The full form of CRDA is Capital Region Development Authority.

On June 15, 2012, the Connecticut General Assembly officially established the Capital Region Development Authority, (CRDA), replacing the quasi-public entity formerly known as the Capital City Economic Development Authority, (CCEDA).

Public Act 12-147 not only re-designates CCEDA as CRDA, but it also allows the new Authority the same powers as CCEDA to plan and implement specified Capital district projects.  The Act also expands the original CCEDA district and permits CRDA to plan and implement some of these projects outside of the district. Michael W. Freimuth is the Executive Director of CRDA.

The Capital Region Development Authority’s 14-member board includes the mayors of Hartford and East Hartford with the Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, OPM Secretary, the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Department of Transportation Commissioners serving as Ex-officio members.  Two appointees of the Mayor of Hartford, (a city employee and a city resident), one from the legislative minority leadership, one from the legislative majority leadership and four gubernatorial appointments round out the rest of the board.

Mission

• To stimulate new investment, rebrand and promote the district as a multicultural destinations for all ages to enjoy and as a vibrant multidimensional downtown
• Attract major sports, conventions and exhibitions
• Expand residential housing development as a way to enhance the exonomic and cultural vitality of the area
• Operate, maintain and market the Connecticut Convention Center
• Stimulate family-oriented tourism, art, culture, history, education and entertainment
• Manage designated facilities
• Stimulate economic development and new investment in the Capital region
• Development and redevelopment property to attract and retain businesses
• Facilitate the relocation of the area State office buildings

Announced by the Governor in January, the CRDA was formally created with the passage of Public Act 12-147, An Act Concerning the Capital Region Development Authority, which was passed overwhelmingly by both the Connecticut House and Senate and signed by Governor Malloy on June 15, 2012. CRDA was created to simulate new investment and economic growth in Connecticut, with a particular focus on the Hartford region, and will manage the assets in greater Hartford, including Rentschler Field, the Connecticut Convention Center and the XL Center.

The 13-member CRDA includes four appointees of the Governor, Commissioners of the Departments of Transportation and Economic and Community Development, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra and East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc, one appointment each for the state House of Representatives and Senate and two appointees by the Mayor of Hartford.