Jim Boucher -- "The Latest in Hartford's Community Happenings & Revitalization"

Sheff Movement Meeting with State Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor

Sheff Movement Meeting with State Education Commission Stefan Pryor

State Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor will be attending the Sheff Movement’s February meeting this coming Saturday, February 18, from 9:30-11:00 at Capitol Preparatory Magnet School (this is a rescheduled meeting, after the January meeting was snowed out).

Consider attending and sharing in the experiences, data and stories of success with Commissioner Pryor, about the significant progress occurring with the increased number of Hartford and Capital Area regional students reaching high academic standards because of quality integrated education.

City Update on Anti-Blight Strategies

City Update on Anti-Blight Strategies

Anti-Blight Special Fund – The Council passed
an amendment to the Anti-Blight Ordinance on November 28th that establishes an Anti-Blight
Special Fund for the purpose of providing a source of funds for the City to use
in securing and remediating blighted properties and in enforcing the provisions
of the Anti-Blight Ordinance. All monies collected as fines, penalties, or liens
as a result of violations under the Anti-Blight Ordinance will be deposited into
the Special Fund, a permanent revolving account, which shall be administered by
the City’s Director of Development Services. The funds will be used exclusively
for anti-blight activities.

The City has also completed a survey of most of the City's Housing stock and building and about 575 properties have been identified as abandoned properties, many of which might need anti-blight actions. A special meeting will be held by Mayor Segarra on December 15th to update community leaders and other officials about the status of the city's anti blight efforts and sustainable communities efforts. Updates will include the City's recruitment and hiring of additional city inspectors, corporation counsel and neighborhood district coordinators to address anti-blight strategies

Support New Britain - Hartford Bus Rapid Transit

SUPPORT
The New Britain-Hartford Bus Rapid Transit Project

ATTEND PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday August 11, 2011 | 6:30 p.m.

DiLoreto Multimedia Room, Frank DiLoreto Hall

Central Connecticut State University

1615 Stanley Street

New Britain, CT 06050

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the New Britain-Hartford Busway, a 9.4-mile bus rapid transit service that will improve mobility in the I-84 corridor west of Hartford.

Facebook Link

QUICK FACTS

9.4 miles

Regional links to West Hartford, Farmington, Bristol, and Waterbury

Attracts 5,000 new daily riders

80% federal funding

Complete in 2013

ATTEND PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday August 11, 2011 | 6:30 p.m.

DiLoreto Multimedia Room, Frank DiLoreto Hall

Central Connecticut State University

1615 Stanley Street

New Britain, CT 06050

Hartford Info Today Presents: February 16th Event - Hartford Economic Recovery and Jobs

HartfordInfo Today   Economic Recovery:  Creating Jobs in Hartford and the Region   Panelists   Dan Haar, Business Editor, Hartford Courant Kim B. Hawkins, Director, HEDCO Business Resource Center Joan McDonald, Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development David B. Panagore, Chief Operating Officer, City of Hartford Tom Phillips, President & CEO, Capital Workforce Partners Clarke King, Executive Vice President of the Greater Hartford Central Labor Council   Moderator Hartford City Councilman Jim Boucher   Congressman John B. Larson Unavailable to Attend Due to Change in Schedule While many economic indicators suggest that the recession is coming to an end, a full recovery will not be possible until the high number of unemployed can find jobs.  The Obama administration has turned its attention to job creation.  Connecticut Congressman John B. Larson is leading the congressional effort to get a jobs bill adopted by Congress.  Come hear panelists discuss job creation as a vital element in economic recovery, and thoughts on a federal jobs creation program, and what it will mean for Hartford and the region. A group of panelists will offer their comments and thoughts. Bring your ideas to share -- we will forward them to the Congressman Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Light Refreshments 4:30 pm; Program 5:00 pm   Hartford Public Library 500 Main Street   Moderator Hartford City Councilman Jim Boucher

Visit www.hartfordinfo.org, your gateway to information and data on issues of importance to those who live and work in Hartford and the region.

How Can Nonprofits Work Together to Build Voter Engagement in Hartford?

Special Discussion:

How Can Nonprofits Work Together to Build Voter Engagement in Hartford?

