The Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) is pleased to announce that the 2026-2036 Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (RPOCD) is available for public review at https://bit.ly/metrocog-pocd. The previous plan was approved in December 2015 and expired in December of 2025. The plan covers the City of Bridgeport and towns of Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. MetroCOG serves as the Regional Council of Governments for these municipalities.

An up to date Plan of Conservation and Development is a requirement of the State of Connecticut. The Regional POCD must include recommendations for “land use, housing, principal highways and freeways, bridges, airports, parks, playgrounds, recreational areas, schools, public institutions, public utilities, agriculture and such other matters as will be beneficial to the area.” (Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 127 § 8-35a). MetroCOG will utilize the POCD to holistically plan for and identify regional connections in the areas mentioned above, as well as a variety of transportation modes, neighborhood amenities, natural resources, hazard mitigation, economic development, arts, cultural and historic resources, and civic infrastructure.

Public participation and community input were crucial in developing a plan that accurately reflects local values and priorities. As part of the 65-day review period, the public is encouraged to provide comments on the plan via the following methods:
• Comment via https://bit.ly/pocd-comments. Comments are due by Wednesday, October 28th, 2026.
• Open Houses at MetroCOG’s offices at 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Suite 925 in Bridgeport: Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at 10 am – 11 am and 3 pm – 4 pm
• Public Hearing at MetroCOG’s offices: Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at 6 pm
• A hybrid option is available. To register to virtually attend any of the meetings above, visit https://bit.ly/public-participation-request. Choose “Regional Plan of Conservation and Development, 2026.”
• The plan will be considered for approval by the MetroCOG Board at their October 29th, 2026 meeting which will occur at 10 am. Information about the meeting can be found at MetroCOG’s website, www.metrocogct.gov.
As part of the plan update, MetroCOG provided a range of diverse opportunities and methods for communities throughout the region to participate in the planning process, including pop-up events in many of the region’s communities, community organization-lead table talks, informational videos and an online survey. The plan was enhanced with photos of the region and members of the plan’s focus groups selected a prize-winning photo in each community. Visit https://bit.ly/metrocog-pocd to learn more.
Comments or requests for language translation services may be made orally at public events, via e-mail, via the online comment form, or in writing. Any person wishing to comment via mail may submit their comments in writing to Matt Fulda, Executive Director, info@metrocogct.gov, 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Suite 925, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Comments are due by Wednesday, October 28th, 2026.