Phone: (475) 837-3622

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Cosgrove said, "We look forward to continuing with our balanced approach to Town management.”

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The following are some of the underpinnings of Jamie Cosgrove's management approach:

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Jamie Cosgrove, in his sixth term as first selectman, will build on Branford’s advancements, continue developing gains, and address needs while maintaining a fiscally sound municipality that’s affordable for community members and provides quality services and programs.

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“The common denominator is we’re focusing ourselves for the betterment of Branford, ensuring we’re approaching things in a sustainable manner, in a fiscally responsible manner,” he said.

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Cosgrove also credits Branford Finance Director Jim Finch's important guidance. Working alongside State Senator Christine Cohen (D-12), Branford’s Coastal Resiliency Fund legislation was adopted at the state level, increasing investment opportunities for Branford and municipalities statewide. 

In budgeting, Cosgrove said he takes a strategic, rigorous, realistic approach, including funding Branford’s long-term liabilities. Standard & Poor’s has consistently rated Branford AAA during Cosgrove’s tenure.

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“Our budget has no gimmicks. It addresses the needs and liabilities that we’re facing,” said Cosgrove. Judge us by our  years  of service or judge the town where we stand today, and I think it’s something that all of Branford should be proud of and recognize.”

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Infrastructure, sewer projects, and other approved areas of use are among those Cosgrove supports, but he also wants to see some of the funding go toward “addressing the human needs and arts and culture, [in] a way that will have a sustainable impact. We want to make sure we’re deploying these dollars in a way that has a long-term impact rather than just a one-time shot in the arm.”

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Cosgrove also wants to continue tapping into the “strong volunteer sense here in Branford” as a resource for assisting with town goals. Branford’s Clean Energy Committee, formed under his tenure, is one such volunteer group.

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Cosgrove has worked to develop energy conservation initiatives in Branford, including an agreement to build a solar array at the Tabor property with a virtual net meter agreement credited to Branford’s wastewater treatment plant and an energy performance contract reviewing all town buildings. The energy conservation committee has helped Branford offer programs, including Heat Smart and Solar for All, while also bringing in CT Green Bank recommendations, such as one that has led to two solar projects coming to two elementary school buildings.

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Cosgrove will continue to support economic development for a “diverse tax base.” To attract people to stay here, you want opportunities.  REX development board member supporting Bio CT programs in Branford, Cosgrove also welcomes the bi-annual Accelerator Bioscience Technology Consortium in Branford.

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“You need to have a diverse tax base in order to support each other,” said Cosgrove. To attract people to stay here, you want to have opportunities. You want tax revenue, convenience to services, and [differing] job opportunities. You have to create an environment that supports diversity.”

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Cosgrove said there has been a definite surge in the use of the Branford Green by citizens. “We’ve always had a lot of planned activities, and a lot of organizations utilize the green. You see a tremendous amount of use just on an informal, casual basis—family, friends coming down here and meeting down here, people meeting for business on the green. I think that shows there’s a lot of potential that I look forward to being part of unlocking  here in the center.”

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“We are a leader in state government,” he said. That’s in large part because of communication, outreach to the community, and the involvement of town staff. Those results support the fact that we did do community outreach—it was appropriate, we engaged our community, and we dedicated town resources to that effort.”

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“I’ve always said the strength of any community is its diversity. Diversity is not just the people; it’s diversity in what we have for housing and the diversity that we have for businesses. If you look at Branford, we really have so much here in our 21 square miles in terms of open space, shoreline, different types of industry, businesses, and tourism. I think that’s why Branford is a very strong community. It’s a community where people want to stay.”

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A lifelong Branford resident, Cosgrove and his wife, Nicole, have two children who are also growing up in Branford, “a great town,” he said.