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January 23rd 2024

Bridgeport DSSD Opens Applications for Event Partnership Requests

Invitation to Submit Requests for Event Partnership Support Downtown Bridgeport is a commercial area that represents and serves a diverse tapestry of the wider Bridgeport community. It’s our public parks, independently owned restaurants and shops,... View more

November 8th 2023

Color It In Artists Reception, November 16, 2023

DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT UNVEILS NEIGHBORHOOD-WIDE MURALS AT COLOR IT IN ARTISTS RECEPTION The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District along with the City of Bridgeport’s Office of Planning & Economic Development are thrilled to invite members of... View more

August 1st 2023

Bridgeport DSSD Strategic Plan, May 2022

Bridgeport DSSD Strategic Plan, May 2022 The DSSD Board of Commissioners and other Downtown stakeholders collaborated to craft a vision, strategies, and intended outcomes for the district in the next few years. Download the complete... View more

August 1st 2023

Bridgeport DSSD Annual Report: 2022 – 2023

The Bridgeport DSSD releases its annual report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year Downtown Bridgeport is a friendly, eclectic business and residential community flourishing at the intersection of commerce, community, and culture(s). The Bridgeport Downtown Special... View more

July 25th 2023

Bridgeport DSSD Presents Air Shift Workshop, August 4-6, 2023

BRIDGEPORT DSSD + COMMUNITY PARTNERS CONVENE AIR SHIFT WORKSHOP TO BUILD THE CREATIVE ECONOMY IN DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT AUGUST 4TH-6TH The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to invite the Bridgeport community to the... View more

June 29th 2023

Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market Returns Thursday, July 6 at McLevy Green

The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to announce the return of the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market. The Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market will begin its 2023 season on Thursday, July 6 at McLevy... View more

March 29th 2023

Call for Artists: DSSD Invites Expressions of Interest to Downtown Placemaking Public Art

Invitation to Bid – Request for Expressions of Interest The City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) are calling artists to Downtown Bridgeport. We invite you to share your skill, your... View more

December 30th 2022

Bridgeport DSSD Awarded 2023 CT Cultural Fund Operating Grant

BRIDGEPORT DSSD RECEIVES CT CULTURAL FUND OPERATING SUPPORT GRANT FROM CT HUMANITIES Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), awarded the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) a... View more

November 17th 2022

Six New Murals Unveiled in Downtown Bridgeport

Six New Murals Unveiled in Downtown Bridgeport DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT UNVEILS SIX NEW MURALS DURING BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL WEEKEND The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) celebrated Bridgeport Art Trail weekend by highlighting the success of... View more

November 4th 2022

29 Markle Ct. Opens in Downtown Bridgeport

29 Markle Ct. Opens in Downtown Bridgeport “ALWAYS WITH LOVE” 29 MARKLE CT. RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District welcomed 29 Markle Ct., a destination dining and networking... View more

August 3rd 2022

Bridgeport DSSD Releases Downtown Business Needs Assessment Report

Bridgeport DSSD Releases Downtown Business Needs Assessment Report Downtown Bridgeport is a friendly, eclectic business and residential community flourishing at the intersection of commerce, community, and culture(s). The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) operates... View more

June 15th 2022

Call for Concepts: DSSD Invites Expressions of Interest to Activating Public Spaces in Downtown Bridgeport

Invitation to Bid – Request for Expressions of Interest The City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) are calling artists and makers to Downtown Bridgeport. We invite you to share your... View more

May 24th 2022

Bridgeport DSSD Awarded CT Cultural Fund Operating Grant

BRIDGEPORT DSSD ANNOUNCES CT CULTURAL FUND OPERATING SUPPORT GRANT WITH LAUNCH OF SKATEPORT Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), awarded the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD)... View more

May 4th 2022

Jane & Cesar’s Way Film and Community Tour Explore Colorful Bridgeport on May 14TH

The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to host the Jane & Cesar’s Way event, an event where the unique story of how we see, interact with, and feel about our city will... View more

March 25th 2022

Call for Artists: DSSD Invites Expressions of Interest to Downtown Placemaking Public Art

