Former Council President Announces Candidacy For Norwalk Mayor

NORWALK, CT — Former Common Council President Darlene Young has announced her candidacy for mayor of Norwalk after decades of service to the city.

In an announcement Thursday, Young noted she brings 30 years of dedicated service and a vision for lasting progress to her mayoral campaign.

Young's candidacy announcement comes after Mayor Harry Rilling confirmed back in March he will not seek reelection this fall after leading the city of Norwalk for 12 years.

A three-term Common Council member and former council president, Young has guided the Recreation and Parks Department through the development and kick-off of its strategic growth plan as a committee chair.

She has also worked for the last three decades to strengthen the Norwalk community, most notably as a guiding force behind the Summer Youth Employment program, which has provided thousands of Norwalk youth workforce development opportunities, according to Young.

Last month, Young organized job interviews for 360 Norwalk students seeking their first employment experience.

"For thirty years, I have served the people of Norwalk," Young said in a statement. "I have worked under four mayors, of both major parties, to serve residents in an efficient and open manner. We've made so much progress in that time, but there is still more to be done. We must usher in a new era of innovation to solve our city's most complex challenges, and this requires a commitment to collaborative, community-driven leadership."

In addition to her accomplishments in youth development, Young has served as the assistant city clerk, managing programs for the Human Services Council, the city's Human Relations Department and the Redevelopment Agency.

She also led the Norwalk Police Department's Weed & Seed Program.

Young is also a founding board member and current vice chair of the Board of Directors for the city's Community Health Center. She has served on the board since 1998 in varying capacities, including chair, according to Young.

Young is a former board member of Malta House and the longstanding treasurer of the Second Taxing District.

She is also a mother of two adult children and is deeply empathetic to the struggles of working families, having worked full-time throughout her parenting years, often in more than one job, according to Young.

Young noted her vision includes continuing to empower Norwalk's youth through workforce development, protecting essential services for seniors, enhancing neighborhood quality through stricter enforcement of blight laws, greening the city through its parks and beyond and prioritizing affordability for all of Norwalk's citizens.

"Norwalk deserves a mayor who listens, leads, and unites our families and communities," Young said in a statement. "I am ready to serve with a vision, proven experience, and deep commitment to every Norwalker. Today, as I launch my campaign, I humbly ask for your support."

Below is the full announcement provided by Young's campaign:

Darlene Young Announces Candidacy for Mayor - 30 Years of Experience Under 4 Mayors.

"For thirty years, I have served the people of Norwalk. I have worked under four Mayors, of both major parties, to serve residents in an efficient and open manner. We've made so much progress in that time, but there is still more to be done. We must usher in a new era of innovation to solve our City's most complex challenges, and this requires a commitment to collaborative, community-driven leadership.”

Darlene Young officially announces her candidacy for mayor of Norwalk today, bringing 30 years of dedicated service and a vision for lasting progress.

A three-term Common Council Member and former Council President, she has guided the Recreation and Parks Department through the development and kick-off of its strategic growth plan as a Committee Chair, and has worked for the last three decades to strengthen the Norwalk community – most notably as the guiding force behind the Summer Youth Employment program, which has provided thousands of Norwalk youth workforce development opportunities. Just this past April, she organized job interviews for 360 Norwalk students seeking their first employment experience.

In addition to her accomplishments in youth development, Darlene has served as the Assistant City Clerk, managed programs for the Human Services Council, the City of Norwalk's Human Relations Department, and the Redevelopment Agency. She also led the Norwalk Police Department's Weed & Seed Program.

Beyond her professional achievements, Darlene is a founding board member and current Vice Chair of Norwalk's Community Health Center's Board of Directors. She has served on the board since 1998 in varying capacities, including Chair. She is a former board member of Malta House and the longstanding Treasurer of the Second Taxing District. Darlene is a mother of two adult children and is deeply empathetic to the struggles of working families, having worked full-time throughout her parenting years, often in more than one job.

Darlene’s vision includes continuing to empower Norwalk's youth through workforce development, protecting essential services for seniors, enhancing neighborhood quality through stricter enforcement of blight laws, greening our City through our parks and beyond, and prioritizing affordability for all Norwalk's citizens.

Darlene Young has issued the following statement announcing her campaign:

"Norwalk deserves a Mayor who listens, leads, and unites our families and communities. I am ready to serve with a vision, proven experience, and deep commitment to every Norwalker. Today, as I launch my campaign, I humbly ask for your support.

My decision to run for mayor is deeply rooted in my lifelong dedication to this city and its people. Since 1995, I have worked tirelessly within the community and various city departments, building a robust track record of addressing critical issues and achieving meaningful progress. My leadership includes initiatives to engage our youth in meaningful employment, reduce environmental, educational, and housing disparities, and foster partnerships that strengthen our local economy and enhance public safety.

My personal and professional journey has uniquely positioned me to serve as mayor, equipping me with the skills, experience, and temperament necessary to lead effectively. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with a wide range of City departments, other agencies, and community groups on everything from the new strategic plan for our parks to helping found the Norwalk Community Health Center to overseeing the water supplied through the Second Taxing District. Whether leading the Common Council through challenging policy discussions as its President or working closely with residents to address pressing community needs for clean, quiet, and safe streets, I have demonstrated the ability to bring people together to achieve meaningful progress.

I am inspired daily by the potential I have always seen in Norwalk for a truly unique community of opportunity—a potential that requires collaborative, compassionate leadership to fully realize. With a strong foundation of experience, community trust, and a clear vision for our future, I am uniquely positioned to lead Norwalk into its next chapter of growth, resiliency, and opportunity. My vision includes:

1. A Thriving and Inclusive Community with Housing Options Across All Income Levels: Housing is more than a necessity; it's the foundation of a strong community. My vision is for Norwalk to be a model of opportunity, offering a wide range of accessible, quality housing options for all residents, including working families, young professionals, and seniors. Through strategic partnerships between our city departments and state delegation, we will foster a housing ecosystem that supports residents at every stage of life, and every income bracket, while boosting our local economy. This vision ensures that Norwalk is not just a city where people live, but a city where people thrive.
2. Leading in Environmental Sustainability Initiatives to Ensure Clean Communities: In an era defined by climate challenges, Norwalk will continue to rise as a model of environmental stewardship. By actively pursuing our sustainability and resilience plan and strengthening blight enforcement, we will restore natural resources and clean neighborhoods, reduce exposure to environmental hazards and flooding, and ensure every district has access to vibrant green spaces. Our investments in sustainable city planning will safeguard our future and position Norwalk as a hub for green innovation, attracting businesses and residents who value a healthy, active lifestyle.
3. An Economically Vibrant and Financially Resilient City: Fiscal strength is the backbone of progress. I will uphold Norwalk’s triple AAA bond rating, ensuring we can invest in the critical priorities our residents enjoy, such as infrastructure, parks, and public services, while keeping taxes manageable for our families. I will prioritize budget items that make our city government more efficient, effective, and accountable, investing wisely in expenditures that will maintain our existing services while seeking partnerships with other levels of government and private funders to finance innovative ways to serve residents better.

United in purpose, I will work to ensure Norwalk remains a beacon of progress, opportunity, and unity. Norwalk is a community worth fighting for, and you have my unwavering commitment to this vision - built together, for all of us."