NOVEMBER 25, 2019 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Members of Ridgefield’s Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC) met with Connecticut state officials in Hartford on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
On the agenda for ECDC commissioners John Devine, Geoffrey Morris and Amanda Duff was discussion of H.B. 6939 — the “cultural districts” bill originally proposed by State Rep. John Frey, which will allow municipalities to create designated cultural districts to create awareness and promote economic development. The bill also aims to grant opportunities for Ridgefield organizations and businesses at both the state and national level and create ways to increase Ridgefield’s presence among state tourism initiatives, including those carried out by CT Visit.
The discussion included Liz Shapiro, director of arts, preservation and museums for the Connecticut Department of Economic Development; Mary Dunne, state historic preservation officer and certified local government and grants coordinator; and Randy Fiveash, director of tourism, State of Connecticut.
“The ECDC looks forward to working closely with the state on the implementation of the cultural districts bill,” said Duff. “The commission will continue to work with the Connecticut Office of Tourism to ensure Ridgefield maintains a steady presence in state tourism efforts, and will work with local organizations on the application process for additional state and federal funding programs.”
The Ridgefield ECDC is a commission of six volunteers who are all Ridgefield residents and are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
The ECDC’s mission is to strengthen the economic environment for existing businesses, attract new businesses and visitors, and improve the quality of life for the entire community, an announcement said. The ECDC meets monthly at Town Hall, often on the first Monday of the month, and the public is welcome to attend all meetings.
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