Norwalk Earns Gold Level Status Distinction From CEDAS

NORWALK, CT — The city announced Thursday the CEDAS recently reaffirmed Norwalk's "Gold Level Status" in best practices for economic development and land use planning.

In a news release provided by the city, Mayor Harry Rilling noted Norwalk was one of two municipalities in the state to earn the Gold Level Status distinction from CEDAS.

He also highlighted that the city continues to be a regional hub for new businesses.

According to the city, Norwalk is actively supporting business development through its Economic & Community Development Office, which integrates business development, planning, zoning, and code enforcement into a coordinated and cohesive framework.

CEDAS reviews each applicant's existing economic development and community strategies to determine areas where a community may excel or need improvement and rates its overall economic vitality, according to the city.

"As Norwalk continues to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and quality of life for its residents, it is steadily defining its role as a regional center for business growth and opportunity, and I'm so proud that the Connecticut Economic Development Association reaffirmed our Gold Level Status," Rilling said in a news release. "The city's coordinated approach to business development, zoning, and community planning, spearheaded by our Economic and Community Development team, has contributed to making Norwalk a destination, attracting major national brands, alongside small businesses and startups. Companies such as Wegmans and PGA TOUR Superstore recently selected Norwalk to open their first flagship store in the state, noting our strategic location, robust workforce and regional accessibility as key reasons for why they chose Norwalk."

According to the city, Norwalk hosts over 1,500 businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 firms to major national brands and long-established local enterprises.

The city recently became home to the first Wegmans and PGA TOUR Superstore in Connecticut, as well as a brand-new Target store and dozens of other small and medium-sized businesses.

Norwalk continues to emerge as one of Connecticut's most dynamic economic hubs, offering a unique combination of strategic location, public transit accessibility, strong workforce, business diversity, and community appeal, city officials said.

In the first three quarters of 2025, more than 900 jobs were created as a result of this sustained economic momentum, according to the city.

"With forward-thinking economic and community initiatives, and an emphasis on livability for residents, Norwalk stands as a model of economic vitality where people want to live and businesses want to call home," Chief of Economic and Community Development Jay Habansky said in a news release. "The City's economic strength is rooted in our diverse business landscape, which includes more than 1,500 employers across sectors such as finance, technology, health care, retail, arts and culture and more, reflecting our balanced and resilient economy. We were thrilled to recently welcome Wegmans, PGA TOUR Superstore and Target, along with countless smaller businesses, and are honored to receive the Gold Level distinction from the Connecticut Economic Development Association."

In July, Wegmans' flagship store opened in Norwalk, at 675 Connecticut Ave. The 92,000-square-foot store is a family-owned company and recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For' by Fortune for 28 consecutive years and ranked #6 in 2025, according to the city.

The company prioritized hiring Norwalk residents and added more than 500 employees from the greater Norwalk area to its workforce. Wegmans also demonstrated its strong sense of community by partnering with the city on several community events and collaborating with numerous local nonprofit organizations, according to the city.

"Norwalk stood out as the ideal location for our first Connecticut store thanks to its vibrant community of food enthusiasts and a prime site that offers convenient access for our customers," Wegmans Norwalk Store Manager Emily Gee said in a news release. "Since announcing our store plans in 2022, we've had the pleasure of getting to know our new neighbors through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and while joining community events. We look forward to continuing to grow our presence in the area and serving Norwalk for years to come."

Positioned along the I-95 corridor with direct rail access to New York City, Norwalk serves as a key connector between metropolitan and regional markets. Companies are increasingly drawn to Norwalk's accessibility, affordability, and quality of life. factors that make the City an ideal base for established corporations, including Target, which opened at 680 CT Avenue in August, and growing entrepreneurs, according to the city.

Target has also prioritized hiring locally, employing approximately 180 individuals from the region. Their services include Drive Up, Order Pickup and same-day delivery with Target Circle 360. The store also features a CVS Pharmacy and a Starbucks Café, according to the city.

"Opening a store in Norwalk has been an exciting milestone for Target," Norwalk Target Store Director Kyle Wilhelmy said in a news release. "From day one, we've felt a warm welcome from our retail neighbors and the community. We're proud to be part of such a vibrant retail environment and look forward to continuing to serve our guests and contributing to the city of Norwalk."

Businesses benefit from Norwalk's talented workforce, competitive operating costs, and desirable coastal setting that attracts employees and families alike. Norwalk's workforce and demographics further underscore its vitality. The city's median household income is nearly double the national average, and it has steady job growth and a highly educated labor pool, according to the city.

In August, PGA TOUR Superstore also opened its first store in Connecticut at 51 Richards Avenue in Norwalk, where it employs approximately 50 individuals. With 25,000 square feet, the store offers customers a 1,400-square-foot indoor putting green, five hitting bays and an in-home golf simulation demonstration. The store also provides club repairs, lessons and instruction, equipment, apparel and accessories, according to the city.

"Norwalk has a thriving golf scene, and we're thrilled to be a part of the Fairfield County fairway fun," PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager Greg Cosgrove said in a news release. "It is a welcoming, community-driven city, and we are creating a retail experience that reflects that. Whether you're a seasoned player, just getting started or shopping for others, PGA TOUR Superstore is designed to meet you where you are."

Alongside its focus on major national brands, the city remains deeply committed to supporting its small business community. Through initiatives like Norwalk Innovations and the Storefront Improvement Program, the city's Economic & Community Development Office provides entrepreneurs with funding, education, and resources to help businesses launch, expand, and strengthen local commercial corridors, according to the city.

The department regularly organizes industry mixers and business roundtables to foster collaboration among local professionals and address emerging business needs. It also promotes community events for small businesses, such as the SoNo Saturday Market and annual holiday events, according to the city.

Together, these efforts reflect the city's dynamic approach to economic development, one that invests in both major employers and small businesses, helping shape Norwalk's distinctive character. These are some of the factors considered as part of CEDAS’s holistic approach to determining a community's economic vitality, according to the city.

CEDAS's awards ceremony took place Thursday at the University of New Haven.

CEDAS is a not-for-profit membership organization committed to advancing the practice and process of economic development in Connecticut, according to the city.