Steve Fontana

Steve Fontana brings decades of public service, legal expertise, and economic development leadership to his candidacy for the Board of Assessment Appeals. With a proven record of managing complex projects, fostering community investment, and navigating state and local government processes, Steve is committed to ensuring that North Haven’s property assessments are handled with fairness, accuracy, and transparency.

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Steve currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the City of West Haven, where he leads strategic planning, oversees redevelopment projects, revises zoning to attract investment, and implements policies to promote business growth. Prior to that, he spent a decade as Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of New Haven, where he helped bring major mixed-use, biotech, and manufacturing projects to fruition, supported small businesses, and collaborated on neighborhood revitalization efforts.

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A former State Representative (1997–2011), Steve chaired both the Insurance & Real Estate Committee and the Energy & Technology Committee, successfully advancing legislation to improve consumer protections, expand renewable energy, and promote fair competition. His earlier career as a senior consultant with Accenture gave him a strong foundation in organizational efficiency and systems management.

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Steve is a Certified Economic Developer, an attorney, and holds degrees from Oberlin College (B.A.), Cornell University (M.B.A.), and the University of Connecticut School of Law (J.D.). He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Connecticut State Insurance and Risk Management Board, a member of the North Haven Economic Development Commission, and President of the North Haven Trail Association.

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With his deep understanding of both economic development and legal processes, Steve will bring a balanced, analytical approach to the Board of Assessment Appeals — ensuring that residents and businesses alike receive fair and equitable property assessments.