Arunan Arulampalam

Arunan Arulampalam is an American politician, attorney, and community leader serving as the mayor of Hartford, Connecticut since 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, he succeeded Luke Bronin after winning the 2023 Hartford mayoral election. Prior to his election, he held significant roles in economic development and public service within Connecticut.

Early life and education

Arunan Arulampalam was born in 1985 in Hartford, Connecticut, to parents who immigrated from Sri Lanka. He was raised in the city's West End neighborhood and attended local public schools, developing a deep connection to the community. For his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He subsequently pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, focusing on public interest law and community advocacy.

Career

After graduating from law school, Arulampalam began his legal career as a staff attorney for Connecticut Legal Services, providing counsel to low-income residents on housing and consumer protection issues. He later transitioned to the public sector, joining the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development as a project manager, where he worked on revitalization initiatives in distressed municipalities like Bridgeport and New Britain. In 2018, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the department, overseeing programs such as the Small Business Express Program and the Brownfield Remediation Program. His work often involved collaboration with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and the Office of the State Treasurer.

Political involvement

Arulampalam's political engagement grew from his community development work, leading him to become an active member of the Hartford Democratic Town Committee. He served as a key advisor to several local and state campaigns, including those of U.S. Representative John B. Larson and Connecticut State Senator Doug McCrory. His policy focus areas included affordable housing, equitable economic development, and criminal justice reform, often testifying before the Connecticut General Assembly on related legislation. He was also involved with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and sat on the board of directors for Hartford Public Library.

Electoral history

Arulampalam first sought elected office in the 2023 Hartford mayoral election. In a competitive Democratic primary field that included former Hartford City Council member J. Stan McCauley and Registrar of Voters Giselle Jacobs, he secured the party nomination. The general election was contested against Republican candidate Mike McGarry and several petitioning candidates. Arulampalam campaigned on a platform of addressing gun violence in Connecticut, expanding affordable housing, and improving city services. He won the election on November 7, 2023, and was sworn into office on January 1, 2024, becoming the first mayor of Hartford of Sri Lankan descent.

Personal life

Arunan Arulampalam is married to Sita Arulampalam, a public health researcher who has worked with the Yale School of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. They have two children and reside in the West End neighborhood. He is a practicing Methodist and is involved with the Asylum Hill Congregational Church. In his personal time, he is an avid supporter of Hartford Athletic and the Hartford Stage.

Category:1985 births Category:American politicians of Sri Lankan descent Category:Mayors of Hartford, Connecticut Category:University of Connecticut alumni Category:University of Connecticut School of Law alumni Category:Living people Category:Democratic Party mayors in Connecticut