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Town Manager
Our chosen form of government has a Town Council that enjoys all the importance of a Board of Directors (legislating and policy-making) and a Town Manager that is appointed by the council to serve as North Branford's chief executive officer overseeing the day-to-day management of town business and fulfilling the policy direction of Town Council.
The Town Manager is responsible for policy implementation and administration, appointing Town staff, the development and execution of the annual operating and capital budget, directing municipal operations, and communications with the Town Council, various boards and commissions, and Town staff.
2023-2024 Budget Presentation
About Michael Downes
Born and raised in the Northford section of town, Michael Downes attended North Branford public schools and has lived in town most of his life. He was appointed Town Manager by the North Branford Town Council in 2022.
He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a graduate certificate in City Management from Villanova University where he was a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Public Administration Honor Society. He also holds both bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in political science from Southern Connecticut State University, where he was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.
Prior to his appointment as Town Manager, he served as Chief of Staff for the Town of Stratford, CT, from 2017-2022, and as Director of Communications for the House Republican Office in the Connecticut General Assembly from 2010-2017. He served on the North Branford Town Council from 1997-2003, and again from 2021-2022.
Additionally, he served in the organized militia of the State of Connecticut under the CT National Guard from 2002-2012, and as commanding officer of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard at the rank of major. Headquartered in Avon, CT, it is the oldest continuously active horse-mounted cavalry unit in the nation.
He resides in the Northford with his wife Tara and their son.