Orange Needs an Economic Development Department

By Dan Fitzmaurice, First Slectman Candidate

As a leader, I’ve learned that making progress on top priorities requires a dedicated team with the mandate to deliver results. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to Town Hall as your next first selectman.

When I talk with residents, the # 1 thing on their minds is taxes. Over the last 20 years, residential property values grew three times faster than commercial property values. To lower your taxes and keep Orange strong, we must double down on economic development to grow our commercial tax base.

The new medical complex, Firelite Plaza and the Noble Travel Center are all recent wins. Credit to the current administration for getting them done. But over the last two years, the amount of empty commercial space has nearly doubled from 3.4 percent in early 2022 to 6.7 percent today. Orange needs proactive economic development to prevent further increases.

That’s why I’m proposing a new municipal economic development department. Right now, developers bounce between departments, boards and commissions with no single entity providing guidance. A dedicated department would cut red tape, streamline approvals and expedite projects, so you see the benefits in your wallet sooner. This department would also pursue outside grants funded by our state and federal tax dollars. The new Fred Wolfe Park playground, supported by $500,000 in state grants, is a great example. Other towns are competing hard for these dollars – Woodbridge recently won $8 million to boost its economic development. Orange should be just as aggressive.

The Amity Chamber of Commerce and the Orange Economic Development Corporation both serve us well. But they are private nonprofits. They don’t report to the first selectman and they can’t coordinate across municipal departments. Neighboring towns already employ professional staff to secure top projects and multimillion-dollar grants. Without this department, Orange risks falling behind. I know from experience that the right team delivers results. That’s exactly what this new economic development department will deliver for your tax bill, your family and our community.

Dan Fitzmaurice

This article originally appeared in the Milford-Orange Times, October 2.