Four Star Point once again served as the venue for Mayor Caroline Simmon’s State of the City Address. The recently renovated space features high-end office space with all the latest amenities, across a canal from what remains an industrial center in the heart of Stamford.
“A lot has happened since we were last here together,” Simmons said as she addressed the crowd, consisting primarily of members of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve had an earthquake, a once in a generation solar eclipse, and the UCONN Huskies have won their second national championship in a row.”
Apart from those stand-out events Simmons placed an emphasis on statistics to depict the city as following a trajectory of steady growth and continued improvement.
“I’m here to tell you that the state of our city remains strong and vibrant. We’ve weathered a global pandemic and have bounced back stronger than ever,” Simmons said. “Despite some of the lingering challenges we continue on a path of growth, sound fiscal footing, and economic vitality.”
“Just listen to some of these statistics,” Simmons continued. “Stamford remains the fastest growing city in our state, the only city of the large cities in Connecticut to have a AAA bond rating, and last year Stamford generated a $15 million surplus. Over the past two years our grand list grew from $22 billion to $27 billion, making Stamford’s grand list the second highest in the state.”
According to Simmons the city’s mill rate is also on the verge of decreasing to 24 percent, among the lowest of any large city in the state. She also touted a drop in the commercial vacancy rates from 33 percent to 28 percent. Ground floor retail occupancy rates hit 96 percent while apartment occupancy stands at 94 percent.
Over 2,000 new businesses opened in the city, Simmons said, running through a list of “best of” rankings that included Stamford.
“These statistics represent more than just numbers. There is tangible evidence that Stamford is the heart of our state’s economy and a regional economic engine,” Simmons said. “But the success of our city is based on more than just numbers and rankings. It’s based on our residents.”
“My goal is to make Stamford a city of opportunity for everyone,” Simmons continued. “A place where all feel welcome and included whether you’re a new immigrant to this country, a recent college graduate starting your career, or residents who want to stay in the city that they’ve called home their entire life. I want all residents to have the ability to pursue their dreams, and to trust that government will respond to their needs and enhance their quality of life.”
Simmons made the case that the city’s extensive infrastructure projects would allow her to deliver on that promise. Doubling the rate of road paving, 14 sidewalk improvement programs in place around each of the city’s schools, and 20 pilot studies in pedestrian safety were cited as examples.
She also drew a contrast between a divisive political environment and the city’s work, pointing to literal bridge building projects with repairs and upgrades for the West Main Street, Lakeside, Cedar Heights, and High Road bridges.
The mayor expressed her pride in the city for receiving a $17 million grant to create the Mill River Greenway, a 12-foot-wide mixed-use corridor for pedestrians and bikers linking the Stamford Transportation Center and the heart of Downtown. This new space will be built alongside improvements to facilities city wide, particularly with investment in parks, and upgrading hundreds of streetlamps with LEDs.
Simmons also noted the flipside of the high occupancy rate and the city’s apparent desirability: housing affordability remains a persistent issue in Stamford and the region at large.
“One of the most pressing economic issues that Stamford and cities across the country are facing is the need for more affordable housing,” Simmons told the audience. “Rents and mortgage rates are at an all-time high, our shelters are at capacity, and we’re seeing growing homelessness in our community and across the country. In fact, housing has been identified as the third highest community health need in Stamford, and we have a moral obligation to do something about this and make sure that everyone has a roof over their head.”
“That is why I signed our city’s first executive order on affordable housing. with the goal of creating or renovating 1,000 new affordable units by 2025. And we’re making progress towards this goal, as 665 units have been constructed or are in the pipeline for completion.”
Simmons stressed that those efforts also require changes to regulations that will ease the process of launching both residential and commercial development so that housing and business opportunities can grow at similar paces.
The mayor deemed a number of initiatives she launched successful, from a streamlined permitting system and expanded hours for interfacing with it to the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, the Mayor’s Microgrant Program and improvements to the city’s 911 dispatch center.
Simmons thanked her entire staff, the city’s citizens and businesses, first responders, and volunteers for contributing to Stamford’s forward momentum.
“In closing, I am humbled and energized as I think about how far we have come as a city. From a colonial settlement to a quiet farming community, to a powerful industrial and manufacturing center, to an innovative metropolis,” Simmons said in closing. “We keep moving forward. We don’t just settle for the status quo in Stanford. We innovate and adapt to meet the moment, and address the critical needs of our residents. This is our moment to meet these challenges, and to work together to ensure Stanford is a city of opportunity for everyone.”
