Economic and Community Development

                 Nov2025-Jan2026 Putnam Commercial Properties Power Point presentation

The idea of a Community Garden grew from one young man’s quest to grow a giant cabbage, named Hamelton, for a scholarship from the Bonnie Cabbage Company.  Unfortunately, Hamelton could not grow quite large enough due to space constraints!  Two years later, The Dr. Robert R. Johnston Community Garden of Rhodesville emerged! The Garden is located at 41 Smith Street.

Check out our new pollinator garden!

We have revitalized the sign garden on site at the community garden with a special focus on supporting pollinators. Pollinator gardens are a critical aspect of maintaining healthy ecosystems. They instigate plant growth through increased pollination and improve air quality. Our geographic location allows local agriculturists to benefit from the effects of the garden. They provide food and shelter for insects and other wild animals, promoting biodiversity. One of every three bites of our food is created with the help of pollinators. Pollinator’s ecological cost is valued at $200 billion a year in America alone (Randall). They are essential to a more sustainable world. Ways you can contribute to pollinators include lawnmowing every 2-3 weeks, decreasing insecticide use, and planting pollinator friendly flowers and shrubs.

Community Garden Shed Gets a Facelift! 

   Click the link below:

   How to Start an LLC in Connecticut 

   Click here for the Lead Free CT - A hub of lead information for residents and homeowners document. 

• 2025 Business and Development Guide:    Click Here
• Please click link for the latest Putnam Guide:  Check out this year's Putnam Guide!
• The State of Connecticut has recently launched an online platform for all manufacturers and suppliers named CONNEX CT. Register here!

• Are you looking bring your business to Putnam?

Fill out this form and send it in to our Department at the email listed below.

A transformative, multi-year project is coming to our town!  MuralFest Putnam is a public art collaboration that will welcome "The Walldogs," sign painters and muralists from around the country, who will capture Putnam's rich history in a series of privately-funded, storytelling murals. 

Check back often for further updates and information on how you can get involved in this historic project!

For now, open the links in order below to learn more about MuralFest Putnam!

MuralFestPutnam-Introduction.pdf

Who_are_The_Walldogs.pdf

Links_to_Previous_Walldogs_Festivals_1.pdf

MuralFest_Putnam_Who_and_What_Makes_the_Walls.pdf

Volunteer_Opportunities.pdf

Muralfest_Putnam_2025_Committees_3.pdf

How_to_Donate.pdf

Fast_Facts__FAQs_Coming_Soon.pdf

Putnam’s Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive and is open from June through October. For Saturday Farmer’s Market information please click on the side panel under Economic & Community Development. 

Northeast CT Farmer’s Market is held on Thursdays, starting May 2025, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive.  Open from July 10 - August 28. For Thursday Farmer’s Market information please click here.

  Please Join us to help welcome the following businesses to the Community! 

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, 5:30 - Boho Beauty Bar, 182 Providence St.

The department's mission is to support business development in Putnam. One way we do this is through a small business loan program. We are looking to support businesses through capital improvement projects that will help bring them to the next level!

 The Small Business Loan program is not available at this time.