Visionary leader with Greenwich roots
Growing up in Greenwich, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons’ commitment to public service was shaped early. Last week she returned to her hometown to discuss how that commitment is helping drive the growth and transformation of Connecticut’s second-largest city.
Addressing the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee (DTC) at its June meeting, Simmons outlined the accomplishments of her administration and discussed opportunities for greater collaboration between Stamford and Greenwich on transportation, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Prior to making history as Stamford’s first woman mayor in 2021 –– and reelected in 2025 –– Simmons served seven years as a state representative. Drawing on her deep experience in local government, she emphasized the close relationship between our communities
“Of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns, Stamford and Greenwich contribute more tax revenue to Hartford than any other communities,” she said, also noting that the two municipalities share many of the same opportunities and challenges.
Consistent goals for a growing city
Simmons said her administration’s work continues to be guided by the goals she outlined when she first sought the mayor’s office: creating “a more equitable, inclusive, vibrant city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Now home to nearly 140,000 residents, Stamford has become Connecticut’s second-largest city after Bridgeport and one of the state’s fastest-growing communities. Simmons said that growth has been fueled by strategic investments in infrastructure, housing, education and economic development.
Investing in schools, transportation
As part of a long-term facilities plan, Stamford secured an 80% reimbursement rate from the state for the rebuilding of Westhill High School. The city also has a long-term plan to refurbish Roxbury Elementary School and construct a new K-8 school in the South End.
Regarding transportation, Simmons highlighted the success of StamFORWARD, a state-funded ride-share pilot program that has provided more than 80,000 rides since launch. She also discussed continued investment in the Stamford Transportation Center, the state’s busiest rail hub and a critical asset for residents of both Stamford and Greenwich who rely on Metro-North and rail service throughout the Northeast corridor.
Economic strength and housing challenges
The economy, Simmons said, remains strong. Stamford’s downtown commercial vacancy rate has fallen, unemployment remains below both state and national averages, and Stamford is the only Connecticut city with a population exceeding 100,000 residents to maintain a AAA bond rating.
At the same time, affordability is one of the region’s greatest challenges. Among other actions, Stamford recently increased its below-market-rate housing requirement in new developments to 14% in an effort to expand affordable housing.
Sustainability and innovation
Simmons sees opportunities for regional cooperation on environmental issues including strengthening coastal resilience, improving air quality and expanding food-composting programs.
Simmons also highlighted the use of innovation and technology in city government including creating a one-stop-shop for permitting, streamlining what can be a frustrating process when there are different city offices with different hours and different locations. Artificial-intelligence tools now provide instant language translation for Stamford’s 911 communications center, while drones and coordinated traffic-signal systems are helping improve public safety and mobility.
An inspiring, visionary leader
Simmons offered a refreshing reminder of what visionary leaders can do. From transportation and economic development to housing and environmental stewardship, both Greenwich and Stamford benefit when families can thrive, businesses can grow and local government delivers results.
From the final buzzer to the Canyon of Heroes, united we stood
Something magical just happened across New York City and the entire tri-state area. For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship. With it, a wave of unbridled joy swept through our streets, towns, and living rooms. It was a rare moment as we were reminded that amid the endless, political noise there are still good and beautiful things that bring us together. It was as if 23 million people collectively exhaled.
The night the Knicks won and then again at the historic downtown ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes, you could look out at the enormous crowds or walk into any neighborhood bar and you didn’t see political factions or ideological divides. You saw strangers hugging and high-fiving, cheering and laughing, enjoying the incredible togetherness and humanity of it all – like we had suddenly awakened from a bad dream.
A tale of two celebrations
The contrast with what was going on at the White House was obvious as the president celebrated his 80th birthday by transforming the People’s House into a literal hyper-partisan cage fight. The New York Knicks’ celebrations on the other hand belonged to everyone, open invitations to share in a collective triumph, brimming with the inclusive, vibrant energy that makes New York one of the greatest cities in the world.
Sports have an undeniable, democratic power to act as a great equalizer. Like other examples of mastery, the greatest athletes inspire awe –– and in the process, silence the noise.
When that final buzzer sounded, it didn’t matter who you voted for or what your background was. We were all reminded that unity and shared joy isn’t so far off. It’s there for us to find –– and celebrate.
Go Knicks!
What we’re reading
The nature of work is changing rapidly. The rise of remote and flexible work since the pandemic has made it easier for many parents to balance career and family responsibilities, reshaping where and how work gets done, according to The New York Times. At the same time, the Washington Post reports that AI is fueling demand for skilled trades as the technology’s growth requires new data centers, power infrastructure, and electrical grids. As a result, electricians, construction workers, and other blue-collar professionals are increasingly in demand, even as many of these fields face labor shortages.
Action Calendar
June 28. Experience.
Spend Sunday in the Park with George (Washington). Tour the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde at the Delamar dock and explore a colonial village at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Sponsored by the Greenwich Historical Society, there will be historic reenactments and fun for all ages. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 100 Arch St.
July 2. Celebrate.
When the annual Independence Day fireworks light up the sky, don’t miss Greenwich’s bigger-than-ever displays, starting at dusk, to celebrate our nation’s historic 250th birthday.(Rain date: July 11.) Binney and Greenwich Point parks in Old Greenwich.
July 4. Honor.
At our annual Fourth of July ceremony, gather at Town Hall to honor our local veterans and Revolutionary War patriots with a 21-gun salute, enjoy live music by the Sound Beach Community Band and enjoy a presentation of the original 13 colony flags. A reception featuring America’s birthday cake will follow. At 9 a.m., rain or shine. 101 Field Point Road.
July 15. Meet.
Greenwich Democratic Town Committee meeting. Open to all local Democrats. Special guest speaker State Representative Matt Blumenthal. Join us 7:30-9 p.m. in the Meeting Room at Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road.
| Volume 4, Number 52 • June 25, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |