August 20, 2026 | Issue 8 | | Get to Know the Town of East Granby, CT | | First Selectperson Jason Hayes talking to attendees. | | |
Home to just over 5,000 residents, East Granby has a rich history dating back to its original inhabitants, including the Algonquin/Poquonock, Massaco, and Agawam tribes. Incorporated in 1858, the town was built on a strong agricultural foundation. While the community has evolved over the years, farming continues to play an important role in its identity and local economy.
Today, East Granby is governed by a Board of Selectmen, that oversees key municipal priorities, including building projects, labor negotiations, recreational facilities, public safety, and the general government budget. First Selectperson Jason Hayes serves as the chair.
As the town looks toward the future, East Granby is also helping shape new economic opportunities for the region. Hayes recently joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to present a vision for a northern production campus designed to strengthen Greater Hartford's film and television industry. Their presentation highlighted the economic benefits of expanding film production in the region, including job creation, local investment, and new opportunities for businesses and communities.
| | Photo from left to right: Kyle Shiel, Principal Planner, Kim Bishop, Economic Development Coordinator, Jason Hayes, First Selectperson of East Granby, and Matt Hart, CRCOG's Executive Director. | | |
The discussion generated enthusiasm and underscored a shared belief that this effort is just beginning. Two additional meetings are planned to continue exploring the potential of a regional film and television production hub. Stay tuned for more updates.
Read CRCOG's full article.
This newsletter is a 12-minute read. Thank you for reading!
| | Building Resilience: The Swift Factory Puts North Hartford Residents at the Center of the Climate Conversation | | The Swift Factory campus. Photo edited by AI. | | Help CRCOG Update Our Regional Transportation Vision! | | Jack Treanor, a Transportation Planner with CRCOG, talks with commuter about Transportation Plan Survey. | | |
As CRCOG updates our region’s long-range transportation plan, public feedback will help guide transportation goals over the next 20+ years. Whether you get where you need to go on foot, bicycle, or scooter, by personal vehicle or by public transit, let us know what is working for you, what needs improvement, and what ideas you have to share!
TAKE OUR SURVEY: tinyurl.com/CRCOGMTP
This Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is a long-range plan that looks two decades into the future at how the Capitol Region can invest in our transportation system, identifying the highest priority transportation needs in the Region and outlining projects and programs to address those needs. The MTP is updated every four years to reflect completed projects and incorporate changes in the needs of our region.
STAY INVOLVED: Visit https://crcogct.gov/mtp/ for meeting dates, project status, or to be added to the MTP update mailing list.
| | Connecticut Municipalities Reaffirm the Promise of Democracy on America’s 250th Anniversary | | |
On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Connecticut municipalities gathered and signed onto a recommitment to the ideals of that document.
Municipal representatives gathered at the Connecticut State Capitol and signed the recommitment document, as the Hall of Flags ceremony honoring Connecticut’s veterans took place inside the building. Immediately following the ceremony, representatives went across the street to the steps of the Connecticut State Library to read the preamble to the Declaration of Independence and Connecticut's Recommitment to its Ideals.
Relatives and loved ones of the signers, America 250 | CT Commission members, and members of the public joined the group to witness this recommitment and reminder of the ideals on which our Nation was founded.
Immediately following the recommitment ceremony, the Museum of Connecticut History at the Connecticut State Library held the ribbon cutting of its newest exhibition Connecticut's Revolution, which is also the eventual home of the signed recommitment document.
Events commemorating the 250th will continue throughout 2026. To learn more about Connecticut's semiquincentennial events, visit 250inCT.com. To read the full text of the recommitment document, click here.
The America 250 | CT Commission was established by Governor Ned Lamont and is administered by CT Humanities. More information about the commission is available at ct250.org.
| | Thank You for Your Contributions and Lessons Learned | Before we say farewell to Anna and Brenny, our Sustainable CT Fellow, and Allison, our Communications Intern, we're sharing highlights from their summer with us. From hands-on projects to valuable lessons learned, they've made a meaningful impact. Read about their experiences and what they'll take with them moving forward. Happy reading! | |
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but at the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), I saw how even a single frame could speak volumes about a community. Hi, I’m Allison, and I have been working behind the scenes for the last few months as a Communications Intern. Previous experience working in a council of government has inspired me to delve deeper into how each department works in tandem with one another to support the growing needs of our municipalities while maintaining state regulations.
This summer, I strengthened my photography, videography, and editing skills using tools like Adobe Premiere and Animoto to tell the stories of people and organizations across the region. I collaborated with several CRCOG departments, including public safety teams, and built relationships with the Capital Region Dive Team and CERT leaders. Through interviews, training events, and community engagement, I learned how storytelling can highlight the important work happening behind the scenes every day.
My approach to storytelling is deeply connected to my experience as an ordained priest. Ministry has taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, listening first, and building meaningful relationships. Whether speaking with coworkers, community partners, or residents, I learned that every conversation matters. That perspective shaped my work this summer and reminded me that the best stories begin with trust and connection.
Above all, this experience showed me that the most meaningful stories often reveal the unspoken connections that bring communities together.
