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Join Us At The Wadsworth
Let's get artsy on November 10
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Please join us in celebrating the achievements of our Connecticut communities at The Wadsworth on November 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. We'll be honoring all of our 2026 certified municipalities and an inspiring new cohort of Climate Leaders.
Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
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Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
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Location: The Wadsworth (formerly the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art) – 600 Main Street, Hartford (Google Maps)
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Cost: This is a free event!
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Parking: Parking is near by and on us for the event (details to follow).
About the Venue
An iconic structure in the heart of downtown Hartford, The Wadsworth honors the past and inspires the future through the power of human creativity. Guided by its founding belief that art can uplift society and ignite progress, it serves as the perfect backdrop to celebrate our collective achievements and vision for Connecticut's future. You are encouraged to take a stroll, at no charge, through the first floor open galleries, Avery Court, and Morgan Great Hall from 4 – 5 p.m.
RSVP
Your hard work and continuing support are of vital importance to us, so we look forward to celebrating you on November 10!
| | Our 2026 Annual Awards Celebration is generously sponsored by | | Additional support is provided by | | | | |
The Next Sustainable CT Coffee Hour:
Thursday, November 19, at 10 a.m.
School bus fleet electrification
Connecticut Green Bank's Senior Manager of Clean Transportation Kevin Moss will join us to discuss School Bus Fleet Electrification and Public Act 26-63. We'll debrief how school districts and school bus operators can utilize the Green Bank’s Fleet Electrification Accelerator, a no-cost planning program designed to support school districts meet planning and deployment requirements for zero-emission school buses. Towns and school districts interested in learning more about grants and financing opportunities will also hear about both the EPA Clean School Bus Program and accompanying state grants.
REGISTER for NOVEMBER 19>
You can join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
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November's IMPACT: Lisa Noriega
The Doyenne of Sustainability is in the house!
Lisa Noriega, Sustainability and Resilience Specialist for the Town of Groton, joins us to talk about all things Climate Leader. Lisa is an old friend of Sustainable CT, and her work with Groton has helped them achieve Climate Leader Designation this year. We thought it would be a great time to take a deep dive into how she's making it happen in the Submarine Capital.
This month's episode of the IMPACT will be available on November 15 at sustainablect.org, and wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Community Match Fund
John Pettibone Community Center Be Kind Mural
The Town of New Milford invites you to be part of something meaningful—a “Be Kind” mural at the John Pettibone Community Center. This project is more than just public art; it’s a shared statement about who we are as a community. At a time when kindness and connection matter more than ever, this mural will serve as a daily reminder of the values that bring us together. Located at a central community hub, it will be a visible and lasting symbol of positivity, inclusion, and local pride. C'mon, be kind!
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No-cost Assistance Partner of the Month
Energize CT Assistance for Strategic Energy Management (SEM)
In this coordinated, long-term no-cost assistance program, municipalities in Eversource Energy and Avangrid territories receive free support to develop and implement a Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program. Participating municipalities will work with the utilities to activate energy teams in town, track energy performance in municipal, Board of Education buildings and water/wastewater systems, and engage employees to maximize energy savings. The program is very flexible, so if you already have components in place, SEM can help expand on those! Take advantage of this free opportunity by sending an email expressing your interest to info@sustainablect.org.
Actions Targeted:
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Everyone Likes a Winner
(and Free Stuff)!
To celebrate the Grand Opening of our online marketplace, The Store by Sustainable CT, we held a give-away challenge on Instagram. To enter the drawing, we asked our Instagram followers to like our give-away post and tag a couple of friends in the process, and, wow, it was hit!
We had some fabulous (randomly selected) winners in Milford, Burlington, and West Hartford.
Our thanks to all of our Instagram friends who took part. And thanks to everyone who stopped by The Store to help make its launch a great success.
Remember, if you're looking for genuine Sustainable CT merch - eco-friendly, stylish, and fun - look no further than The Store by Sustainable CT. Every purchase helps to build a more sustainable and resilient Connecticut for all!
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We Convened at the CCM Convention
Sustainable CT was among more than 160 exhibitors and hundreds attendees that gathered for informative workshops, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, and a gubernatorial debate at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) annual convention held at Mohegan Sun on October 27-28. We highlighted the towns and cities that achieved certification and Climate Leader Designation in 2026, and it was a pleasure to connect with all our partners and friends.
