New Chapter for Renaissance City Development Association: Partnering with Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT to Continue New London Revital

New London, CT – With the upcoming retirement of Renaissance City Development Association Executive Director Peter Davis and Fiscal/Project Manager Jenny Wronowski, the agency’s Board of Directors has voted to transfer administrative and outreach duties to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

This strategic transition, endorsed by municipal leadership, is designed to streamline operations and leverage Chamber membership to unlock new opportunities for growth across New London.

RCDA has played a key role in advancing major redevelopment efforts in New London, including the New London Community Recreation Center, and significant residential growth, including The Beam, a 197-unit apartment building by RJ Developers + Advisors, and The Docks, a 137-unit apartment community by A.R. Building Co. These new housing options provide modern amenities and support the continued revitalization of the downtown area.

“The RCDA Board is grateful for the diligent efforts of Peter and Jenny over these past several years to shepherd these and other projects through the detailed process of bringing public-private endeavors to fruition,” said RCDA Board President Attorney Linda Mariani.

“Both have planned for retirement, allowing us to plan for the next chapter of RCDA, and we offer our sincere thanks for their work and this ability to create a smooth transition.”

Mariani added that the Board “looks forward to working with Chamber staff, board members, and community leaders to update our mission statement and strategic plan.” 

The Board considered this transition an opportunity to strengthen its record of successful public-private collaboration by partnering with a local entity similarly successful in such efforts and found that partner in the Chamber. This milestone marks a new chapter in the city’s economic development and public-private collaboration.

“This partnership reflects the city’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth,” said Mayor Michael Passero. “We’re confident that the Chamber’s leadership will bring fresh energy and strategic vision to our development efforts and support the work of the board of directors.” 

Under this new partnership, the Chamber will manage all administrative functions of the development authority, including records, communications, and stakeholder engagement. 

A dedicated transition team is currently overseeing the secure transfer of files and establishing new operational protocols to ensure continuity and accountability. 

“This collaboration allows us to build on our strengths and extend our impact,” said Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “By aligning our resources and expertise with the goals of the municipal development agency, state development agencies, and the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer), we’re creating a more unified approach to economic development efforts.” 

While the Chamber’s core mission remains unchanged — to support local businesses, foster economic vitality, and advocate for a thriving community, this new role amplifies its ability to serve as a catalyst for sustainable development.

The Chamber invites state and municipal officials, business leaders, and community members to participate in upcoming briefings and collaborative planning sessions. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.