our vision

We are named “Colorful Bridgeport" to celebrate our diverse and vibrant community. This initiative highlights the city's commitment to public art, inclusivity, and enhancing the beauty of Downtown and surrounding areas, making Bridgeport a more welcoming and inspiring place for everyone.

what is colorful bridgeport?

Downtown Bridgeport proudly embraces the title “Colorful Bridgeport” to celebrate its rich diversity, vibrant culture, and unique character. The city is a tapestry of different backgrounds, traditions, and experiences, making it a truly dynamic place to live, work, and visit. This initiative reflects Bridgeport’s commitment to investing in public art, creating more inclusive spaces, and enhancing the beauty of its Downtown and neighborhoods. By fostering creativity and inclusivity, “Colorful Bridgeport” aims to enrich the city’s landscape and spirit, ensuring it remains a welcoming and inspiring community for all.

what is a dowtown special services district?

A Special Services District is one type of special taxing district Connecticut law authorizes. Under Connecticut General Statute, a municipality can form a Special Services District to promote the economic and general welfare of its citizens and property owners through the preservation, enhancement, protection, and development of the economic health of the municipality. Among other things, the district can (1) acquire and convey real and personal property; (2) provide any service that a municipality can provide, other than education; (3) recommend to the municipality’s legislative body that it impose a separate tax on property in the district to support its operations; and (4) build, own, maintain, and operate public improvements. Voters in the district must approve its establishment at a referendum. Learn more on the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.

Staff and Board

officers

  • Philip Pires, Chair
    C&W Associates II, LLP
  • David Iassogna, Vice Chair
    M&T Bank
  • Eric Gross, Treasurer
    John Broadcannon, LLC
  • Callie Gale Heilmann, Secretary
    Made in Bridgeport, LLC

commissioners

  • Javier Ceja
    Downtown Strategic Group
  • Jason Cohen
    Bordentown DB, LLC
  • Karolyn Egbert
    Trefz Corporation
  • Philip Kuchma
    Kuchma Corporation
  • Tony Sherwood
    AMS Real Estate

bridgeport dssd staff

  • Lauren Coakley Vincent
    President + CEO

special and standing committees

The Downtown Special Services District also has special and standing committees, which meet on a monthly basis. Their regularly scheduled meetings are held in the DSSD office, open to the public, and set as follows:

Executive: First Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m.
Physical Conditions: Last Friday of each month at 8:00 a.m.
Public Safety: Last Friday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
Special Events + Marketing: First Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

The meetings take place at the DSSD office (938 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604) and via video and telephone conference. Meeting documents will be available at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting and can be found below.

Interested in joining a session? Contact us below!

Contact Us