West Haven at a Glance

Mayor

Nancy R. Rossi is the 12th mayor of West Haven.

City Government

Mayor/City Council: 10 voting districts; 10 voting districts in state and presidential elections.

Area

10.6 square miles.

City Seal

Revolutionary War militiaman Thomas Painter watching an approaching British frigate from atop Savin Rock.

City Motto

Nil desperandum, a Latin phrase meaning “never despair.”
Front of West Haven City Hall building

Vision

To be a diverse community that embraces the changing needs and expectations of our residents through respect for people, preserving the shoreline, and creating a prosperous and safe community.

Mission Statement

The mission of the government of West Haven is to provide our residents with open, honest and fiscally stable stewardship of the city through a system of checks and balances that ensures compassionate leadership in meeting the needs of our people. This stewardship is based on the following core principles:
  • Encouraging participation by all residents in the development and improvement of our city.
  • Striving for excellence and satisfaction in the delivery of public services.
  • Maintaining respect between the government and the public.
  • Continually improving the channels of communication, both internally and externally.
  • Ensuring a progressive environment that will enhance the quality of life for all.
  • Fostering an economic climate that maximizes recreational, educational and employment opportunities for our residents.
  • Ongoing review of the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges to ensure a bright future for the people and the City of West Haven.

Population

54,763 (U.S. Census 2020)

Registered Voters

27,436 (as of August 2022, Office of the Registrar of Voters)

Per Capita Personal Income

$30,360 (U.S. Census 2020)

Projected 2020 Median Income

$62,985 (U.S. Census 2020)

Directions

Interstate 95 North (From Bridgeport)

  1. Take Exit 42, Sawmill Road.
  2. Turn right onto Sawmill Road.
  3. Follow about 1 mile to Main Street and turn left.
  4. Follow to Savin Avenue and turn left. (Municipal parking lot for City Hall is immediately on the right.)

Interstate 95 South (From New Haven)

  1. Take Exit 43, First Avenue.
  2. Turn left onto First Avenue.
  3. Turn right onto Elm Street.
  4. Follow to Campbell Avenue and turn left. (Library is on the corner.)
  5. Follow to City Hall, which is at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Main Street. Parking is behind City Hall, off Savin Avenue.