Darlene Young has worked for, lived in, and served Norwalk for 34 years, building a rare ability to bring together residents and municipal officials across the city to produce concrete outcomes for South Norwalk and Norwalk at large.

Originally from Stamford, she moved to Norwalk in 1991 and joined the City of Norwalk in 1997 through the Youth Services Department. The following January, she was appointed Coordinator of a federally funded Weed & Seed program, a Department of Justice initiative developed in partnership with the local Police Department. In 2005, she was appointed Assistant City Clerk by unanimous bi-partisan vote, holding both roles simultaneously. The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which grew directly from Weed & Seed, has now operated for 27 years under her stewardship.

She currently serves as Youth Services Program Manager, overseeing the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and advising the City’s Workforce Development Initiative. Her broader career has spanned CDBG funding work with the Redevelopment Agency, the city-sponsored mentoring program Building Futures through Mentoring, and program management positions with the Human Services Council and Positive Directions of Westport, where she facilitated a DMHAS-funded housing initiative.

In 2018, she was elected to the Norwalk City Council representing District B. Over three terms she served as Majority Leader and, in the 2023–2025 term, as Council President.

Beyond city government, Darlene facilitated the first Westside tree lighting event in Stamford, a tradition that continues today. She has served as a founding board member of the Norwalk Community Health Center since 1998, currently as Vice Chair of the Board.

Her most prized accomplishment, she’ll tell you, are her two adult children.