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CFGNH: Sustainable CT Fellows Inspire Local Leaders
The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven (CFGNH) highlighted The Sustainable CT Fellowship program. The Fellowship program "helps unite municipalities with local leaders and volunteers to tackle environmental initiatives, from climate change mitigation to civic health." We couldn't agree more!
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Día de Muertos Springs to Life at The Wadsworth
Old news, maybe (because this is about an event that happened yesterday, November 1), but it is still a great article about Día de Muertos. Lucy Gellmamn writes in the CT Mirror: This coming Sunday, on Día de Muertos itself, it will be the centerpiece of [The Wadsworth's] free community celebration of the holiday, during a collaboration between the Wadsworth, [Helena] Martinez’s cultural organization Helena’s Casita, and the City of Hartford’s “Mayor’s Day Out” program.
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RiverCOG is Hiring a Regional Planner
The Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG) is seeking a proactive, analytical, and adaptable professional with a broad interest in regional planning and regional services. An ideal candidate would have a willingness to work across multiple planning disciplines. The position will include work developing plans and studies, supporting regional initiatives, and facilitating regional services. See the complete job description. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.
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Sustainable Southbury Offers Internship
Sustainable Southbury is offering local students the opportunity to gain real-world professional experience while supporting meaningful environmental action. This is an unpaid, remote internship or volunteer opportunity, 3-5 hours per week. Join a team of mission-driven people from Southbury to amplify youth civic engagement and drive local action on critical environmental issues like climate change, waste reduction, recycling, and advancing clean energy in our community. See the complete job description. Accepting applications until filled.
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DEEP Climate Solutions Newsletter
Governor's announcements, events, jobs, resources - the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Climate Solutions Newsletter has it all.
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The 2026 Campaign for a Sustainable CT Begins December 1
The 2026 Campaign for a Sustainable CT begins on Giving Tuesday, December 1.
We’ll be reaching out directly to our friends, partners, and to people all across Connecticut who care deeply about making our state a more sustainable place to live. We’re asking for your help. We’re asking you to be part of the action, to have a personal impact.
Since its inception, Sustainable CT has grown to include 141 participating towns – over 90% of the state’s population – 73 certified municipalities, and 23 Climate Leaders; we’ve sponsored 110 Fellowships for Connecticut college students; our Community Match Fund has supported 400+ local projects from Greenwich to Thompson and Stonington to Falls Village, and we’ve invested more than $5.1 million in community.
And there is still so much more to do.
We’re building the Connecticut we want to see – together. This is our state, our program, our future. We can’t do what we do without you – your passion, your creativity, and, yes, your financial support. Together we can build a Sustainable CT.
The Campaign for a Sustainable CT officially begins on Giving Tuesday, December 1 and runs through December 31. But you can make your tax-deductible contribution NOW, or look for the “DONATE” button at the top of sustainablect.org.
Please join us in fostering a connected, inclusive, and sustainable Connecticut by making whatever contribution you can afford. Be part of the action. Have an impact. Give. And THANK YOU!
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Connecticut's GreenerGov Initiative Launches Virtual Working Group
Connecticut's GreenerGov Initiative has launched a virtual working group for state and municipal facility managers. The meeting is open to all state and municipal facility managers and provides a forum for discussing challenges, barriers, resources, and success stories for building sustainability projects. The next Working Group Agenda will cover resources for municipalities, sustainable procurement, and food scrap diversion. November 3, 10-11 a.m. If you want to get on the email list for other Working Group meetings, add your email here.
REGISTER>
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West Hartford Workshop on C-PACE
The Town of West Hartford is pleased to invite you to a workshop about the C-PACE program, which can provide financing for your building so you can install green upgrades today and pay for them over time. There will be breakfast and coffee provided at the event. This workshop is offered in partnership with Sustainable CT and the Connecticut Green Bank. This is a free, in-person event: the Elmwood Community Center, West Hartford, November 5, 8-10 a.m.
