CRCOG’s legislative update, Municipal cyberattacks and preventive measures + more news

February 13, 2025| Issue 2

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Welcome back, readers! February is Black History Month (BHM). We're proud to commemorate the past, recognize the present, and inspire the future. Across our region, municipalities and public and private organizations will highlight and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans. Let's come together to reflect, learn, and celebrate during the month!

This newsletter is 1,580 words, and is approximately an 8-minute read.

CRCOG’s Legislative Update: What you need to know

The Connecticut General Assembly began its 2025 Regular Session on January 8, 2025, with the session scheduled to adjourn on June 4, 2025. On the opening day, legislative leaders were elected to their positions, setting the stage for the session's proceedings.

Key Developments Since January 8, 2025

Special Elections Announced: House District 40: Representative Christine Conley resigned on January 7, 2025, to join the Workers' Compensation Commission. A special election is scheduled for February 25, 2025, to fill her seat.
Senate District 21: Senator Kevin C. Kelly resigned on January 8, 2025, following his nomination to the Connecticut Superior Court. A special election is also set for February 25, 2025, to elect his successor.
Committee Activities: The General Assembly's 27 permanent committees have been actively reviewing and discussing various pieces of legislation across multiple sectors, including public health, education, and the environment.

The General Assembly will continue to address a range of issues, with a focus on crafting the state budget and enacting laws that impact Connecticut residents. We will continue to follow and inform you of updates related to CRCOG’s legislative agenda. Read more.

Cyberattacks are increasing. Are you protected?

Cybersecurity is crucial for municipal leaders, including mayors, town managers, and council members. With a 30% increase in cyberattacks targeting municipalities and schools, and 85% of public sector organizations accelerating digital transformation, the risk is higher than ever. Nearly 50% of data breaches in the public sector involve personal data, putting citizens' privacy at risk.

Join CRCOG and Novus Insight for this essential training series to Protect. Detect. Respond. Recover. Contact Robyn Nichols or complete our survey for more information and to sign up.

Why Join the Cybersecurity Cohort Training Series?

Protect Data and Operations
Ensure Compliance
Minimize Impact of Attacks
Provide Clear Guidelines
Empower Staff
Ensure Legal and Insurance Readiness
Collaborate and Share Knowledge
Build Capacity and Sustainability
Save Money (up to 75% compared to direct consulting)

Along with the ability to collaborate with other municipal leaders in the region, the Cybersecurity Cohort provides key deliverables and one-on-one consulting to tailor cybersecurity policies and incident response threat management for your municipality. Training starts soon!

Reminder: Please take CRCOG’s Safety Action Plan Survey!

Your safety matters – and we need your input! CRCOG has received a USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to improve transportation safety across our region. This grant supports a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to make our roads safer for everyone.

If you spot a safety concern. Use our interactive map & survey to share your feedback! Your voice helps shape the future of safer streets in the Capitol Region. Survey respondents will also be entered to win a $25 gift card.

Take the survey now!

Say hi to Glenn, our Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Trainer

Meet Glenn! A retired South Windsor Police Officer with 30 years of dedicated service, Glenn has spent his career keeping our communities safe. He holds a B.A. from Charter Oak State College and is passionate about public safety and helping others stay resilient in times of crisis. His expertise spans law enforcement, emergency preparedness, and training, with experience as a:

🐕 K-9 Handler

🩺 Tactical Medic

🚘 Traffic Crash Reconstructionist

🚨 Team Commander for the Capitol Region Emergency Services Team

More fun facts about Glenn

He is excited to work with the CRCOG team continuing to serve the region by supporting emergency preparedness and regional public safety efforts in this new role.

• Outside of work, he supports Our Heroes Fund because of their impact on and support of the first responder community.

• He also enjoys hiking and general aviation flying, which keeps him busy.

In the region: Incident Command System (ICS) with East Hartford

The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) recently conducted a comprehensive two-part Incident Command System (ICS) training at the request of the Town of East Hartford. This training included ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents and ICS 400 - Advanced ICS for Complex Incidents. The five-day course was attended by Mayor Connor Martin and a majority of his Department Heads. The sessions were led by CRCOG’s Homeland Security Training Coordinator, William Perkins, in collaboration with East Hartford’s Emergency Management Director, Brian Jennes.

To further enhance our capacity to offer these ICS training sessions and customized Tabletop Exercises, CRCOG has recently hired a part-time contractor. Contact Cheryl Assis in our Public Safety & Homeland Security Department.

As our commitment to public safety, we look forward to these type of opportunities to public safety.

Last chance to win, but you can still watch!

Episode 4 of #CRCOGWhat is here – and so is your chance to WIN! This episode explores CRCOG’s role as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), shaping regional mobility and sustainable transportation for Connecticut’s future.

📺 Watch now & subscribe

🔗 Enter the CRCOGWhat contest

Community spotlight: Manchester Awarded Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award

Did you hear the news? The town of Manchester was honored by the League of American Bicyclists with a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award thanks to the Town’s work in building better places for people to bike. Manchester joins 460 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. Manchester is one of only 12 communities in Connecticut to be awarded this honor.

Awesome news. We love seeing more bike-friendly communities in our region. Congrats!

CRCOG Funding Opportunities

State and Federal Funding Opportunities

View the latest issue of the Funding Newsletter and contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or to provide specific information about a project for which you are seeking funding. Here are a few recent highlights:

U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for two discretionary grant programs of note:
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT), due by February 24, 2025. Learn more.
Recent funding opportunities to be featured in the upcoming January Edition:

2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant - Application Deadline: March 5, 2025 – American Association of Retired Person's (AARP) is accepting applications for the Community Challenge Grant. The grant seeks to serve the needs of people aged 50-plus, and to create vibrant public places that improve access to amenities. Applicants can request up to $25,000 for a variety of projects that meet program goals. Grant awards are typically $10,000-15,000. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. Apply online t hrough AARP's Application Portal.
CT DOT Section 5310 Grant is a federal grant program intended to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options. Awards require a 20% municipal match. Application deadline: April 1, 2025. Application materials can be found online at the state’s contracting portal CTsource Bid Board (search for solicitation "27148"). Program information and application instructions can also be found on CTDOT’s Section 5310 program website. Note Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted as one (1) PDF file via email to both DOT.Section5310@ct.gov and dnoll@crcog.org. CTDOT. Note: CRCOG will not review late applications.
Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership program (LWCF-ORLP). Applications are due to CTDEEP by April 1, 2025 or September 1, 2025. Learn more .
FEMA’s BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) and FMA (Flood Mitigation Assistance) Grant Programs are back. Applications must be coordinated through the State Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), with final deadline to FEMA by April 18, 2025. Learn more.
See the Requests for Your Input section of the newsletter to share your thoughts with state agencies that are seeking to improve services such as broadband infrastructure, data systems, and active transportation.
CTDEEP is seeking applicants for its ConneCTed Communities Grant, a program that seeks to bring quality, reliable internet services to communities across Connecticut. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Visit CRCOG’s BI L/IIJA web page for summaries of many funding opportunities.

MetroHartford Brownfields Program

Application deadline: Ongoing

CRCOG Anniversaries: 🎉 Celebrating Our People! 🎉

At CRCOG, we truly value our employees and love to celebrate their milestones. We're thrilled to congratulate Matt on his third anniversary with us this month! Your leadership and dedication have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for all that you do.

Thank you, Matt, for being an integral part of our team. Happy anniversary!