Callie Heilmann, co-founder of the civic group Bridgeport Generation Now, who also plans to open a much-needed boutique hotel Downtown, has been appointed chair of the Downtown Special Services District that provides marketing, sanitation and neighborhood event services.
The hotel destination, planned for a 2027 opening, is located behind the Superior Court House on Main Street adjacent to Baldwin Plaza.
News release from DSSD:
The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) announced today that Callie Heilmann will assume the role of Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the Downtown Special Services District, effective July 1, 2026. She succeeds Philip Pires, who served as Chair for eight years and will continue to serve as a Commissioner.
Callie Heilmann is the owner of 49-55 Cannon Street in Downtown Bridgeport and is the founder and Co-Director of Bridgeport Generation Now, the civic engagement organization dedicated to strengthening democracy in our city. Callie moved to Bridgeport with her family in 2013 and in addition to her work at Gen Now, has served in volunteer leadership roles with the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, PT Partners, the Bridgeport DSSD, and more. Her three sons all attend Bridgeport Public Schools. In the fall of 2027, Callie, along with her husband Niels, will open a 36-room boutique hotel in downtown Bridgeport at 49 Cannon Street.
Ms. Heilmann believes deeply in the power of organized people to move the places we love and live towards positive social change. Since first being elected to the Bridgeport DSSD in 2022, through her role as Chair of the Elections Committee, she helped co-lead a process of board expansion to create new “leaseholder” seats on the Commission. She also helped to design and implement an elections process and policy that is focused on transparency and inclusivity. Callie believes these contributions have resulted in positive outcomes for the organization and she looks forward to serving for another three years. During her next term, she would like to focus on strategies that will grow the Bridgeport DSSD’s budget and staff, so that the DSSD can be offering more services to the Downtown and be a part of its growth.
“The DSSD has made incredible strides in recent years towards a vibrant, culturally rich, and inclusive downtown district. I am excited and honored to continue to build this vision in partnership with all downtown stakeholders.” said Ms. Heilmann.
“It’s been a privilege to serve as Chair of the DSSD for the past eight years,” said Philip Pires, outgoing DSSD Chair. “The DSSD has made significant progress, and I am confident that momentum will continue under Callie’s leadership.”
For more information about vendors, visit: colorfulbridgeport.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook at @colorfulbridgeport.
Could be a good, timely choice!