Madison Earns State Economic Development Accreditation

MADISON, CT —First Selectman Tom Banisch announced Thursday that Madison is one of 24 towns in the state that has been certified as "exemplifying best practices in land use and economic development."

The accreditation comes from the Connecticut Economic Development Association. This is its first year accrediting communities. Banisch said the recognition is a result of "ongoing economic development work."

Madison underwent a rigorous application review process that required documentation of its procedures for development projects and consideration of their economic development strategy.

The program, presented by sponsors including Eversource and UI, was "conceived as a way to recognize communities that are committed to doing economic development and at the same time, to raise the bar for excellence in the entire state," according to CEDA .

Applications were submitted from across Connecticut, with towns and cities showcasing the policies that create efficient economic development processes, target strategic business growth, and implement planning and zoning practices that thoughtfully plan for future population and community-specific needs.

"I named Dave Anderson as Director of Planning and Economic Development shortly after I first took office. Dave and Economic Development Commission Chair Ryan Duques have worked with the First Selectman’s Office, other Town offices and the Chamber of Commerce to address those issues that were keeping us from being our best and instituted change that resulted in this certification," Banisch said. "I am very pleased and proud to have Madison named one of the 24 towns.”

In addition to Madison, the certified communities are: Bethel, Bolton, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Canton, Groton City and Groton Town, Ellington, Fairfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Milford, New Haven, New Milford, Newtown, North Haven, North Stonington, Norwich, Portland, West Hartford, Windham, and Windsor.

Awards will be presented to communities receiving 2019 ‘Best Practices in Economic Development and Land Use Planning’ accreditation at the CEDAS’ Annual Meeting on October 23rd in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This event will celebrate successful applicants, present updates on CEDAS’ activities and growth, and continue the conversation on how ‘Best Practices’ communities can showcase this designation as models for growth and as partners for future investment. To secure tickets please visit www.cedas.org.