Darien Groups Meet to Discuss Intergovernmental Projects

After a hiatus and a name change, a group of leaders from many of Darien’s taxing bodies met Tuesday at to discuss how they can work together for mutual benefits.

The newly christened Darien Committee for Intergovernmental Coordination plans to reconvene on a semi-regular basis to develop tactics for finding efficiencies and promoting the city.

“It’s somewhat of an altruistic goal to bring bodies together so we can do things in a way that benefits the community at large,” said Ward 7 Alderman Halil Avci.

Representatives from City Council, the , the Darien Chamber of Commerce, , , and attended the meeting. 

Mayor Kathy Weaver said the group launched about four years ago. Several partnerships have emerged in that time. 

School districts that serve Darien, for example, gas up their buses at the city’s facility. In another partnership, District 66 coordinates bus driver training for all the other districts.

Weaver said that while she would like to continue seeking similar cost-saving measures, she would also like to see the groups develop programs that would advertise Darien. 

“I don’t want us to think small about what we’re doing here,” she said.

Some ideas included cruise nights, entertainment programs featuring area school children and an evening that would highlight Darien’s businesses. 

The group agreed to meet again on April 3 to discuss possible projects in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Darien Dash race.