Running For Alder - Explanation of Process

The aldermanic elections are approaching, and it seems many candidates are running unopposed. The rumblings among New Haveners indicates that people would like to see more choice, and have more open & inclusive dialogue about the direction of their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. Can someone from the city share the process & requirements of how a regular citizen, especially those not connected/affiliated with any political party/organization, would register to run for alder?