Invitation to Bid – Request for Expressions of Interest The City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) are calling artists to Downtown Bridgeport. We are already “Colorful Bridgeport,” and YOU can... View more

February 9th 2022

DSSD Invites Responses to Downtown Placemaking Public Art Contract Manager Scope of Work

Invitation to Bid – Request for Proposals DSSD Invites Responses to Downtown Placemaking Public Art Contract Manager Scope of Work The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is requesting proposals for contracted services to assist... View more

November 12th 2021

Middle Street Music Mural Unveiled + Public Art Directory Launched

Downtown Bridgeport Welcomes New Mural Celebrating Music History and Launches Public Art Directory The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) kicked off Bridgeport Art Trail weekend on November 11, 2021 by celebrating the success of... View more

October 13th 2021

DSSD Invites Responses to Merchant Engagement Coordinator Scope of Work

Invitation to Bid – Request for Proposals The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is requesting proposals for contracted services to assist with connecting Downtown Bridgeport business owners to DSSD and Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce... View more

September 15th 2021

Minority Entrepreneurs Training Association Opens in Downtown Bridgeport

Minority Entrepreneurs Training Association Opens in Downtown Bridgeport The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District welcomed the Minority Entrepreneurs Training Association (META) to the neighborhood this morning. META President & CEO Marcia Fountain was joined by... View more

July 23rd 2021

Aunt Spazz Wreck & Escape Room Opens in Downtown Bridgeport

Aunt Spazz Wreck & Escape Room Opens in Downtown Bridgeport The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District welcomed Aunt Spazz, a first of its kind recreational escape and wreck room, to the neighborhood this afternoon. Aunt... View more

July 2nd 2021

Downtown Bridgeport Establishes Stop on the Northeast Pollinator Pathway

Downtown Bridgeport Establishes Stop on the Northeast Pollinator Pathway The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is delighted to announce that with the completion of its multi-site “Colorful Bridgeport” public space beautification project, Downtown Bridgeport... View more

June 30th 2021

Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market Returns Thursday, July 8 at McLevy Green

Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market Returns Thursday, July 8 at McLevy Green The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to announce the return of the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market. The Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market... View more

June 12th 2021

Berlinetta Brewing Company Opens in Downtown Bridgeport

Berlinetta Brewing Company Opens in Downtown Bridgeport The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District welcomed the newest craft brewery to the neighborhood this afternoon. Berlinetta Brewing Company co-owner and brothers Chris and Rich Ruggiero were joined... View more

June 11th 2021

Tiny Cellar Fine Wine & Liquors Opens in Downtown Bridgeport

Tiny Cellar Fine Wine & Liquors Opens in Downtown Bridgeport The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District welcomed the newest fine wine and liquors shop to the neighborhood this afternoon. Tiny Cellar owners Jacqueline Martoral and... View more

June 7th 2021

Mary & Eliza Freeman Sisters Mural Unveiled

Downtown Bridgeport Welcomed New Mural Celebrating the Legacy of Mary & Eliza Freeman The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) was thrilled to celebrate the success of its collaboration on Saturday, June 5, 2021, with... View more

May 10th 2021

Bridgeport DSSD Annual Report: 2020 – 2021

The Bridgeport DSSD releases its annual report for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Downtown Bridgeport is a friendly, eclectic business and residential community flourishing at the intersection of commerce, community, and culture(s). The Bridgeport Downtown Special... View more

January 14th 2021

DSSD Invites Bids in Response to Three (3) Request for Proposals: Marketing, Accounting, and Audit

Invitation to Bid – Request for Proposals The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is requesting proposals for contracted services in three different disciplines, which will allow the organization to effectively pursue its goals to... View more

November 23rd 2020

Shop Locally, Give Colorfully in Downtown Bridgeport This Holiday Season

Download Press Release: Shop Locally, Give Colorfully in Downtown Bridgeport This Holiday Season The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to announce that a new public art portrait series, People of Colorful Bridgeport,... View more

November 12th 2020

DSSD Invites Bids in Response to Downtown Ambassador Program Request for Proposals

Invitation to Bid – Request for Proposals The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is requesting proposals for contract services to provide cleaning, hospitality, and safety services which will, through the management of the “Downtown... View more

