Public Input Needed on Economic Development

BRIDGEPORT – The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) is establishing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Greater Bridgeport Region, which encompasses the City of Bridgeport and the Towns of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. The CEDS is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. Comprehensive economic development planning will allow our Region to adapt to local, regional and global economic conditions and fully utilize our unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity for our residents and businesses.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy provides a realistic and successful approach towards economic growth of the entire Region. The CEDS will consist of an analysis of current and future demographics, economic and market trends, and other relevant data to identify current economic conditions. The strategy will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from various industries to coalesce around economic development and determine feasible solutions to attract and retain businesses, talent, and capital.

We are requesting the public’s input on the status of the regional economy to help develop short and long terms goals and objectives. These goals, along with the appropriate marketing and financing mechanisms, will help advance solutions to build a stronger and more competitive economy.

Residents in the Region are encouraged to complete the following online survey:
http://bit.ly/ceds-resident-survey.

A business owner specific survey can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/ceds-business-survey

Comments or questions can also be emailed to Patrick Carleton at pcarleton@ctmetro.org.