Norwalk has access to a highly-trained labor force, is located within commuting distance to a large labor market, and has an opportunity for workforce development among existing residents. To continue to develop Norwalk economically, attracting businesses to the city must be part of a comprehensive strategy along with retaining and growing existing businesses. Norwalk has commercial parks and opportunities for walkable, urban commercial development to accommodate a variety of businesses.

Given the likely direction of federal funding priorities over the next five years, there may be fewer opportunities for the Agency to leverage federal funding for planning and capital projects. The Agency will look to innovative partnerships and sources of funding to continue its work and pursue new areas of exploration and development. The Agency will explore the use of philanthropy, academia, and collaborations with other municipalities to support our work.

Promote and support multi-cultural businesses and institutions that are inherent components of diverse neighborhoods.

Track and evaluate development and business incentives, partnering with the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) to set clear criteria, and project scoring based on job creation, private investment, ROI, and more.