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| Our mission is to be the catalyst that ignites Connecticut's Main Streets as the cornerstone of thriving communities. |
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It's back to class for Main Street too
With the cooler temperatures comes a flurry of activity, as fall conferences, workshops and trainings begin. Scroll down for more on the many downtown learning opportunities around the state and nation, in addition to the latest news on Main Street.
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Federal Historic Tax Credit Update
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Federal Historic Tax Credits are an important tool for preserving and revitalizing historic buildings. Main Street America has provided an update on the federal historic tax credit, which was threatened during the tax reform passed in December 2017.
Thanks to an outpouring of support from Main Streeters, the historic tax credit - which had faced elimination in the tax cuts - was maintained. However, as a condition for staying in the tax code, the credit must now be spread over five years. As a result, the price equity investors are willing to pay to offset their tax liability may reduce the value of the credits by as much as 20% in some markets.
There is also legislation currently proposed that seeks to change existing law by eliminating the requirement that historic tax credits must be deducted when calculating a building's basis. This change will benefit investment in both urban environments and communities with smaller developers.
Learn more about the proposed legislation and what to expect in the upcoming federal legislative session.
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Hartford Line Ridership on Pace with Goals
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Over 69,000 people traveled on the new Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield during the train's first six weeks, state officials reported. While just shy of its daily ridership goal, DOT Commissioner James Redeker and Governor Malloy expect the new train to exceed first-year targets. "We've already seen an explosion of interest in transit-oriented development in rail communities and we expect that will only grow as young people continue to make clear that they want transit at the heart of their hometowns," Commissioner Redeker said in a statement.
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Check out these learning events going on across the state and country:
▪ Colorado Main Street Webinar - Join Colorado Main Street Architect Larry Lucas on September 20th from 12:00-1:00 Mountain Standard Time for a training webinar on Appropriate Infill for Historic Main Street Districts! In this webinar you will learn: what is infill, what is appropriate in the Main Street context, and how Main Street organizations and local governments can work together to ensure new infill supports Main Street historic preservation. With examples and easy to understand best practices, you'll learn how infill can support community transformation, adding new vibrancy and life to your Main Street district.
▪ Meriden Opportunity Zone Event
- Learn about the newest federal economic development tool: Opportunity Zones.
The event takes place on September 24th and will provide a comprehensive background and expert analysis of the new program, as well as recommendations for cities, philanthropies, advocates, and private sector representatives. CCIM, CMSC, CERC and the Making Meriden Business Center are partnering on this event that will feature a walking tour of Meriden's Opportunity Zone, as well as a moderated presentation and Q&A session.
▪ Diversity Construction Group Foundation Golf Tournament - Your contribution will help fund a scholarship for a deserving minority or female student wishing to pursue a career in the construction industry when you join CMSC Professional Affiliate Diversity Construction Group for their Annual Golf Outing on October 1st.
▪ SNEAPA Conference, Hartford - The Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) is an annual 2-day planning conference, hosted by the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts chapters of APA. This year's conference takes place on October 18-19 at the CT Convention Center in Hartford. The conference draws nearly 700 planners, landscape architects, architects, engineers, academics, students and others.
▪ NEDA Conference, Newark NJ - From Bangor to Baltimore, Pittsburgh to Providence, resurgence, revival and rebirth are themes of the day. The 2018 Northeast Economic Development Association (NEDA) THRIVE Northeast conference will gather key players to celebration successes, address challenges and share promising practices to raise the bar even further for economic development in our region. This year's event takes place October 21-23 in Newark, NJ.
▪ Multimodal and Transit Summit, Hartford - The Transport Hartford Academy is working with the CT Chapter of the American Planning Association and the CT Department of Transportation to plan a November 19th, Multimodal and Transit Summit. The Summit is co-hosted by UConn and several participating UConn departments. This summit includes topics for both transportation and development professionals, combined with an evening program for residents, citizen advocates, and intersectional topics. Planners will be able to receive professional CM credits for attending.
▪ Main Street Conference - Seattle WA - Save the Date for the 2019 Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Washington, March 25-27, 2019. Attendees will benefit as they explore Main Street programs from the inside out, centering on the hard-work of the staff and board, transformative external partnerships, and the myriad of ways in which communities come together on Main Streets.
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Purchase With Purpose: CMSC Joins Amazon Smile
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We know you shop local whenever you can, but for those times you shop online, you can still support CMSC by signing up for
AmazonSmile
.
Here's how it works.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. When you sign up for AmazonSmile and chose CMSC as your charity of choice, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to CMSC.
Support CMSC on AmazonSmile!
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Spotlight on 2018 Award of Excellence Winner
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State of Connecticut Coordinated Approach to Responsible Growth and Transit Oriented Development
Recipients: State of CT - DECD, DEEP, DOH, DOT & OPM
Partners: CHFA, LISC
The State of Connecticut was recognized as a vital supporter of our downtowns and main streets, encouraging responsible growth and development around transit by helping build local capacity for TOD efforts. Through grants to municipalities, interagency coordination, and ongoing communication with partners and developers, the State of Connecticut is supporting vibrant, connected places that benefit all of Connecticut's citizens.
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