Madison, Connecticut, October 17, 2019: First Selectman Tom Banisch announced that the Town of Madison is one of 24 towns in CT that has been certified as exemplifying best practices in land use and economic development. Madison was subjected to a rigorous application review process that required documentation of their procedures for development projects and consideration of their economic development strategy.

This is CEDAS’s first year accrediting communities. The program, presented by sponsors Eversource and UI, was conceived as a way to recognize communities that are committed to doing economic development and at the same time, to raise the bar for excellence in the entire state. Applications were submitted from across Connecticut, with towns and cities showcasing the policies that create efficient economic development processes, target strategic business growth, and implement planning and zoning practices that thoughtfully plan for future population and community-specific needs.

Banisch said, “This is a result of our ongoing Economic Development work. I named Dave Anderson as Director of Planning and Economic Development shortly after I first took office. Dave and Economic Development Commission Chair Ryan Duques have worked with the First Selectman’s Office, other Town offices and the Chamber of Commerce to address those issues that were keeping us from being our best and instituted change that resulted in this certification. I am very pleased and proud to have Madison named one of the 24 towns.”