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CT Announces $200 Million in Grants to Help Municipalities, Encourage Public/Private Partnerships
On Monday, Governor Lamont announced the launch of two new competitive grant programs offering up to $200 million of investment to spur economic development in Connecticut’s cities and towns. The programs will be administered through the Department of Economic and Community Development.
The first program aims to facilitate the creation of at least 15,000 new jobs in CT’s major urban areas. The Innovation Corridor Program will select and fund two or more “transformational” projects that will create new jobs in high-growth fields such as data science, advanced manufacturing and insurance technology. The state will grant up to $100 million over five years to the winning projects and is encouraging municipalities to apply in conjunction with potential partners such as private businesses, non-profits, developers and educational institutions.
The second program, called the Connecticut Communities Challenge, will fund a wide range of projects designed to improve the liveability and vibrancy of cities and towns across the state, and create approximately 3,000 new jobs. DECD is prioritizing projects centered on essential infrastructure, transit-oriented development (TOD), housing, mobility and improvements to public spaces. DECD expects to disburse up to $100 million over five years through the program, with grants ranging from $1 million to $10 million per project. Municipalities, economic development agencies and regional councils of government are also being encouraged to partner with private businesses and other organizations on their applications.
Photo Credit: HBJ File Photo
Work with a Sustainable CT Equity Coach
As you know, CMSC values inclusiveness as a key component of a thriving downtown, believing that our communities flourish when they support residents from a variety of cultures, mobilities and income levels. But it can sometimes be difficult to know how best to support such a diverse array of constituents.
So we were pleased to learn Sustainable CT is offering communities applying for municipal certification with the opportunity to address equity-related issues of importance to their community. Through this no-cost assistance program, your community will be paired with a Sustainable CT Equity Coach to lay out a process to address equity-related issues in your community or to complete Optimize for Equity actions as part of Sustainable CT’s municipal certification program. Learn more about Sustainable CT’s equity coaching assistance or their municipal certification program.
CT Launches Do Your Thing CT! Influencer Campaign to Spotlight Small Businesses
A joint effort between the Office of Governor Lamont and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Do Your Thing CT! partners with local influencers who create their own content promoting their favorite spots and activate their social networks encouraging residents to support local businesses.
In addition to Spanish and English advertising on social, digital, and broadcast platforms, the campaign includes the launch of a website – doyourthingct.org – which features short videos of local business owners partnering with Connecticut-based influencers sharing their personal stories.
Residents and visitors can participate by posting a video or photo of their favorite locally-owned small businesses in Connecticut using the hashtag #DoYourThingCT on social media.
If you liked our recent webinar on The Future of Retail. . .and the wisdom to know the difference with Michael Berne from MJB Consulting, you’ll love his follow-up blog explaining why he’s bullish on downtown retail. Learn the secret ingredients downtowns have that e-commerce and malls don’t that are giving him such confidence.
Registration Open for Northeast Multimodal Transit Summit
Join the Northeast Multimodal Transit Summit for a virtual, full day discussion centered on the theme Moving Forward: Greener, Safer, and Togetheron November 22nd.In addition to keynotes Seleta Reynolds, General Manager of the LA Department of Transportation, and Nuria Fernandez, Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, you can look forward to 12 panels that will explore the process of building a transportation system that is sustainable and safer for all. Find more info & register.
Car-Free Streets Coming to Hartford in May 2022
The City of Hartford, in partnership with Hartford HealthCare, is developing an Open Streets Program. Starting in May 2022, residents and visitors in Hartford will be able to enjoy 4-6 miles of vehicle-free routes one Sunday per month. Open Streets create healthy, safe and fun environments by transforming streets into places to gather, bike, stroll and play.
Photo Credit: City of Hartford
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