachusetts Public Records Law
<http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm>*.