News

Early this month, Denise Savageau (CT Association of Conservation Districts), Sean Ghio (Partnership for Strong Communities), and I participated on the policy panel at CLCC’s Summit on Housing and Conservation, hosted in partnership with the Land Trust Alliance and Trust for Public Land. (More on the Summit below)

Panel facilitator Maryam Elahi (Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut) challenged us to talk about current and future policies that promote both land conservation and affordable housing and include a shared vision of land use in Connecticut.

For me, the place to start was the Community Investment Act (CIA).

Established by statute in 2005, the CIA has become Connecticut’s primary source of dedicated funding to support a spectrum of local projects that span across four land use sectors – open space, agriculture/dairy, affordable housing, and historic preservation – all necessary components of strong and sustainable communities across the state.

What makes the CIA so unique and effective is that it is inherently collaborative — bringing together a diverse cross-section of advocates to ensure the fund stays protected.

It’s a powerful coalition — and a perfect first stop in our efforts to build upon the conversation and spur action on the intersection of land conservation, housing, and other essential community land use programs.

Your land trust is an essential partner in that exciting effort.