The Board of Selectman recently appointed five Ridgefield residents to serve on an independent Economic Development Commission. The general purpose and need for the commission is multi-faceted and intertwined. Attracting new businesses, retaining existing companies, and offering proposals to change current local ordinances or zoning regulations that affect well planned new growth, all fall into their general responsibility. In addition, promoting local, state, and federal grant programs geared at enhancing the community, its streetscapes, and general quality of life are additional duties to be considered.

Attracting new businesses to the community enhances our town in many ways. The most obvious is the additional real estate tax revenues Ridgefield would receive. Additionally, the town receives revenue from the personal property tax of the business, new jobs, and of course a new corporate citizen in our community. Anybody who has ever coached children’s sports, raised money for a local cause or charity recognizes the value of the contribution from local businesses.

The cornerstone of economic development is retaining and assisting in the expansion of existing local businesses. Ridgefield is fortunate to have a great blend of local businesses. The town has and will (if we are smart) benefit from continued or even additional tax revenues, solid employment, and charitable contributions if we pay attention to our existing businesses. If Ridgefield can assist in their growth and expansion in a logical manner, we should step up and collaborate with them throughout the process.

A steadfast goal of economic development is for well planned expansion and new growth in the non-residential tax base while maintaining the quality of life in the community. To achieve this, we must explore and keep open all avenues of communication. The Economic Development Commission must maintain a dialogue with the Board of Selectman, the Land Use Commissions and most importantly the citizenry. Through an open exchange of ideas, a general consensus can be readily reached that benefits the entire community today, and in the future.

A variety of governmental, business and quasi partnerships, exist to assist communities with a variety of economic development tools. The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) offers information and assistance to local communities. They can assist with small city grant programs, tax incentives, and technical assistance. The Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) is also available to communities. CERC works with state, regional, local, and utility partners to promote Connecticut as a prime business location. Connecticut Light and Power sponsors and subsidizes a nationally acclaimed “Main Street Program”. Ridgefield should tap these resources and utilize them to develop and broaden our local economic development efforts.

Increased tax revenues from non-residential properties will enhance local education, public safety, and roads. The addition of new businesses and the expansion of our existing businesses offers our community jobs, corporate benevolence and the opportunity to enjoy and even enhance our quality of life. The Ridgefield Republican Town Committee embraces the concept of an Economic Development Commission and supports their mission.

Robert Cascella
Member, Ridgefield Economic Development Commission