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| Our mission is to be the catalyst that ignites Connecticut's Main Streets as the cornerstone of thriving communities. |
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Even snow won't slow us down. . .
A late, suddenly active winter may be piling on the snow, but we remain committed to helping our downtowns thrive. Whether hosting a webinar, collaborating with partners or monitoring proposed legislation, we're busy making sure Connecticut's downtowns have the tools they need to succeed. Read on to learn how we're making a difference.
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CMSC Webinar Offers Tips on Creating a Downtown Action Plan
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In
January, CMSC launched a new Webinar Wednesday! series with an overview of the Main Street Approach. Earlier today, CMSC built on the January webinar with a presentation on Developing Your Main Street Action Plan. Webinars are available for viewing at any time on the
CMSC website (today's webinar will be posted within a week).
Save the date for our next webinar, Windsor Locks Goes TIF: A real-life Tax Increment Financing Case Study, on April 5th.
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Governor's Budget Extends Diversion of Community Investment Act Funds
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Last week, Governor Malloy proposed his FY2018-2019 biennium budget, which extends a 50% diversion of Community Investment Act (CIA) funds to the General Fund. The diversion was set to sunset in June 2017.
Under the CIA, a recording fee is collected on every real-estate transaction, then distributed to support historic preservation, protecting open spaces, preserving farmland and creating affordable housing. The CIA provides the source funds for the Preservation of Place (POP) grant program and the award-winning Come Home to Downtown mixed-use technical assistance program. Since 2008, CMSC has awarded $558,000 in POP grants to its members.
Overall, the program has reinvested over $152 million in more than 1,400 preservation, affordable housing, open space and working farmland projects in every community across the state.
CMSC is asking all supporters of Connecticut's historic downtowns and main streets to call their legislators in support of the CIA.
Read our Legislative Alert here.
See our 2017 Advocacy Priorities here.
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Public Hearing on Legislation Impacting 8-30g
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The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on February 16th at 10:30 am to consider legislation impacting 8-30g, the Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals statute.
8-30g has produced affordable homes for thousands of Connecticut residents in communities across the state, but more is needed to meet the needs of today's young professionals, Baby Boomers and low and moderate income families. Click to learn more.
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February iForum to Discuss Economic Impact of Housing
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Register now for the Partnership for Strong Communities' next iForum, Forecasting Our Future: The Economic Impact of Housing, on February 24th. Speakers will talk about how anticipating future housing demand and providing the housing to meet that demand can help improve Connecticut's economy and reduce the prospect of continuing state budget deficits.
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CRCOG's Lyle Wray elected President of Community Indicators Consortium - The Community Indicators Consortium (CIC) is an international organization dedicated to advancing community indicator systems to advance the quality of life in communities around the world, and has built and maintains a comprehensive online database of past and active community indicator projects all over the world. Read the announcement.
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Save the Date: CT Arts Day is March 2nd - Celebrate and learn about the successes and aspirations of the arts and cultural sector in Connecticut. This event will feature special performances throughout the day including dance performances, poetry readings and remarks from State leaders.
Learn more. . .
▪ BikeWalk CT Creating Comprehensive Lists of Walks, Runs, Rides & More - BikeWalk CT wants your help to produce the most comprehensive listing of rides, walks, and biking-and-walking related meetings, trainings and events in Connecticut. If your club, organization or municipality is hosting a ride, event, training or other opportunity, they ask that you let them know. The 2017 guide will be published in early spring. Priority deadline is Monday, February 27, 2017. Submit your event(s) here.
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Spotlight on 2016 Awards of Excellence
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Jack Shannahan Prize for Public Service
presented to the Legislative Commission on Aging
Established in honor of Jack Shannahan, the former director of the Connecticut Historical Commission and State Historic Preservation Officer; and a founder and first Board Chair of CMSC, the Jack Shannahan Prize for Public Service recognizes public sector individuals and organizations that exemplify a high standard of leadership with a deep commitment to the success of Connecticut's Main Streets.
CMSC was proud to present this award to Connecticut's Legislative Commission on Aging (currently the CT Commission on Women, Children and Seniors) for their Livable Communities Initiative, which celebrates and supports components of a vibrant downtown, including community engagement, housing, planning & zoning, public spaces & buildings, and transportation.
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