October 21st 2020

Jane & Laurayne’s Walk Film and Community Tour Explore Colorful Bridgeport on 10/30 & 10/31

Download Press Release: Jane & Laurayne’s Walk Film and Community Tour The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to host the Jane & Laurayne’s Walk, a two-day series of events where the unique... View more

July 20th 2020

Small Business Pandemic Relaunch Grants Awarded to 14 Downtown Bridgeport Businesses

Download Press Release: Relaunch Grant Awardees The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) and Led by Us are thrilled to announce – thanks to generous leadership gifts from SCG & UI, Part of the AVANGRID... View more

July 8th 2020

Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market 2020 season kicks off July 9th!

Download Press Release DFM Opening Day 2020 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to announce the return of the Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market. The Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market will begin its 2020... View more

June 15th 2020

Your Guide to Navigating the Second Phase of Reopening

We’ve Got Your Guide to Feeling Safe and Staying Informed of Downtown Bridgeport’s Reopening   Updated September 4, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for continuing to support Downtown Bridgeport businesses and “loving your local”... View more

June 5th 2020

Bridgeport DSSD Opens Applications for Small Business Pandemic Relaunch Grant Program

Download Small Business Pandemic Relaunch Grant Program Press Release The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is thrilled to announce – thanks to generous leadership gifts from SCG & UI, part of the AVANGRID Family;... View more

May 15th 2020

Your Guide to Navigating the First Phase of Reopening

We’ve Got Your Guide to Feeling Safe and Staying Informed of Downtown Bridgeport’s Reopening   Updated May 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. First, thank you to all of you who have supported Downtown Bridgeport businesses... View more

April 15th 2020

COVID-19 Business Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Downtown Bridgeport Businesses Updated May 19, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Governor Lamont announced that all of the remaining COVID-19 pandemic related businesses restrictions were lifted as of Wednesday, May 19, 2021.  Regarding... View more

April 2nd 2020

CT Main Street Center Announces Bridgeport DSSD 2020 Awards of Excellence Winner

Press Release Back to News + Reports CT Main Street Center Announces Bridgeport DSSD 2020 Awards of Excellence Winner April 2, 2020 News | Press Release Download Press Release 04-02-20 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services... View more

March 27th 2020

Downtown Bridgeport COVID-19 Update, 03.27.2020

Access emergency operations and business assistance information on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, current as of March 27, 2020. Included are guidance shared by relevant local, city, and state entities. Download the 03.27.2020 update here: coronavirus-update-memo-032720.

March 20th 2020

Your Guide to Supporting Local!

Can’t Wait for May 20th? We’ve Got Your Guide to Supporting Local from Home! Updated May 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. At this unprecedented time, Downtown Bridgeport businesses need your support more than ever. In... View more

March 17th 2020

Downtown Bridgeport COVID-19 Update, 03.17.2020

Access emergency operations and business assistance information on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, current as of March 17, 2020. Included are guidance shared by relevant local, city, and state entities. Download the 03.17.2020 update here: BptDSSD-coronavirus-update-memo-03.17.20.

August 26th 2019

Colorful Bridgeport New Website Launches

Press Release Back to News + Reports Colorful Bridgeport New Website Launches August 26, 2019 Press Release Download Press Release, 8-29-19 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) unveiled the new ColorfulBridgeport.com website at a... View more

August 21st 2019

Bridgeport Innovation Places Strategic Plan

Special Reports Back to News + Reports Bridgeport Innovation Places Strategic Plan August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download The Bridgeport Innovation Places (BIP) Team has developed this strategic plan to act as the... View more

August 21st 2019

2010 Arrowstreet Connection Study

Special Reports Back to News + Reports 2010 Arrowstreet Connection Study August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download Bridgeport’s Downtown Connections Report Prepared by the Bridgeport DSSD and the Bridgeport Real Estate Community Search... View more

August 21st 2019

Re-Imagining Downtown Bridgeport, June 2007

Special Reports Back to News + Reports Re-Imagining Downtown Bridgeport, June 2007 August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download This plan is the product of an unprecedented partnership between the DSSD, the City and... View more

