February 19, 2026 | Issue 2 | | Back in Session. Focused on Progress. CRCOG’s Priorities Are Set | | |
As the 2026 legislative session begins, activity at the Capitol has moved quickly, with the Governor’s budget adjustments released on opening day and a significant number of bills already introduced that affect municipalities, regional planning, and local budgets. While the short session is technically focused on budget adjustments, the volume and scope of legislation introduced so far suggests another active year for issues that directly affect towns and regions. Read the full article.
This newsletter is a 7-minute read. Happy reading!
| | Celebrate Black History Month | | Chief Vernon L. Riddick, Jr., West Hartford, CT | | |
February is #BlackHistoryMonth — a moment to honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future. It’s a month filled with reflection, recognition, and gratitude for the Black Americans whose courage, creativity, and resilience have transformed our nation.
But Black history isn’t only something we look back on. Every day, we write new chapters. Every action leaves an imprint. Every voice adds to the story. We’re celebrating Police Chief Vernon Riddick and his contributions as a Black leader in our community.
Police Chief Vernon L. Riddick, Jr. brings 33 years of public safety experience to his role as Chief of the West Hartford Police Department, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to this, he served 24 years with the Waterbury Police Department, concluding his tenure as Chief (of note; he was the first chief of color for both agencies). He is a former SWAT commander, union executive board member, and Vice President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA). Chief Riddick sits on the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC), which oversees statewide officer training and certification. He is the President of the Capitol Region Chiefs of Police Association (CRCOPA), the Immediate Past President of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and an adjunct instructor at the University of New Haven. Chief Riddick holds a BA in Political Science from Tufts University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Post University.
We appreciate Chief Riddick’s leadership and many contributions to the Town of West Hartford, our region, and the state!
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Join us at CRCOG’s Legislative Breakfast on March 5 | |
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is pleased to announce its upcoming Legislative Breakfast on March 5, 2026, from
9–11 am at the Legislative Office Building Cafeteria. This annual event brings together municipal leaders and members of the region’s legislative delegation for meaningful dialogue during the legislative session.
CRCOG is encouraging Chief Elected Officials to invite their State
Representatives to join them at the March 5 breakfast. Their participation is essential in fostering strong partnerships between municipalities and state leadership. These partnerships help advance shared priorities across the Capitol Region.
This year’s gathering will offer a productive forum to discuss key items in the 2026 CRCOG Legislative Agenda, along with other timely issues shaping the future of our communities.
We look forward to welcoming local officials, legislators, and regional partners for a morning of connection, insights, and forward‑thinking dialogue. We hope you’ll join us! Contact Doreen Hemme for more information. Register here.
| CRCOG is Hiring for a Transportation Safety Planner | CRCOG is hiring! We're thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Transportation Safety Planner. If you're passionate about transportation safety and advocacy, driving community impact, and making a difference across our region, this role may be for you. Apply today and help us spread the word! | | ICYMI: CCAPA Housing Summary and Analysis | | Connecticut's new housing legislation, Special Session Public Act 25-1 (aka 8002) is an important step towards helping the state produce more housing supply and choice. It is also a large, complex bill that includes technical provisions. CRCOG staff were proud to play a major role in helping put together an event hosted by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA) to help summarize and explain some of the major implications of this significant legislation. Read full article. | Unlock Your Potential: UConn School of Public Policy’s PSELC Professional Development Workshops | |
The UConn School of Public Policy’s Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative (PSELC) is kicking off March with two dynamic, full‑day professional development workshops. CRCOG members and employees receive a discounted rate! The UConn School of Public Policy’s PSELC workshops now count as credit towards CCMO certification. Please contact Danielle Walker for details.
From Jargon to Trust: Mastering Public Communication in Good Times and in Crisis
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9 am to 4 pm
Featuring: Maura Fitzgerald, Chief Marketing Officer, CT Department of Health
Location: UConn Hartford Times Building, Hartford, CT
Clear, trustworthy communication is essential—especially in the public sector. In this workshop, Maura Fitzgerald brings real‑world expertise to help participants sharpen their messaging, improve public trust, and communicate effectively in both routine and crisis situations.
Registration deadline: Friday, February 27 | Register here
The CT Freedom of Information Act: Law, Practice, and Application in The Public Sector
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9 am to 4 pm
Featuring: Amy LaVolsi, Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford
Location: UConn Stamford Campus in Stamford, CT
Registration deadline: Friday, March 20 | Register here
| | 2k Followers on LinkedIn and Growing | | |
Big news! CRCOG just reached 2,000 followers on LinkedIn, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you to everyone who connects with us across all our social channels. There’s a lot of exciting work happening across our region, and we’re glad you’re here for it.
We also recently hosted our first-ever social media training for elected officials. Couldn’t make it? No worries, our Communications Intern, Frankie, pulled together her top takeaways in a quick recap video.
🎥 Watch the video
👍 Like it
💬 And if you’re feeling inspired, drop a comment. We always appreciate hearing from you!
| | Great work starts with great people, and we’re lucky to have some of the best. This month we’re celebrating Sonya and Tracey on their CRCOG anniversary! Their impact is felt across the region, and we’re excited to give them the kudos they deserve. | | CRCOG Funding Opportunities | | |
State and Federal Funding Opportunities
Have you read the latest funding newsletter? View the archives. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson for more information or if you would like help applying for a grant. Here are some featured opportunities:
CRCOG:
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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.
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Active Transportation Microgrant Program – Applications for grants up to $5,000 to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety are available. Learn more and submit your application to Mike Cipriano by March 25, 2026, for early consideration.
Federal:
- CRCOG is tracking announcements related to U.S. Department of Transportation related to two popular programs, and will provide more information as it becomes available:
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Bridge Investment Program (BIP) for Planning Grants and Bridge Projects (those with eligible costs of $100M or less); and
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Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program.
State
- Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT):
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Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP) - program guidelines and application documents for the third round of funding are available here. Applications must be submitted electronically to Anaka Maher by April 27, 2026, at noon.
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Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities – review the Program Overview and Guidance Documents. Applications are due by March 31, 2026, at 4 pm.
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Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) is accepting applications for round 23 of the Brownfield Municipal Grant Program. Four types of financial assistance programs are available, with applications due to DECD by March 25, 2026, at noon.
Other
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AARP Connecticut is accepting applications for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge, a competitive “quick action" grant program that funds projects making communities more livable for people of all ages. Awards may be up to $15,000. Learn more and apply by March 4, 2026, at 5 pm.
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