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Economic Development

CEDS

MetroCOG is the lead agency of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and is in the process of administering, coordinating and overseeing the planning process. A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a “locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process.” Furthermore, the CEDS “serves as a means to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration.” MetroCOG, utilizing a grant through the United States Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA) is fostering inter-agency cooperation between local governments, local and regional chambers of commerce, industry and business leaders, state and federal agencies, residents and other stakeholders to ensure that a coordinated and efficient Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is developed. MetroCOG’s customized CEDS and Action Plan will integrate the Greater Bridgeport Region’s location, infrastructure, diverse culture and other unique characteristics. The CEDS will not only provide relevant background information, but also a realistic and successful approach towards economic growth that reflects the consensus and character of the entire Region.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy provides a realistic and successful approach towards economic growth that meets the consensus and character of the entire Region. Based on an analysis of current and future demographics, economics and market trends, the CEDS will utilize relevant data to identify current economic conditions that will identify feasible solutions to attract and retain businesses, talent and capital in the MetroCOG region.

The CEDS is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies and to integrate a region’s human and physical capital planning in the service of economic development. Integrated economic development planning provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize the region’s unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity for its residents by attracting the private investment that creates jobs for the region’s residents.

A CEDS that has been approved by the State of Connecticut and U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration will allow the region to qualify for EDA funding through the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Eligible program activities include construction, non-construction, technical assistance and revolving loan fund projects.

MetroCOG CEDS Strategy + Implementation 2021-2026

Transit Oriented Development, TOD

MetroCOG partners with member municipalities, the State of Connecticut and local transit providers to leverage the Region’s rail stations for transit-oriented development. Targeting major transportation corridors and key transit nodes in existing regional and town centers, MetroCOG aims to create livable, mixed-use developments at a density sensitive to the surrounding area that can be accommodated by the existing transit system. The TOD planning process includes:

  • Evaluate the links between commuting patterns and the regional economy to support targeted transportation and transit infrastructure improvements that will support economic growth in urban and town centers and major employment corridors.
  • Assess the transportation system’s performance in supporting economic growth and providing equitable, efficient access to economic opportunities.
  • Encourage pedestrian oriented, complimentary building design and streetscape improvements by identifying best practices for zoning regulations and design guidelines.
  • Identify transportation improvements that will support physical, social and economic linkages between educational institutions, employers, businesses, innovation districts and incubators.
  • Identify resources, such as federal and state funding, grants and public private partnership opportunities to incentivize and/or stimulate mixed-use transit-oriented development in suitable locations.

Stratford Center

MetroCOG assisted the Town of Stratford with development of a Transit Oriented Development Overlay District which was then incorporated into the Town’s Zoning Regulations. The TOD Overlay ensures that new development is of high quality and blends with the existing historic character. The TOD Overlay District Zoning Regulation, which covers roughly the one-half mile area surrounding the Stratford Transit Center, will enhance Stratford’s residential neighborhoods, preserve the Town’s historic character, revitalize Stratford Center and promote mixed‐use development that increases employment and grows the Town’s grand list. The Overlay District will also provide flexibility in uses while establishing design criteria, flexible adaptive reuse guidelines and a streamlined permitting process.

Market Analysis & Site Identification

MetroCOG assists our member municipalities, Chambers of Commerce and other business development organizations with market analysis and site identification related to economic development. Utilizing various mapping tools and datasets, including ArcGIS Business Analyst, we can identify sites and properties based on the development needs – ranging from land-use and zoning characteristics, employment density and proximity to transportation just to name a few. We are also able to perform data collection, analysis and forecasting for varying economic development scenarios.

Please visit our GIS & Shared Services Page for more information on our mapping and data services.

Resources

State/Local

State of Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development

Bridgeport Regional
Business Council

Monroe Chamber of Commerce

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce

Federal

United States Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA)

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Capital for Change