Re-established in 2020 to work regionally on large-scale projects, stimulate economic development, and incentivize new investments throughout the Naugatuck Valley Region, NVRDC provides municipalities with access to shared economic development services & resources.
A region rich with history, the Naugatuck Valley has access to many natural resources including the Naugatuck & Housatonic Rivers. The area boasts a variety of landscapes from urban to rural. The region is connected by several major highways, allowing for ease of access to any point in the Valley or the State. Insterstate-84 and Route-8 connect with Interstate-84, allowing residents & visitors alike to explore the diverse scenery of the Valley. The Waterbury Branch Line of the New Haven Rail line makes stops in several of the region’s towns, running from Bridgeport to Waterbury, providing commuter rail access to lower New Haven County and New York City.
Due to the close proximity to both the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers, the Naugatuck Valley has a rich manufacturing history, particularly surrounding the brass industry. In rural areas, the agricultural industry dominated. With the Brass Industry’s downfall, the region’s key industries have changed significantly. Although manufacturing remains a vital industry, accounting for 12.8% of the region’s total jobs, the Health Care and Social Assistance sector has become the leading industry in the region as of 2020. NVRDC works to streamline the process of establishing & maintaining a business in the region by providing municipalities and investors with the resources they need.