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Hi, my name is Anna, and I was a Sustainable CT Fellow working out of CRCOG this summer. Working at CRCOG was extremely insightful and affirmed my career plans of becoming an urban planner. At CRCOG, I was able to help draft a public-facing agricultural webpage (a topic I had no knowledge about before my time at CRCOG!) and begin to develop a survey for third places in the region. These two experiences were very meaningful in showing me the value of collaboration
and how it relates to the revision process. During the revision period, my CRCOG mentors were able to catch things that I missed and provide me with thoughtful insights and leadership.
I learned that seeking out different perspectives helps improve the final product and creates an opportunity to learn and grow.
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Hi, I'm Brenny. Throughout my time at the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and Sustainable CT, I learned many valuable lessons. One of the most impactful was gaining firsthand experience with a Council of Governments, an organization I was previously unaware of. This opportunity exposed me to the importance of regional collaboration, networking, and the diverse perspectives that help shape decision-making.
Through the projects, plans, and meetings I participated in, I saw how collective efforts and cooperation drive meaningful progress. I also learned that municipalities vary greatly in their sustainability journeys. Even neighboring communities of similar sizes face unique challenges and opportunities, requiring tailored approaches to environmental planning and support.
Overall, the experience was incredibly insightful. It broadened my understanding of how historical decisions continue to influence today's challenges and introduced me to a wide range of perspectives on local government and sustainability. And finally, I learned one practical lesson I'll never forget: always bring enough food to work. From now on, I'll be packing two meals the night before!
| | Meet Omari Lewis, a New CRCOG Employee | |
CRCOG is pleased to welcome Omari Lewis, who joined the organization in July 2026 as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. Omari brings 20 years of distinguished service from the U.S. Navy, where he retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
Throughout his naval career, he supported senior leaders and managed executive operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities, experience that he looks forward to translating into his new role at CRCOG. He's looking forward to learning more about how Connecticut's municipalities work together to solve regional challenges and getting to know the people who make that collaboration possible.
When asked what food best represents him, he said he'd be chicken curry, Guyanese style. It looks like a complicated dish to make, but it's very easy and simple, like him.
| | Level Up Your Leadership with UConn's School of Public Policy's Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) Leadership Workshops | | |
The UConn School of Public Policy's Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) is pleased to announce its Fall 2026-Spring 2027 lineup of professional development workshops designed for public sector, nonprofit, and community leaders.
As a valued partner of the UConn School of Public Policy, you are eligible for a discounted partner registration rate of $149 per participant. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your employees, colleagues, and members. Organizations registering five or more participants qualify for a special group rate of $99 per person.
In addition, PSELC workshops are now eligible for CCMO certification credit. For more information, please contact Danielle Walker at DWalker@CCM-CT.ORG.
Upcoming September Workshop
Championing Your Why: Advocacy for Nonprofits and Municipal Leaders
Workshop Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9 am – 4 pm
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026
Location: UConn Hartford Times Building, Hartford, CT
Presented by Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of CT Foodshare, this workshop will explore effective advocacy strategies for nonprofit and municipal leaders seeking to advance their missions and strengthen community impact.
Register today!
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At CRCOG, we're proud to make a difference throughout the region, and we're especially grateful for the amazing employees who make that work possible.
Join us in celebrating Kathy, Robyn, Kyle, and Elizabeth as they mark their work anniversary this month! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our mission help make CRCOG a stronger organization every day. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do!
| | CRCOG Funding Opportunities | | |
State and Federal Funding Opportunities
Have you read the latest funding newsletter? Sign up to receive future issues or view the archives. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or for help applying for a grant. Here are some featured opportunities:
- CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced two new funding opportunities:
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Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA), due November 6, 2026. Learn more.
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Urban Green and Community Garden (UGCG), due December 4, 2026. Learn more.
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CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will accept applications for their new Greyfield Revitalization Program until August 5, 2026. The program seeks to improve economic and community development by revitalizing underutilized buildings and structures. Learn more and apply through the online application portal.
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CRCOG’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF) - CRCOG has issued a Request for Applications to fund brownfield cleanup projects. Loans and subgrants are available. Applications will be accepted until funds are obligated. Learn more.
| | CRCOG Meetings and Events | |
September 3, 2026
Regional Planning Commission Regular Meeting
7-9 pm
September 8, 2026
Municipal Services Committee
12 - 1:30 pm
September 9, 2026
Executive Committee Meeting
12 - 1 pm
September 14, 2026
Transportation Committee Meeting - (Hybrid)
Zoom or CRCOG Conference Room, 350 Church Street, 3rd Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
12 - 1:30 pm
September 23, 2026
Policy Board
12 - 1:30 pm
October 13, 2026
Municipal Services Committee
12 – 1:30 pm
October 15, 2026
Capital Region Emergency Planning Council Meeting (Hybrid) | (Zoom or CRCOG Conference Room, 350 Church Street, 3rd Floor, Hartford, CT 350 Church Street, 3rd Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
9:30 – 11 am
October 26, 2026
Transportation Committee Meeting (Virtual)
12 – 1:30 pm
October 28, 2026
Policy Board
12 – 1:30 pm
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