Connecticut Conference of Municipalities

Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is a non-profit organization that serves as the primary advocate for municipalities in Connecticut, working closely with United States Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and International City/County Management Association. Founded in 1966 by John Dempsey, the Governor of Connecticut at the time, the organization has been instrumental in shaping public policy in Connecticut, often collaborating with University of Connecticut, Yale University, and Trinity College. The organization's efforts have been recognized by National Association of Counties, American Planning Association, and International Municipal Lawyers Association.

● History

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities was established in 1966 to provide a unified voice for municipalities in Connecticut, working with Connecticut General Assembly, Connecticut State Senate, and Connecticut House of Representatives. Over the years, the organization has played a crucial role in shaping public policy in Connecticut, often working with Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Environmental Protection Agency. The organization has also collaborated with New England Council, MetroHartford Alliance, and Connecticut Business and Industry Association to promote economic development in Connecticut. Notable events, such as the Great Blizzard of 1978 and Hurricane Sandy, have highlighted the importance of the organization's work, which has been supported by American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way.

● Organization

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is governed by a board of directors composed of mayors and first selectmen from municipalities across Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Connecticut, New Haven, Connecticut, and Stamford, Connecticut. The organization is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and its staff works closely with Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The organization also has a strong partnership with University of Connecticut School of Law, Quinnipiac University School of Law, and Yale Law School, which provides valuable resources and expertise. Additionally, the organization collaborates with National Conference of State Legislatures, Council of State Governments, and National Association of State Budget Officers.

● Membership

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has a diverse membership of municipalities from across Connecticut, including cities, towns, and boroughs. Members include Hartford, Connecticut, New Haven, Connecticut, and Stamford, Connecticut, as well as smaller municipalities like Glastonbury, Connecticut and West Hartford, Connecticut. The organization also has a strong relationship with Connecticut Council of Small Towns, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. Membership benefits include access to training and development programs, technical assistance, and advocacy support, which are often provided in collaboration with National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, and International City/County Management Association.

● Advocacy

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is a strong advocate for municipalities in Connecticut, working to influence public policy and legislation that affects municipalities. The organization has been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including efforts to reform property tax and improve transportation infrastructure in Connecticut. The organization has also worked closely with Connecticut General Assembly, Connecticut State Senate, and Connecticut House of Representatives to pass legislation that benefits municipalities, such as the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority. Additionally, the organization collaborates with National Association of Counties, American Planning Association, and International Municipal Lawyers Association to advance the interests of municipalities.

● Programs_and_Services

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities offers a range of programs and services to its members, including training and development programs, technical assistance, and grant writing support. The organization also provides research and analysis on issues affecting municipalities, such as demographic trends and economic development strategies. The organization has partnered with University of Connecticut, Yale University, and Trinity College to provide valuable resources and expertise to its members. Additionally, the organization collaborates with National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, and International City/County Management Association to provide best practices and model policies for municipalities.

● Leadership

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is led by a executive director and a board of directors composed of mayors and first selectmen from municipalities across Connecticut. The organization's leadership has included notable figures such as John Dempsey, Thomas Meskill, and Lowell Weicker, who have all played a crucial role in shaping the organization's mission and goals. The organization has also been recognized for its leadership by National Association of Counties, American Planning Association, and International Municipal Lawyers Association. Current leaders, such as Joe DeLong, have continued to build on the organization's legacy, working closely with Connecticut Governor, Connecticut Lieutenant Governor, and Connecticut State Comptroller.