My office started “The Buzz with City Manager Batista” so that we can directly connect with you — Worcester residents — and keep you informed and engaged. In addition to our regular video series, I’ll be expanding on topics here to provide insights into municipal operations and decision-making and talk about questions and issues at the front of residents’ minds. Stay tuned so you can keep up with the latest buzz in the second largest city in New England.
About City Manager Batista
Eric D. Batista was appointed City Manager of Worcester, Massachusetts on December 6, 2022 following his appointment as Acting City Manager on June 1, 2022.
A dedicated public servant, Batista promotes and facilitates a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace that supports employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. As City Manager of the second largest municipality in New England, he strives to lead based the values of love, compassion, and integrity. In his first year as City Manager, Batista’s administration implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing constituent services and community development, including the launch of Worcester 311, financial relief and assistance to families experiencing housing and food insecurity, an expanded Quality of Life team and reactivation of the City Manager’s Clean Team, major roadway and infrastructure improvements, and a new Housing Strategy that outlines specific goals and actions to address the community’s housing needs.
Prior to his appointment as Acting City Manager, Batista served as Assistant City Manager. His tenure in municipal government began as a project manager in 2012 in the executive office of the City Manager. His responsibilities grew, and he was promoted to Director of the Office of Urban Innovation before becoming Assistant City Manager. During this time, he secured over $3 million for the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, created a citywide Municipal Strategic Plan and Performance Measures, and established key data reporting functionality in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born in Puerto Rico, Batista moved with his family to Worcester at a young age. He attended Worcester Public Schools and then earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA from Assumption College. Early in his career, he was a leader in YOU Inc.’s Upward Bound Program and at the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University. He currently lives in Worcester with his wife and young child.
