Bridgeport Redevelopment Agency - Bridgeport, CT

Agency Overview and Mission

The Bridgeport Redevelopment Agency, operating primarily through the Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), is the city's principal arm for urban renewal and strategic growth. Located within the Margaret E. Morton Government Center at 999 Broad Street, this agency is tasked with revitalizing the city's neighborhoods, managing the disposition of city-owned properties, and overseeing major development projects. Its mission includes the remediation of brownfields (contaminated industrial sites), the promotion of mixed-use developments in the downtown corridor, and the administration of federal and state grants designed to stimulate economic activity. Developers and business owners frequently interact with this office to respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or to seek assistance with tax incentive programs such as the Enterprise Zone benefits.

Key Functions and Services

The agency serves as a ”one-stop shop” for development in Bridgeport. It coordinates closely with the Planning Department and the Zoning Department, both of which are also housed in the Morton Government Center. Key services include the management of the façade improvement program for small businesses, the coordination of the city's waterfront development plans, and the oversight of affordable housing initiatives. While the agency drives policy and project management, it is also the entry point for developers seeking to purchase city-owned land. It is important to note that this office focuses on commercial and large-scale residential projects; individual homeowners looking for building permits for minor renovations should direct their inquiries to the Building Department, which is located in the same building but operates as a separate unit.

Security and Building Access

The Margaret E. Morton Government Center is a secure municipal facility. All visitors entering the building must pass through security screening in the lobby, which typically involves a metal detector and bag inspection. A valid government-issued photo identification is required to sign in at the security desk and receive a visitor's pass. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Visitors attending public hearings or meetings with agency staff should allow extra time for this check-in process, especially during peak morning hours. The environment is professional business, and visitors are expected to dress and conduct themselves accordingly.

Location and Transportation

The Government Center is strategically located in downtown Bridgeport, making it highly accessible. It is just a few blocks' walk from the Bridgeport Transportation Center, which serves Metro-North, Amtrak, and the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) bus hub. This makes it convenient for developers and partners traveling from New York or New Haven. For those driving, the building has a dedicated parking lot for visitors, though spaces can fill up quickly when city council meetings are in session. Additional metered street parking is available on Broad Street and surrounding blocks. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators serving all floors.

• RFPs: Check here for opportunities to develop city-owned land.
• Incentives: Ask about Enterprise Zone tax benefits for businesses.
• Brownfields: The agency specializes in cleaning up industrial sites.
• One-Stop: Coordinates with Zoning and Building departments on-site.