September 18, 2025 | Issue 9 | | CRCOG employees with consulting team at Toole Design, and staff from the Town of Berlin meet up to discuss the walk audits. | |
Ready for fall? It’s coming. When’s the last time you visited the town of Berlin? Home to the famous Berlin Fair, hiking in the Lamentation Mountain State Park, and its Worthington Ridge Historic District.
On August 18, CRCOG and our consulting team at Toole Design partnered with the Town of Berlin for a walk audit along Farmington Avenue, passing through the new transit-oriented development near the Berlin Train Station and the many local businesses that help make this area a thriving community.
We were joined by Ryan Curley, the town manager, planning and economic development staff, a representative from the Berlin Police Department, as well as local business owners and advocates. Together, we looked at existing conditions—such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and rights-of-way—and identified opportunities for improvements, including potential mid-block crosswalks.
This work is part of our Priority Pathways Study, which is focused on building a safer, more connected, active transportation network by identifying opportunities for separated, off-road, and protected pathways throughout the region. Special thanks to Chris Edge and the Town of Berlin for your collaboration!
👣 Coming up: we have an additional walk audit in Hebron, followed by a multi-town walk audit in the communities of Hartford, Newington, and West Hartford.
This newsletter is a 7-minute read.
| | Budget Brilliance! CRCOG Finance Team Honored with GFOA’s Highest Recognition | | |
We have been honored with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Budget Document for the fiscal year beginning July 2025.
This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, reflecting CRCOG’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and effective financial planning. It marks a significant achievement and highlights the dedication of the team behind the budget’s development.
This award reinforces CRCOG’s role as a leader in responsible governance and fiscal stewardship. Congrats and thank you to our Finance Department for their dedication and hard work.
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Join us, CRCOG Upcoming Housing Development Meetings!
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Be a part of the conversation on housing in the Capitol Region! As part of CRCOG's Regional Housing Strategy, we're holding a meeting - on two dates in two locations - where you can share your ideas, learn from others, and help shape solutions. Seats are limited - register today to save your spot.
🗓️ Wednesday, September 24, 7 p.m. in Southington (First Congregational Church, 37 Main Street)
Register to attend in Southington.
🗓️ Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m. in East Hartford (Goodwin University, 1 Riverside Drive)
Register to attend in East Hartford.
CRCOG initiated a Regional Housing Strategy last winter. Over the next year, we'll be rolling out tools to help our member municipalities meet local housing needs and we'll be exploring regional options (such as land trusts and land banks). Stay up to date by signing up for project emails on our project webpage.
Read our LinkedIn newsletter post.
| | What’s an MPO? CRCOG’s StoryMap has the Answers | | |
We’re excited to share a new StoryMap that helps demystify one of our most important functions: serving as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Capitol Region. Many people aren’t familiar with what an MPO is or why it matters. That’s exactly why we created this StoryMap—to offer an accessible, engaging overview of how CRCOG supports transportation planning across our region.
MPOs are essential to shaping how communities move. They help plan future transportation systems, secure funding, and guide projects from initial studies through design and construction. CRCOG plays a central role in this process, working closely with member towns and regional partners to ensure smart, connected, and sustainable transportation solutions.
We invite you to explore the StoryMap and learn more about how CRCOG helps drive progress in our region:
| | Meet Nick, CRCOG's IPP Intern | | |
Nick is passionate about public service. He has experience in community development, leadership, and constituency services. Nick has interned at the iQuilt Partnership and now serves as an elected member of the Region 19 Board of Education, and as a member of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership. At UConn, he served as Student Body President and later as Director of External Affairs. He’s excited to be joining CRCOG this year as a Graduate Intern!
3 Fun Facts
- I went skydiving in Italy last year, I love country music and eating fruit!
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I support the nonprofit iQuilt Partnership. They do important work to reimagine what Hartford could be to make our capital city more livable, accessible and community based through infrastructure redevelopment!
- What am I looking forward to learning? I am excited to learn about how infrastructure redevelopment projects take shape, from community involvement, all the way through grant acquisition and the implementation process!
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Don’t Miss the Connecticut SUN DAY Festival | | |
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, and join the movement toward a cleaner, brighter future at the Connecticut SUN DAY Festival, happening from 12–4 PM at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain.
Hosted by Third Act Connecticut, CCSU’s Geography and Sustainability Programs, and the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action, this statewide celebration is part of a national effort to spotlight the power and promise of renewable energy.
What to expect:
- Inspiring speakers and interactive exhibits
- A lively electric vehicle showcase
- Family-friendly activities, art, and music by The Shinolas
- A magical performance of “Magitricity” by Cyril the Sorcerer
- Over two dozen exhibitors sharing tools, tips, and prizes to help you go green
We will have a table, and we hope to see you there!
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This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate a major milestone—Erik Snowden’s 27th anniversary with us!
For nearly three decades, Erik has been a cornerstone of our organization, bringing unwavering dedication, deep expertise, and a collaborative spirit that continues to shape our success. Whether leading projects, mentoring colleagues, or driving innovation, Erik’s impact is felt across every department.
Erik, thank you for your incredible contributions, your leadership, and your commitment to making CRCOG stronger every day.
| | CRCOG Funding Opportunities | | |
State and Federal Funding Opportunities
Have you read our latest funding newsletter? View the archives. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or to share specific information about a project that you need funding for. Here are some featured opportunities:
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CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Grant program seeks to bring quality, reliable internet services to communities across Connecticut. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Federal Grants:
- U.S. DOT will update the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) for Planning Grants and Bridge Projects (those with eligible costs of $100M or less) soon.
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The Rural and Tribal Pilot Program is back and will accept applications until October 8, 2025. Learn more.
- U.S. DOT plans to issue a NOFO for the BUILD Grant Program (formerly RAISE) in November 2025– up to $1.5B will be available for surface transportation projects.
See the Requests for Your Input section of the Funding Newsletter to share your thoughts with CRCOG and state agencies about how to improve services such as broadband infrastructure, data systems, and transportation. Visit CRCOG’s BIL/IIJA web page for summaries of many funding opportunities.
CRCOG's Brownfields Program
CRCOG was awarded $750,000 in supplemental funding from the EPA for the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF). Stay tuned for more information about an application solicitation for environmental remediation projects. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson or Sonya Carrizales to learn more.
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