Foxboro Approves $18.9M Bond and Prepares for 2026 World Cup Tourism Boost

Foxboro officials have agreed to the terms of an $18.9 million bond that will help fund several important projects around town. The money will go toward improving the Elm Street highway garage, updating the police locker rooms, and buying the former Mormon chapel on Main Street to turn it into a new community center. The bond will be repaid over 20 years, costing the town just over $20 million total. Property taxes are expected to rise by about $194 next year for the average single-family home.

The town received 12 competitive bids for the bond, and BofA Securities submitted the winning offer. Finance Director Marie Almodovar was praised for her leadership on the bond process, especially since she helped manage it while on maternity leave. Foxboro’s strong financial health also earned it a AAA rating from S&P Global, the highest rating a municipality can receive.

Foxboro, along with Plainville and Wrentham, also received a nearly $500,000 state grant to boost tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium. The marketing campaign will build on an existing regional effort and will include digital ads, influencer promotions, and outreach at airports and train stations to attract more visitors.

In other town news, Foxboro is once again looking to fill the conservation agent position. The current agent, Nadiya Chalak, who started in November, has left the role, prompting the town to restart its search.

Police Chief Michael Grace was given a three-year contract extension that includes 3 percent annual raises, plus updates to benefits. His current salary is just under $197,000, along with a $30,000 annual stipend for managing duties related to stadium events. That stipend is reimbursed by the Kraft Group.

Finally, the select board renewed licenses for 31 commercial parking lots near Gillette Stadium. The licenses will bring in about $310,000 in revenue for the town, based on a $10-per-space fee.