August 22, 2025| Issue 8

The CRCOG Connection

Connect. Engage. Share.

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We are more than halfway through August. Back-to-school buzz is building, summer’s winding down, and yes — pumpkin everything is coming.

This month, we’re spotlighting Somers, CT — a charming town on the Massachusetts border with deep roots in the Agawam Plantation. Today, it’s home to about 10,255 residents (2020 Census).

Somers runs on a Selectman–Town Meeting form of government, which includes:

A First Selectman who serves as the town’s chief elected official
A Board of Selectmen that performs the executive function
And a Town Meeting which serves as the town’s legislative body providing residents with a direct voice in local decisions

This traditional New England model emphasizes direct citizen involvement in local governance. Somers has local pride, historic charm, and civic engagement — ready for a visit?

This newsletter is approximately an 8-minute read.

Third Places, The Secret Sauce to Stronger Communities

Do you have a favorite hangout spot? Someplace where you love spending time that isn’t work or your home? If so, consider yourself lucky - you have a “Third Place” and are contributing to a critical building block of strong communities. As we continue to recover from the pandemic and grapple with a growing mental health crisis, the importance of third places as the civic and social “glue” of communities has been increasingly recognized.

We recognize third places as critically important to the social health of our communities, and recently released a report focused on this issue, “Third Places: Social Infrastructure in the Capitol Region.”

Read the full post.

Climate Forward: Building a Resilient and Sustainable Hartford Region

As another hot summer nears its end, it’s only natural to wonder what future summers will look and feel like. Extreme heat is not the only concern. Flooding, increasingly intense storm events, poor air quality, and unpredictable conditions for agricultural crops are all challenges associated with climate change. Despite waning federal support for climate related initiatives, there are still impactful actions state and local government officials, environmental activists, public utility providers, and everyday citizens can advance to help address climate change at the local, regional, and state levels.

CRCOG’s recently published Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) establishes a shared vision for climate action goals and strategies to pursue in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown region.

Read the full post.

Camp Courant’s Law Enforcement Day? Total Crowd-Pleaser!

This summer, CRCOG was proud to once again support Camp Courant’s Law Enforcement Day — a camper favorite and a standout event that marked its 10th anniversary this year!

Held on July 16, 2025, the day brought together nearly every police department in the Capitol Region. Campers were thrilled to explore Hartford’s Bomb Squad, Marine Unit, and Traffic Team; East Hartford’s Crime Scene vehicle; regional SWAT and K-9 teams; drone units; and even took rides in Farmington’s ATV! The day wrapped up with a cookout alongside Police Chiefs and Command Staff — a perfect ending to a day full of learning, laughter, and connection.

As the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the country, Camp Courant serves 750 Hartford youth, offering them a safe, enriching, and joyful summer experience. CRCOG is honored to support this incredible mission and values the strong partnership with our public safety community.

Transportation and School Safety Campaigns: Be School Ready!

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. Whether it is your child’s first year going to school or their last year in college, these safety tips from the National Safety Council provide important reminders as the new school year begins. Download the Back-to-School Safety Checklist that covers transportation safety and school safety.

It’s time to get ready!

Heading back to school can be an exciting time for kids – picking out new supplies, seeing their friends again and more! As you and your child get ready for the new school year, how about taking a few minutes to talk about some safety and health basics? Check out this great article on what you can do to make the school year a positive one from Family Safety & Health at the National Safety Council. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.

Slow Down: Back to School Means Sharing the Road

School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, and harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

Lessons Learned: Our Sustainable CT Fellows say farewell

Amelia, 2025 Sustainable CT Fellow

Thomas, 2025 Sustainable CT Fellow

This summer, CRCOG had the pleasure of hosting Amelia Kearney and Thomas Busemeyer as Sustainable CT Fellows. In their role, Amelia and Thomas have assisted municipalities with achieving Sustainable CT certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Climate Leader Designation) and have worked on a number of CRCOG projects.

Read more here.

Fall Into Your Future: Professional Growth Starts Here at UConn SPP

UConn School of Public Policy’s Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) is back with a powerful lineup of workshops designed for nonprofit and government leaders. Employees and municipal members can register at a discounted rate. Groups of 5 or more qualify for a $99/person group rate. Help us spread the word!

📅 Upcoming Workshops:

Sept. 19 | Hartford | Register by Sept. 12

Grant-Writing & Revenue Strategies with Alyssa Godutti & Beverly Catchpole

Oct. 3 | Hartford | Register by Sept. 26

Advocacy & Lobbying for Impact with Jason Jakubowski, Sarah Croucher, PhD, and Mike Bzdyra

Oct. 24 | Stamford | Register by Oct. 17

Intentional Communication for Leaders with Shannon Daniels

CRCOG Anniversaries

Our employees go above and beyond. We are grateful for all they do to help enhance our region. This month we’re congratulating and celebrating Kathy Rubera (14 years), Robyn Nichols (four years), Elizabeth Sanderson (three years), Kyle Sheil (three years), and Heidi Samokar (two years).

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:

State of Connecticut has several open opportunities:
CTDECD Brownfield Municipal Grant Program is offering up to $25M in financial assistance to support redevelopment of brownfields sites in our communities. Four programs that are accepting applications until September 10:
Municipal Brownfield Program - Remediation and Limited-Assessment
Municipal Brownfield Program - Assessment-only Grant
Targeted Brownfield Development Loan
Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Planning Program
CTDEEP Trees for Communities Grant Program supports projects that will increase tree cover, improve forest health, and/or promote the utilization of wood in communities of need. No match is required. Apply online by August 31.
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:
USDOT Bridge Investment Program – The revised Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Large Bridge Project grant was issued in June, and though the deadline has passed, due dates for Planning and Bridge Project grants are due this Fall (October 1 and November 1, respectively). We will share information as we learn more; signup to receive updates directly from USDOT to stay informed about this and other transportation programs.

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.