June 24, 2025| Issue 6

The CRCOG Connection

Connect. Engage. Share.

CRCOG on LinkedIn | CRCOG on X | CRCOG on Facebook | CRCOG on YouTube

A heartfelt thank you to our members, guests, and dedicated employees who attended our annual meeting this year. It’s always a joy to connect in person, and this year’s venue—the beautiful New Britain Museum of American Art—made it even more special.

We were honored to hear from Mayor Erin Stewart, who delivered a thoughtful keynote reflecting on her efforts to revitalize the City of New Britain and the importance of regional collaboration through CRCOG. We also bid her a fond farewell as our Policy Board Chair and extend our best wishes for her next chapter.

If you attended, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback helps us improve each year. Please take the survey.

This newsletter is 1,300 words and is approximately a 10-minute read.

Inside the 2025 Session: CRCOG’s Legislative, Recap, Highlights and Impact

The 2025 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourned on June 4, 2025. As an odd-numbered year, this was a “long session,” during which legislators may propose bills on any subject. True to form, more than 3,000 bills were introduced this year, with only five to seven percent passing both chambers and advancing to the Governor for final action.

On June 23, Governor Lamont vetoed PA 25-49 (HB 5002) and announced his intent to call a special session of the General Assembly to prepare a revised housing bill. CRCOG staff will follow this development closely and advocate for legislation that meets the needs of our towns and the larger region.

Read the full article.

Transform your Municipality with Laserfiche

Looking for a reliable, scalable, and automated content service platform? CRCOG member municipalities can now access Laserfiche’s advanced Business Tier applications through MetroCOG’s Master Contract for just $79/user per month. Members have access to Laserfiche’s cloud-based document/digital content management, process automation, and physical document digitization, transforming manual processes into efficient and secure streamlined workflows.

Benefits include:

Digital Content Management: Centralized repository, metadata, version control, document digitization.
Business Process Automation: Automate tasks, manage electronic forms, track performance, integrate with ERP systems.
Data Security and Compliance: Encryption, MFA, access controls, audit trails, compliance.
Collaboration: Share documents and information, AI-powered tools.
Scalable/Flexible: Expand and adapt as needed.

For more information, contact Robyn Nichols.

CRCOG/DEMHS Region 3 Receives Award

Pictured (L to R): Lori Freeman, CEO, NACCHO; Charles Brown, Director, Central CT Health District; Steve Huleatt, CRCOG; Dr. Michael Kilkenny, Board President, Cabell-Huntington, WV.

CRCOG/DEMHS Region 3 has earned Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) recognition from the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO)—a distinction that runs through 2029! The honor was announced at the recent Public Health Preparedness Summit in San Antonio, TX.

This recognition reflects the commitment, collaboration, and hard work of all 14 local public health departments and districts in our region. Together, we met the rigorous national preparedness benchmarks set by NACCHO and the CDC, demonstrating our readiness to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.

With this designation, Region 3 joins a national cohort of over 550 local health departments recognized for excellence in emergency preparedness.

What does this mean for our communities? It means we have a coordinated emergency response plan, trained staff, and strong partnerships in place to protect public health when it matters most. We’re proud to be part of this trusted network and grateful to our partners for making this possible!

TJ’s lessons learned: My time here

Hi, my name is TJ DeMichele. For the last seven months, I have been an Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) Program intern at CRCOG. The IPP program connects second year grad-students at the UConn School of Public Policy to state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations.

At CRCOG I’ve been able to explore the nuances of planning. I have worked on projects with folks across transportation planning, regional planning and more.

Read more about my experience.

Meet Amelia and Thomas, CRCOG’s Sustainable CT fellows

We’re excited to welcome Amelia Kearney and Thomas Busemeyer to the CRCOG team as our Sustainable CT Fellows this summer! These two have already hit the ground running—bringing fresh energy, big ideas, and a shared passion for sustainability and community impact.

Amelia is a rising junior majoring in Biology with a focus on Environmental Science and Women’s Health. She recently earned her associate's degree from Tunxis Community College and is transferring to Yale College to complete her Bachelor's. This summer, she is bringing her passion for climate advocacy and community impact to CRCOG. Amelia previously worked with Sunrise CT.

Thomas is a 2025 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he studied Political Science and Environmental Studies. He plans to gain work experience before pursuing law school, with the goal of practicing environmental law. Outside of work, Thomas is the lead guitarist for his band, Ruby Leftstep. He brings both passion and creativity to everything he does.

Pop up with CRCOG this summer

We LOVE a good Pop-Up! And this one’s all about YOU! Come chat with us about Pathway Priorities. We’re excited to hear from you and share what’s ahead. Can’t wait to see you there!

Juneteenth in Bloomfield: June 22, 1-5 pm
Coventry Farmer's Market: July 13. 10 am - 1 pm
Off Main Experience Manchester: July 17, 5-8 pm
Taste of the Caribbean Hartford: August 2, 1-5 pm
Ellington Farmer's Market: TBD

CRCOG Anniversaries

A huge congratulations to Pramod, Jill, Jacob, and Anaka on their work anniversaries with us! Your dedication, talent, and teamwork make a big difference every day. We’re so lucky to have you on the journey with us.

Pramod celebrates 17 years of dedication! 🌟
Jill celebrates 3 years of service! 🎊
Jacob celebrates 3 years with us! 🎉
Anaka celebrates 2 years of hard work! 🌟

Thank you for everything you do. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

CRCOG Funding Opportunities

State and Federal Funding Opportunities

The June Funding Newsletter is out! 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 opportunities that will be featured in the next edition:

US DOT has announced several opportunities, including:
Bridge Investment Program (BIP) - an amendment was posted to the Large Bridge Project Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), with applications focused on fixing bridges with total eligible costs greater than $100M due by August 1. View CRCOG’s interactive map to see what bridges in your municipality may be eligible.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A) is back, with nearly $1B available for Planning and Demonstration or Implementation Grants. Grant applications are due by June 26, and CRCOG is here to help. Templates and guidance documents are available to member municipalities on request.
Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is accepting applications for the Community Wi-Fi Grant Program. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen internet infrastructure in public spaces (including outdoors). $10M is available to a variety of public and non-profit agencies. Attend the webinar on June 18 and apply by June 30.
CTDEEP has several open funding opportunities:
The ConneCTed Communities Grant program seeks to bring quality, reliable internet services to communities across Connecticut. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program seeks to support municipalities through sustainable waste management and diversion programs and services. Up to $7.5M in funding is available in this round. Applications are due by June 27.

See the Requests for Your Input section of the Funding Newsletter to share your thoughts with CRCOG and state agencies that are seeking to improve services such as broadband infrastructure, data systems, and transportation. Visit CRCOG’s BIL/IIJA web page for summaries of many funding opportunities.

MetroHartford 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. In the meantime, contact Elizabeth Sanderson or Sonya Carrizales to learn more.