Episodes

  • 7: Bridgeport is a Giant Canvas — Art, Murals & the City's Creative Transformation

    7: Bridgeport is a Giant Canvas — Art, Murals & the City's Creative Transformation
    Apr 16 2026
    Mayor Joe Ganim talks about how Bridgeport has transformed into one of Connecticut's most vibrant creative cities. From 50 murals and counting, to converted factory artist spaces, to a booming waterfront — this episode explores how art, color, and culture are reshaping the image and identity of Connecticut's largest city. Whether you're an artist, a visitor, or thinking about planting roots in Bridgeport — this one's worth a listen. 🎙️ Topics covered: Bridgeport's mural program | Arts & entertainment as economic drivers | Steelpointe Harbor & waterfront development | The city's creative community & artist housing | What's next for Bridgeport's creative scene
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    9 mins
  • 6: Bridgeport's Grand List Hit $13 Billion — What That Means for You

    6: Bridgeport's Grand List Hit $13 Billion — What That Means for You
    Apr 16 2026
    Mayor Joe Ganim sits down to break down one of the biggest financial milestones in Bridgeport's recent history, the city's grand list jumping from $8 billion to $13 billion. In this episode, Mayor Ganim explains what a grand list actually is, how the mill rate works, what property tax reassessment means for homeowners, and why Bridgeport's growth is outpacing surrounding towns. From AAA bond ratings to a booming development pipeline, this is a candid look at the numbers shaping Connecticut's largest city — and what it all means for residents and property owners. 🎙️ Topics covered: Property taxes & how the mill rate works | Bridgeport's grand list growth | What reassessment means for your home value | New development & investment in the city | Public education funding
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    25 mins
  • 5: Mayor Ganim on the Arena, Bridgeport's Waterfront Revival, and the Vision for 2050

    5: Mayor Ganim on the Arena, Bridgeport's Waterfront Revival, and the Vision for 2050
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode, Mayor Ganim takes us back to the origins of the Webster Bank Arena built roughly 25 years ago as part of a bold vision to transform Bridgeport's waterfront and revitalize its downtown. From clearing out blighted public housing to attracting the circus, minor league hockey, and major musical acts, the arena became a cornerstone of Bridgeport's cultural renaissance. Mayor Ganim reflects on the challenges of competing with casino-funded venues like Mohegan Sun, the arena's evolving role in the regional entertainment landscape, and what a $60 million state investment decades ago made possible. He also shares his excitement about Bridgeport's future from the Seaside Park beautification project and Steelpoint development, to the potential revival of Bridgeport's local airport and positioning the city as a tourism and travel hub by 2050. If you want to understand how Bridgeport went from challenged to comeback city, this is the episode to hear.
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    27 mins
  • 4: Mayor Ganim on Bridgeport's Education Crisis: State Funding Gaps, Community Impact, and the Fight for Equity

    4: Mayor Ganim on Bridgeport's Education Crisis: State Funding Gaps, Community Impact, and the Fight for Equity
    Mar 23 2026

    In this episode, Mayor Ganim talks about the state of education in Bridgeport Public Schools. From personal stories of visiting classrooms and running into former students decades later, to the hard realities of a state funding formula that has been allowed to lapse for over 10 years. He breaks down how the foundation formula works, why it has failed urban districts like Bridgeport, and what needs to change at the state level — including indexing future funding to rising costs.

    He also speaks to the role Bridgeport schools play beyond academics, supporting students and families through language barriers, social services, and character development. With a historic $10 million city-side commitment already made, he makes clear: it's now time for the state of Connecticut to step up and deliver the equitable investment Bridgeport's 20,000 students deserve.
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    25 mins
  • 3: Mayor Ganim Joins BPS to Talk about Bridgeport's $10M Education Commitment and the Fight for Equitable Funding

    3: Mayor Ganim Joins BPS to Talk about Bridgeport's $10M Education Commitment and the Fight for Equitable Funding
    Mar 23 2026
    In this episode, Mayor Ganim sits down with Bridgeport Public Schools to discuss the city's historic $10 million commitment to public education and the ongoing battle for equitable state funding. Mayor Gannon reflects on his decades in public service, the powerful student advocacy at the state capitol in Hartford, and what it will take to secure a fair foundation formula for Bridgeport's children. He also shares his vision for reducing classroom sizes, improving student transportation, expanding the Bridgeport Promise scholarship program, and leveraging philanthropic partnerships to support students beyond the classroom. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Bridgeport Public Schools.
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    26 mins
  • 2: Bonus Episode! Mayor Ganim talks Bridgeport Organizations on BPL's Bridgeport Unmasked

    2: Bonus Episode! Mayor Ganim talks Bridgeport Organizations on BPL's Bridgeport Unmasked
    Feb 3 2026
    In this crossover episode of Bridgeport Unmasked, host Adam sits down with Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim at the Beardsley Branch Library podcast studio to spotlight the people and organizations helping Bridgeport thrive. They discuss the Mayor’s Initiative for Re-Entry Affairs (MIRA) and how re-entry support reduces barriers and strengthens communities, plus the Bridgeport Promise scholarship program that helps Bridgeport Public Schools graduates afford college. The conversation also covers major education investments like the new Bullard-Havens Technical High School, the evolving role of local colleges and universities, and how food pantries and community partners meet essential needs. They close with a look at downtown revitalization, public art and murals, and ways residents can stay informed about city events and initiatives.
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    52 mins
  • 1: Bridgeport’s Past, Present & Future with Mayor Ganim

    1: Bridgeport’s Past, Present & Future with Mayor Ganim
    Feb 3 2026

    In the first episode of this podcast, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim sits down for an open conversation about leadership, city government, the city's past as a foundation, and the future of Bridgeport. The episode introduces the purpose of the podcast and sets the tone for honest, thoughtful discussions about local issues that matter to residents.

    This episode serves as a starting point for ongoing conversations about Bridgeport politics, city planning, economic growth, and civic engagement offering residents a clearer look into the people and policies guiding the city forward.
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    26 mins