The Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee (“Downtown PIC”) shall serve as the appointed committee responsible for initiating and carrying out the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan (“DMP” or “Plan”).  The Downtown PIC will replace and supersede the former Downtown Steering Committee (DSC) whose charge was successfully accomplished with the development and delivery of the Final Downtown Master Plan. The final plan may be downloaded from the Downtown Westport Master Plan website.

The Downtown PIC shall work closely with town departments, boards, commissions, civic groups, merchant associations, developers, property owners, state/federal officials, and citizens on tasks associated with planning and implementing the DMP.  The Downtown PIC will, in consultation with the First Selectman, lead the effort in terms of setting priorities among the various projects in the Plan and initiating the appropriate actions to get projects started.  This may include, but not be limited to: 

• seeking state and federal grant funding;
• coordinating and advocating on the need for town capital and operating budget support;
• fund raising;
• negotiating with private property owners/developers for physical, monetary or “in kind” contributions;
• initiating RFPs and negotiating contracts;
• bringing applications to and/or presenting before boards and commissions;
• working with town departments, contractors and consultants on specific projects. 

Town departments shall provide assistance and support to the Downtown PIC in the implementation process.  The Downtown PIC may make appropriation requests through the First Selectman to support its role and activities and may seek and engage outside professional consulting assistance as required.

The Downtown PIC will report directly to and serve at the pleasure of the First Selectman.  The Downtown PIC will in general follow the outlined “Implementation Plan” found in the DMP, but has the authority with the Selectman’s approval, to vary and readjust the plan as circumstances and opportunities arise. The Downtown PIC will set goals each year for what it believes can be realistically accomplished and report periodically to the First Selectman on progress. The Downtown PIC Co-Chairs are authorized to act and speak on behalf of the town with respect to the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan.