Fairfield committee schedules April 29 workshop to explain housing goals and gather resident input

The Fairfield Affordable Housing Committee confirmed plans for a public workshop on April 29 at the American Museum and History Center, beginning at 7:00 p.m., to explain housing needs, the town's planning options and the proposed inclusionary zoning changes.

Format and goals: Committee members discussed running a 60'to'90-minute session with a short presentation followed by breakout tables and a group report-back. The stated goals are to reduce jargon, convey the planning "Russian dolls" of state, regional and local roles in plain terms, and solicit resident input about preferred housing types and priorities.

Community engagement: Members suggested interactive exercises (for example, asking participants what housing they expect to need in five or 10 years), a brief questionnaire to capture baseline data and contact information, and trained facilitators at each table to ensure constructive, time-limited conversations. Committee estimates attendance of 50'100 residents and intends to market the event through the first selectperson's newsletter, the Bigelow Center and partner mailing lists.

Why it matters: Several residents and committee members said the public often hears fragments about development but lacks context about how municipal regulations, infrastructure constraints and state timelines fit together. One committee member urged plain-language outreach: "I'd love to hear ... a third-grade level of what's going on here," saying many residents find the policy discussion jargon-heavy.

Logistics and next steps: Staff will finalize outreach copy and marketing materials by the following Monday, prepare a short presentation for the workshop, recruit facilitators from committee membership and partners, and create a brief questionnaire for attendees. The committee also plans to track RSVPs and capture summary notes from breakout reports for follow-up.