August 21st 2019

A Creative Placemaking Agenda for Bridgeport, January 2012

Special Reports Back to News + Reports A Creative Placemaking Agenda for Bridgeport, January 2012 August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download What If We Build Bridgeport Around Places? A Creative Placemaking Agenda for... View more

August 21st 2019

Bridgeport DSSD Streetscape and Planting Guidelines, April 2014

Special Reports Back to News + Reports Bridgeport DSSD Streetscape and Planting Guidelines, April 2014 August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Guidelines Download This document was developed for the Bridgeport DSSD to create guidelines for... View more

August 21st 2019

City of Bridgeport Downtown Parking System Assessment, May 2014

Special Reports Back to News + Reports City of Bridgeport Downtown Parking System Assessment, May 2014 August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download The City of Bridgeport in partnership with its Bridgeport Regional Business... View more

August 21st 2019

Bridgeport Food Commerce Feasibility Study, September 2015

Special Reports Back to News + Reports Bridgeport Food Commerce Feasibility Study, September 2015 August 21, 2019 Special Reports PDF Report Download Carmody Consulting and New Venture Advisors were contracted to work with the DSSD... View more

October 1st 2018

Bridgeport DSSD Strategic Plan, October 2018

Special Reports Back to News + Reports Bridgeport DSSD Strategic Plan, October 2018 October 1, 2018 Special Reports PDF Report Download The DSSD Board of Commissioners and other Downtown stakeholders collaborated to craft a vision,... View more

July 12th 2018

DSSD Kicks Off 2018 Downtown Farmers Market Season

Press Release Back to News + Reports DSSD Kicks Off 2018 Downtown Farmers Market Season July 12, 2018 Press Release Download Press Release, 7-12-18 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) today kicked off the... View more

July 3rd 2018

Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market Opens

Press Release Back to News + Reports Downtown Bridgeport Farmers Market Opens July 3, 2018 Press Release Download Press Release, 7-3-17 The Downtown Farmers Market will begin its 2017 season on July 6 at McLevy... View more

July 1st 2018

DSSD Appoints New Board Chair, Philip Pires

Press Release Back to News + Reports DSSD Appoints New Board Chair, Philip Pires July 1, 2018 Press Release Download Press Release, 7-1-18 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) announced today that Philip Pires... View more

April 1st 2018

Creating Community Town Hall Event

Press Release Back to News + Reports Creating Community Town Hall Event April 1, 2018 Press Release Download Press Release, April 2018 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, along with partners Bridgeport Generation Now and... View more

November 16th 2017

DSSD Hires New President Lauren Coakley Vincent

Press Release Back to News + Reports DSSD Hires New President Lauren Coakley Vincent November 16, 2017 Press Release Download Press Release, 11-16-17 The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) announced today that Lauren Coakley... View more

June 21st 2017

Downtown Windows Project

Press Release Back to News + Reports Downtown Windows Project June 21, 2017 Press Release Download Press Release, 6-21-17 The Downtown Windows Project features the work of Bridgeport Art Trail artists, displayed in one of... View more

June 7th 2017

DSSD’s 2017 Lamp Post Sponsorship Program

Press Release Back to News + Reports DSSD’s 2017 Lamp Post Sponsorship Program June 7, 2017 Press Release Download Press Release, 6-7-17 Bridgeport’s DSSD is proud to unveil its 2017 Lamp Post Sponsorship Program with... View more

May 12th 2017

DSSD Recipient of CT Main Street’s Catalyst Award

Press Release Back to News + Reports DSSD Recipient of CT Main Street’s Catalyst Award May 12, 2017 Press Release Download Press Release, 5-12-17 Bridgeport’s DSSD received the 2017 CT Main Street Center’s Catalyst Award... View more

September 20th 2016

1st Annual Downtown Bridgeport Hackathon

Press Release Back to News + Reports 1st Annual Downtown Bridgeport Hackathon September 20, 2016 Press Release Download Press Release, 9-20-16 The Bridgeport DSSD has partnered with the Connecticut Main Street Center, Stamford iCenter, Bridgeport... View more