As we close out 2024, it’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and the progress we’ve made together.
When I took office, Danbury was at a crossroads. We faced serious challenges that we continue to navigate with great care and responsibility. From underfunded schools to strained public safety and city resources, the task at hand was—and in many ways still is—formidable.
What our city needed most was care, attention to detail, and a vision for our shared future. With these challenges also came incredible opportunities to rebuild and reimagine our city’s potential.
With that in mind, my team and I rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Every city department plays a crucial role in how Danbury operates and serves our residents. We knew it was vital to focus on areas with the greatest needs, starting with the department most critical to our city’s operations: finance.
Years of delayed audits had created instability, so addressing those delays became our first priority.
Using existing funds, we hired an external audit firm and dedicated staff, taking deliberate steps to tackle the fiscal mismanagement of the past. In just six months, we completed the 2022 audit — a process that had been delayed for over a year and a half.
While we made significant progress, these delays had consequences: Moody’s pulled the city’s credit rating, a clear reminder of how urgent and important it is to restore accountability to our financial systems.
But we’re moving forward. The 2023 audit will be completed in the coming weeks, and city audits will be back on track within the year.
This work is ongoing. We’re on solid financial footing and have taken significant strides to rebuild trust and credibility.
Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic about Danbury’s future. We have the tools, talent, and tenacity to build a city that works for everyone.
Throughout the year, my office worked on hundreds of constituent cases. We’ve:
- Installed new stop signs and speed bumps for safer roads.
- Enhanced traffic control.
- Addressed noise complaints and blight.
- Responded to neighborhood concerns.
And we delivered for our firefighters. After over twelve years without a contract, we finalized an agreement. This contract incentivizes firefighters to live in the city they serve—a contract both the city and firefighters can be proud of.
That’s why we’ve embraced a hands-on approach to governing. Building trust and establishing open lines of communication isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a daily commitment.
Securing Funding and Building the Future
In 2024, the City of Danbury secured $21.4 million in state and federal grants. These funds will help us:
- Make critical capital improvements.
- Enhance public safety.
- Support workforce development.
- Lay the groundwork for a vibrant downtown arts hub.
- Build a new fire station on the West Side, improving emergency response times by up to ten minutes.
- Launch a citywide road reconstruction program to address aging roads.
Additionally, we secured $12 million in state aid—more than any other community in Connecticut—$7.5 million of which was allocated to our schools, alongside a $10 million increase to Danbury Public Schools’ budget.
These investments represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for progress.
Keeping Taxes Low
While making significant investments in Danbury’s future, we’ve maintained the lowest tax rate among Connecticut’s top ten cities. We remain committed to using taxpayer dollars wisely and preserving affordability for residents.
Enhancing Community Spaces
We’ve upgraded public spaces at Rogers Park, Hatters Park, and Tarrywile. We cut the ribbon on Richter House and expanded our green footprint by acquiring Happy Trails Farm, connecting Rogers Park to Tarrywile.
This spring, in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, we’ll unveil a Third Space at Rogers Park, featuring benches, art installations, and a Little Free Library.
Smart, Sustainable Growth
Our Public Works facility—the highest energy consumer in city operations—will go off the grid. This $600,000 cost will not just become cost-neutral; we’ll monetize an asset while lowering long-term operational costs and reducing environmental impact.
By transitioning to sustainable energy, we’ll reinvest savings to improve infrastructure and public services, ensuring Danbury’s future readiness.
Growing Our Economy
In 2024:
- Danbury’s unemployment rate dropped from 5% to 2.1%—lower than the state average and the lowest among Connecticut’s major cities.
- Over 1,600 new businesses registered, with 200+ jobs created.
Danbury is becoming a hub for growth, thanks to strong partnerships between local businesses and city leadership, smart policies, and streamlined processes.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Danbury stands on the brink of even greater opportunity.
As we prepare for 2025, I know more success awaits. The road ahead will bring challenges, but we’ll face them with hope, optimism, and resolve. Together, we’ll continue to build momentum and forge Danbury’s future.
On behalf of my administration, I wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support.