August 26, 2025

Norwalk, Connecticut, is making bold progress toward becoming a model city for sustainable growth, quality of life, and urban innovation. The City of Norwalk stands at the forefront of urban innovation, sustainability, and community-based growth on the Long Island Sound.

As outlined by city leadership and planning agencies, Norwalk’s primary objectives form a comprehensive blueprint to guide the city through 2025 and beyond. Here’s a look at what these objectives mean for residents and businesses and how Norwalk’s latest achievements, such as the innovative new bus network, are moving the city forward.

Photo Courtesy of I Love Norwalk CT! Facebook Community (Calf Pasture Beach Summer Concert Series)

Norwalk’s Vision: Guiding the city’s strategy are these essential priorities

Supporting Economic Growth and Local Businesses

Norwalk fosters a robust economy by investing in local entrepreneurs, offering networking and training, and championing commercial partnerships that keep dollars circulating locally. The city’s revitalized business districts, including SoNo and Wall Street, exemplify this commitment, a point echoed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Smart Growth America.

The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Economic and Community Development team regularly organize business networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and public campaigns to highlight Norwalk-made products and services.

Photo Courtesy of Lori Hillsberg (SoNo Saturday Market 2025)

Fiscal discipline underlies every Norwalk initiative. Strategic capital investments, phased property revaluations, and transparency keep tax rates steady while steering long-term financial health, a practice endorsed by the Government Finance Officers Association. The City has proven its financial responsibility by maintaining a strong fiscal position through:

• Operating with a balanced budget and healthy reserves to handle unexpected costs, while responsibly borrowing and investing in infrastructure and services that benefit residents long-term.
• Ensuring open financial management by regularly updating residents with detailed financial reports and budget information.
• Implementing policies that encourage economic growth, support local businesses, and attract new enterprises.

A Livable and Environmentally Sustainable City

Norwalk’s 2024 Sustainability and Resilience Plan sets the city on course to become Connecticut’s greenest. Ambitious goals to reduce climate impact, expand green infrastructure, improve flood resilience, and electrify transit are being implemented. The creation of the Office of Sustainability and strong partnerships (such as the transformation of Manresa Island) demonstrate this commitment. Partnerships with organizations like Manresa Wilds are transforming previously industrial sites into ecological and recreational assets. Sustainable CT recognized Norwalk’s green achievements with Bronze Certification, underscoring the city’s leadership.

Photo Courtesy of I Love Norwalk CT! Facebook Community (Manresa Wilds Formerly Manresa Island)

Resident surveys consistently prioritize parks and waterfronts. Recent investments brought new and renovated playgrounds, dog parks, and extended trails. The Norwalk River Valley Trail contributes to healthy recreation and ecological connectivity, aligning with guidance from the National Park Service and regional trail organizations.

Creating a truly livable community means prioritizing affordable housing, inclusive neighborhoods, and great public spaces. Norwalk is advancing major initiatives to expand affordable housing, informed by community feedback and in alignment with national guidelines from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). New developments and revitalized public amenities ensure quality of life across generations.

A Safe, Walkable and Connected Norwalk

Safety and wellness are citywide priorities. Recent years brought expanded recreation opportunities, new playgrounds, and a comprehensive Safety Action Plan, all helping reduce crime and enhance physical health. Vision Zero policies and initiatives to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety have received recognition from Connecticut’s Department of Transportation.

With a dense urban core and diverse neighborhoods, Norwalk’s commitment to walkability is driven by investments in safe sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and comprehensive mobility planning. Norwalk’s integrated approach ensures safe, accessible movement for all.

Photo Courtesy of Emily Burnaman (Bike, Walk, Roll To School Day 2024)

The city’s Bike/Walk Commission leads advocacy and design efforts for interconnected, safe, and accessible streets. The city’s Transportation Mobility and Parking Department (TMP) and Complete Streets Ordinance make walking and biking a core focus, with miles of new sidewalks and bike lanes connecting neighborhoods.  As recommended by leading transportation organizations such as Smart Growth America and the National Association of City Transportation Officials, that emphasize safe streets for all ages and abilities.

Additionally, the NorWALKER program encourages Norwalk residents to increase physical activity and community connection through walking. The Health Department has created detailed walking maps covering various neighborhoods to help people explore the city on foot. Community walks and walking groups provide opportunities to socialize, stay active, and discover new areas.

New for 2025: Norwalk Transit District’s Redesigned Bus Network

A standout achievement in Norwalk’s mission for equitable access and sustainable mobility is the launch of the Norwalk Transit District’s new bus network, debuting August 11, 2025.

• This redesign transforms the local bus system with simplified routes, increased service frequencies, improved connections to key destinations (including Medical Commons, schools, and job centers), and user-friendly schedules.
• The change follows years of community engagement, study of rider needs, and collaboration with experts. The new network supports Norwalk’s climate action commitments by promoting public transit use, reducing congestion, and lowering emissions.
• The initiative also supports the city’s Safety Action Plan, integrating multimodal options and providing safe, affordable transit for all residents.

Norwalk’s forward-thinking public transit strategy, mirrored in leading cities across the country and lauded by the Federal Transit Administration, positions it as a statewide leader in sustainable transportation options.

Click here to view an interactive map of the new network

Community Participation: The Foundation of Norwalk’s Progress

Every Norwalker has a voice and an opportunity to help shape the city’s future.

• Attend Meetings and Workshops: These events provide an opportunity to make your comments in person directly to city planners and administrators; details can be found at norwalkct.gov/calendar.aspx.
• Join Boards and Commissions: All Norwalk residents are welcome to apply to become a member of various planning bodies and take part in the decision-making process. Get involved in hands-on policy shaping, apply at apps.norwalkct.org/meetingboard.
• Vote in Upcoming Elections: Your vote powers local democracy, check for details and sample ballots online.
• Contact Representatives: Email, call, or visit city officials to contribute your ideas.
• Volunteer and Support Local Businesses: There are always opportunities available for citizens to help out at a grassroots level, including working at the polls and organizing neighborhood outreach programs. Stay active in grassroots projects and help sustain Norwalk’s diverse, vibrant economy (see the Greater Norwalk Chamber directory).

Photo Courtesy of Volunteers of Keep Norwalk Beautiful

Stay Informed, Get Involved

Keep up with Norwalk Tomorrow’s website for the latest on major projects, upcoming workshops, and innovative city planning news. External resources like Smart Growth America, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the National League of Cities offer additional inspiration on best practices that inform Norwalk’s vision.

In 2025 and beyond, Norwalk’s comprehensive approach (embracing sustainability, transit innovation, fiscal prudence, and community connection) is building a city for everyone. Now is the time to get involved, stay informed, and help ensure Norwalk’s continued success as a model for connected urban progress.

Guest Writer Emily Burnaman, Chair, Norwalk Bike/Walk Commission