Legislative Working Group Focused on Municipal Downtowns May Have Role After Pandemic

After weeks of shuttered businesses in downtown communities across the state due to government actions aimed at limiting the spread of coronavirus across the state, a little noticed coalition launched at the start of this year’s legislative session may prove helpful in boosting the recovery of local businesses and municipalities.

At the initiative of state Representative Quentin Phipps of Middletown and Representative Jane Garibay of Windsor/Windsor Locks, a Downtown/Main Street Working Group of the legislature was formed earlier this year. Goals of the working group are to:

·         bring in experts that can educate legislators regarding important topics impacting downtowns; and

·         discuss legislative initiatives with an aim to enhance downtown areas. 

The Working Group met on March 3,  when representatives of the Department of Economic and Community Development discussed opportunity zones, the Urban Act, and other programs offered by DECD. The Working Group is open to any legislators interested in supporting downtowns, and additional members were being sought as the legislative session proceeded.

Rep. Phipps and Rep. Garibay indicated that the legislative working group would work together to study existing policies and identify opportunities to support local Downtown Main Streets across the state.  The initiative, Connecticut Main Street Group, was created to address concerns about neglected downtown areas in cities and towns and the need to restore vitality, local connectivity and sustainability in order to spur economic growth. 

“In my conversations with many of my colleagues in Hartford,” said Rep. Phipps, “I learned that, for the most part, we share a similar vision for improving the health and economic growth of our respective towns. That's when I decided that I wanted to reach out and form a group that would work together to find innovative ideas to improve our Main Streets and support smart growth plans.”

“We applaud the leadership shown by Representatives Quentin Phipps and Jane Garibay in creating this legislative working group,” said Patrick McMahon, CEO, Connecticut Main Street Center. “Our downtowns and Main Streets are critical to the social fabric of our communities, in addition to being economic engines for the state, so we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to talk with legislators about the myriad issues that impact the health of our downtowns and how we can develop policies that will help them thrive. 

Rep. Garibay and Rep. Phipps had announced plans to meet regularly during the legislative session, before it was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I first met Representative Phipps, we discovered we shared a passion for Main Street. We both understand how a thriving 'Main Street' can revitalize a community", said Rep. Garibay.

“With regard to the conoravirus pandemic, local Main Street professionals across the state are stepping up to the plate, communicating with their businesses and the public about important information to help ease the current impacts of social distancing,” McMahon added.  “We’ll continue to offer our guidance and expertise, now and in the future, working with our downtown organizations to help restore local economies and the rich vibrancy we all love so much.”

Some of the common goals for the group include restoring physical and economic value, promoting cultural value, engaging local businesses and encouraging community participation.