Ridgefield Economic Commission Shifts $10K to Cultural District, Advances Marketing & Business Initiatives

Ridgefield, CT — The Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission voted March 2 to reallocate $10,000 from its current budget to support Cultural District initiatives and agreed to begin advertising for a part-time consultant to help advance economic development projects.

The commission met at the Town Hall Annex.

Budget Adjustments and Consultant Proposal

Vice Chair Kay Gelfman made the motion to shift $10,000 to the Cultural District budget line, with Chair Bob Knight seconding the proposal. The commission approved the reallocation unanimously.

The proposed Economic & Community Development Commission budget outlines spending across several areas, including business attraction and retention, marketing and communications, community development initiatives, and consultant services. The budget includes funding for marketing efforts such as Ridgefield Connect events, the Cultural District initiative, and potential consultant support for economic development projects.

Commissioner James Classey also moved to advertise for a paid part-time consultant to support ECDC initiatives. Gelfman seconded the motion, and the commission approved it unanimously.

Cultural District Awards Approved

The commission voted unanimously to rename its Cultural District Award as the Cultural Icon Award.

Commissioners then voted to award the 2026 Cultural Icon Award to Dan Levine, founder and artistic director of A.C.T. of CT. The motion was made by Commissioner Nadia Blair and seconded by Commissioner Corrin Arasa.

Commissioners also created a new Lifetime Cultural Impact Achievement Award. Gelfman moved to grant the inaugural awards to Hildegard Grob, executive director of the Keeler Tavern Museum, and Pamela Stoddart, executive director of the Guild of Artists. Blair seconded the motion, and the commission approved it unanimously.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 18 at the Ridgefield Playhouse lobby.

Marketing and Business Initiatives

Commission members discussed several ongoing economic development initiatives.

Commissioners Arasa and Jennifer Gioffre reported meeting to refine marketing goals, including defining the commission’s target audience, improving consistency across social media channels, and strengthening engagement with the local business community.

Commissioner David Perlmutter said he compiled a spreadsheet of commercial properties currently available for lease in town. Commissioners discussed the possibility of hosting a “Business Breakfast” later this summer to bring together property owners and business leaders to discuss commercial real estate issues.

The commission also plans to hold its first Ridgefield Connect networking event of 2026 during the last week of May.

Separately, Commissioner Sean Dowd said he is coordinating with the Ridgefield Playhouse about scheduling the next Tiger Shark Tank entrepreneurial event this fall.

Community Partnerships and Upcoming Programs

Several community groups asked the commission to help promote upcoming programs.

Pamme Jones, co-chair of the Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 Committee, asked the ECDC to help market events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Planned events include a July 3 “Star-Spangled Soirée” at the Lounsbury House and a July 4 festival in Ballard Park.

Representatives from the Ridgefield Commission on Aging also presented an initial draft transportation plan tied to the Rides for Ridgefield program. Director Patty Yaffa said organizers have raised more than $43,000 and allocated $15,000 to launch a pilot program aimed at reducing transportation barriers and social isolation among older residents. The commission asked the ECDC to help promote the program and identify potential funding sources.

Commissioner Blair also encouraged members to review the mission of RiseUp and explore possible partnerships related to public art displays in town.

Other Business

Vice Chair Gelfman reported attending a regional economic summit in Bethel and suggested Ridgefield consider hosting a similar event in the future.

Commissioners also approved the minutes from the February meeting unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.