REGISTER NOW>
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Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve: Mermaid Beach Cleanup
Join the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve as they partner with the Mystic Aquarium for a magical beach cleanup featuring a very special mermaid appearance! Grab your favorite ocean themed or winter onesie (or warm winter gear) and join this in-person event for a winter coastal cleanup at Bluff Point State Park, Groton, on November 7, 9-11 a.m.
REGISTRATION SUGGESTED>
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Sustainability and Resilience Week
Governor Lamont is hosting Connecticut’s third annual Sustainability and Resiliency Week. Find out about events that celebrate work across Connecticut that protects our economy, natural resources, and our communities. Each day will feature virtual, hybrid, and in-person events hosted by partners from across the state. Both in-person and virtual event opportunities are available. November 8-14.
FIND out MORE>
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Financing What's Next: Creative Capital for a More Resilient and Sustainable Connecticut
This event will bring together financing professionals, environmental consultants, economic development practitioners, municipal and state leaders, and project partners for an afternoon of discussion on how innovative financing can help unlock the next generation of sustainability and resilience investments across the state. Through three focused panels, attendees will examine how creative capital can support resilience planning and bring policy goals and project ideas into reality. There will be space for audience discussion, questions, and networking. A free, in-person event: Hotel Marcel, New Haven, November 10, 2-6:30 p.m.
SAVE your SPOT>
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SolSmart Connecticut Cohort: Join to Receive FREE Solar Planning, Zoning, and Permitting Support
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SECOG) and the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) are partnering with SolSmart (a national, non-profit program funded by US-DOE) to help Connecticut municipalities establish smart solar zoning and permitting at the local level. The SolSmart Connecticut 2026 Cohort includes:
- Monthly virtual workshops, and peer-to-peer learning
- An independent Zoning Review
- Support to create and post a Permitting Checklist
- Help identifying opportunities for improvement and next steps
- A SolSmart Bronze designation
Enrollment is open through November 12.
ENROLL TODAY>
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Connecticut Affordable Housing Conference
The Partnership for Strong Communities will host this year’s virtual Connecticut Affordable Housing Conference. It is an opportunity to convene, collaborate, and drive meaningful change to improve and expand affordability, creation, choice, and stability across our state. The conference will span two days, offering a diverse array of sessions tailored to advocates, policymakers, housing and service providers, lenders and funders, and the public. 9 a.m., November 16, to 4 p.m., November 17.
REGISTER TODAY>
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Climate Smart Communities Initiative
The Long Island Sound Partnership, Connecticut Sea Grant, and New York Sea Grant are hosting the 5th Annual SRC Workshop—an event dedicated to building capacity for regional resilience planning in support of sustainable, resilient communities throughout coastal Long Island Sound. A central focus of the 2026 workshop will be fostering discussions on advancing watershed scale and regional resilience coordination and planning. A free, in-person event: Beacon Hall, Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, November 18, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
REGISTER>
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CIRCA Annual Summit
The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaption (CIRCA) is holding its annual summit. CIRCA is increasing the resilience and sustainability of communities vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change on the natural, built, and human environments. The annual summit, an in-person event, takes place at the UConn School of Law, Hartford, November 20, 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
LEARN MORE and REGISTER>
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Climate Smart Communities Initiative
The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding and technical assistance to advance community-based climate resilience in U.S. communities that are highly vulnerable to climate change. Funding may support activities such as climate vulnerability and sensitivity analyses, planning processes, community engagement, project prioritization, implementation actions, and obtaining financing for implementation. Letter of Intent deadline: November 20.
MORE INFO>
| | Let's Vote With Our Votes! | | |
A mid-term like no other
Forget about voting with your feet or with your pocket book; let's try voting with our votes for a change.
According to the Connecticut Secretary of State's office, more than 300,000 Connecticut voters have already cast their early and absentee ballots in the run-up to tomorrow's mid-term election. But if you've yet to exercise your franchise, please do get to the polls tomorrow, November 3.
A lot is at stake - for Connecticut and for the nation. We have a governor's race, along with all the constitutional officers (Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, etc.); all five of Connecticut's U.S. House seats are on the ballot; and the entire Connecticut General Assembly (House and Senate) is up for election, too. You can also expect to see all sorts of local races and ballot questions when you go to your polling place. The CT Mirror Voter Information Guide is a good place to start for basic information.
Let's tell 'em what we really think: let's vote.
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