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First Selectman's Message
Welcome to the Gateway to New England!
The Town of Greenwich is known worldwide for its beauty, location, many amenities, and well run government. Our remarkable community, founded in 1640, is one of the oldest towns in the United States, home to multi-generational families, and has been a worldwide destination for over a century.
Located along the shores of Long Island Sound, Greenwich offers residents a multitude of recreational experiences. Whether it is in the rolling, bucolic hills of Backcountry, or on the sands of the town’s pristine beaches, or spending a day on one of the town’s vacation-like islands, and or swimming, rowing or kayaking in the harbors, residents are afforded alluring opportunities to relax and enjoy suburban life.
Greenwich is an enchanting mix of neighborhoods, shopping areas and open spaces that are home to more than 62,000 residents, many of whom are actively engaged in governing our town. Civic involvement here in Greenwich continues unabated today as it has for many generations.
Town government follows in the traditional New England style with an executive branch that is represented by a three-member bipartisan Board of Selectmen, with the First Selectman serving as the chief executive. The twelve-member bipartisan Board of Estimate and Taxation is responsible for the Town’s fiscal management, and the 230-member Representative Town Meeting (RTM), one of the largest legislatures in the nation, which approves the annual budget, assures our residents that their voices are heard. Participation of our citizens in the RTM, as well as on other boards and commissions, is both encouraged and necessary to ensure that our local government is meeting the needs of our residents and that Greenwich continues to be the preeminent place to live, work and raise a family.
Greenwich enjoys top ratings for its public safety, quality of life and public and private schools, and as an “Age-Friendly Community” is ranked as one of the best places to retire in Connecticut. A multitude of activities provide leisure and recreational programs, including the Greenwich Town Party, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the Greenwich International Film Festival and the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival. Moreover, the annual Greenwich Economic Forum draws intellectual talent and the titans of the financial industry from around the globe.
Town management’s conservative financial policy remains free of long-term debt and enjoys triple-A bond ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. Greenwich also has the largest Grand List in the state and it has the lowest mill rate in the entire state.
With historic charm, natural beauty, unrivaled location, responsible and proactive governance, and civic pride that is second to none, Greenwich remains a beacon of tradition, progress, and excellence.
Town employees are committed to serving the citizens of Greenwich to ensure that Greenwich provides excellent services. I encourage your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me.