North Haven Grand List Up 2.7%, Budget Tops $151M in State of Town Address

North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda reported 2.7 percent grand list growth, a $530,000 median home sale price, and a proposed town budget topping $151 million during his annual State of the Town Address on February 12, 2026, at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven Campus. The address, organized by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, was Freda’s 17th time presenting to the chamber on the state of municipal affairs.

Freda, now in his ninth term after winning reelection in November 2025, divided his presentation into four sections covering the town’s economic and fiscal health, infrastructure projects, housing market trends, and economic development priorities.

North Haven Grand List Growth Outpaces Connecticut Peers

Freda told attendees that North Haven’s 2.7 percent grand list growth stands out among Connecticut municipalities, many of which are seeing zero to 0.5 percent growth. The grand list, which represents the total assessed value of taxable property in town, drives the revenue the municipality collects through property taxes. North Haven’s 2.7 percent increase translates to $3.33 million in incremental revenue for the town, providing fiscal room for ongoing capital investments and services.

The first selectman also pointed to North Haven’s strong bond rating as a sign of fiscal stability. Freda credited the town’s consistent relationship with credit rating agencies and disciplined financial management for maintaining the favorable rating, which allows North Haven to borrow at lower costs when financing capital projects.

Proposed North Haven Budget Tops $151 Million, Up Nearly 10 Percent

Freda outlined a proposed 2026–27 total recommended budget of $151,350,598, an increase of $13.7 million — or 9.98 percent — over the current fiscal year. He noted that the long-term structural growth in North Haven’s budget has been driven primarily by rising employee benefits costs and public safety expenditures, rather than by expansion of school programs or other discretionary spending.

The nearly 10 percent budget increase comes as the town balances rising fixed costs with continued investment in infrastructure and community services. The additional revenue generated by grand list growth helps offset higher expenditures, though the full budget must still be approved through the town’s annual budget process.

Infrastructure Projects Advance with Quinnipiac University Partnership

Freda highlighted several active infrastructure projects, including work at DeMeo Field, Kings Highway, Pool Road, and the Center Block district. The projects are aimed at preparing the town for future growth, addressing flooding concerns, and improving the visual appeal of key corridors.

Funding for the projects comes from a combination of municipal bonds, state and federal grants, and Quinnipiac University’s contribution program. The partnership with Quinnipiac has been a long-running feature of North Haven’s infrastructure funding. Freda noted that the university’s history of providing financial support has enabled improvements to town playscapes and public school facilities beyond the current slate of capital work.

North Haven Housing: $530,000 Median Price, Affordability a Top Concern

Freda dedicated a portion of his address to the town’s housing market, reporting 36 homes currently listed for sale with a median sale price of $530,000. One-bedroom apartments in North Haven average approximately $1,800 per month in rent.

The first selectman acknowledged that housing affordability is among the most pressing challenges facing communities across Connecticut. He pointed to a 225-unit apartment development currently underway in North Haven that includes a 20 percent affordable housing component. The project is designed to serve residents who might otherwise be priced out of the local market, including firefighters and recent college graduates carrying student debt.

The affordable housing project represents North Haven’s effort to respond to statewide calls for more attainable housing options while maintaining the town’s existing character and property values.

Annual Chamber Address at Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce hosts the State of the Town Address annually at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven Campus. The event serves as the first selectman’s primary public forum for presenting North Haven’s financial position and development priorities to the local business community and residents.

Freda, who began his ninth term after his November 2025 reelection, has now given the address 17 times over his tenure as first selectman, making it one of the longest-running annual presentations by a municipal leader in the region.

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