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

9:30 – 11:30 AM

Hartford Public Library

500 Main Street

 

A record number of Hartford voters turned out last year for the 2008 Presidential Election.  How can nonprofits serving the needs of Hartford residents, help Hartford maintain that momentum in this year’s election?

Please join colleagues from other nonprofits in a discussion of how to register, educate, and engage Hartford voters in the upcoming election.  The goal in this conversation is to identify opportunities for collaboration in order to increase voter participation in Hartford.

As an introduction to the conversation, Renae Reese of the Connecticut Center for a New Economy will review the results of the 2008 Community Voter Project and provide guidelines for nonprofits who undertake voter registration, education, and engagement activities.  This will be followed by a discussion of how we can work collaboratively.

Contact person(s): Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365, or emailing Linda Bayer at Hartford 2000, at Htfd2000@aol.com.

Sponsored by the

Hartford Votes/Hartford Vota Coalition

 

Coalition members include: 

Connecticut  Center for a New Economy, Co-Opportunity, HART, the Hartford Public Library, Hartford Registrars of Voters, Hartford 2000, and MetroHartford Alliance.

Progress on Connecticut Jobs Programs

 

UPDATE

Connecticut Pro-Jobs Programs  

TAKE ACTION FOR CONNECTICUT JOBS PROGRAMS

 

 

In Friday's special session the General Assembly passed the authorization to release the $30.3 million in WIA ARRA stimulus funds, which the Governor will sign.  This includes $11-million for the WIA ARRA Summer Youth Employment Program. Thank you to everyone who supported the passage of this legislation!

 

Another special legislative budget session will likely be convened next week on Thursday.  It appears that the Legislature will move to approve a state budget approving of most of the JFES funds. In addition, the $30.4 million in WIA annual formula funds will likely be included, although this could be a separate legislative bill from the General Fund budget. The budget will also likely include funds for the Jobs Funnel programs, Incumbent Worker Training and possible continuance of the state Summer Youth Employment Program at some level of funding. A separate bill to fund next years Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program beyond the $ 400,000 carry forward funds is also being worked on.

 

If a budget is passed the next critical step will be for the Governor to review the budget, as to consideration of support.

 

Please contact the State Legislators and Governor urging their full support of these Connecticut Jobs Programs!!

 

Thank you for all of your support!

Investments in Hartford Schools Making A Difference

Participate in a Watershed Moment! 

Another watershed moment is on Hartford's doorstep. On Wednesday, October 15th, at 5:00 p.m. the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Adamowski, will address the Mayor, Court of Common Council, School Board members and the Hartford Legislative delegation at Hartford's City Hall.  The discussion will center on focusing on the importance of sustaining and building on the recent investments and reforms impacting Hartford schools leading to increased reading and math scores in 16 schools, and increases in overall academic student achievement -- being the strongest since 2001. 

The watershed moment is related to whether or not at this time of budgetary pressures -- will the State and City be able to account for the resources and support to sustain today's academic progress -- at a time of severe economic pressures on Hartford and Connecticut's budget.  The unfortunate dilemna facing Hartford is that as 'academic gains' have occurred this past year, predicatably the over-reliance of a stressed property tax system often leads to downturns in budgetary-fund commitments and subsequent stagnation and decline in student acheivement.

                               

Mindful of this history, and the need to continue to press forward with critical educational reform and investments -- the October 15th Special City Council Meeting of the Whole -- is focused on the goal of continuing to support and develop a unified and collective effort to continue the momentum built by the Superintendent, Hartford School Board, administrators, teachers, parents and most importantly the students -- assuring sustained supports and resources for Hartford schools. Certainly this progress is also made possible largely by the investment commitments made by Hartford and Connecticut's public/private taxpayers -- and it is this 'school adequacy' issue that confronts the school system and municipal & legislaive leaders at this moment. Also, other gains made possible through the Sheff Movement  -- need a continued commitment to enhanced funding and support of a quality integrated education.

Clearly attaining the commitments needed to continue this school funding priority will not be easy, as witnessed by today's severe economic conditions.  But it is not impossible.  Quite often "when there is a crisis, there is also opportunity!"  As one prime example, in 1992, when faced with a $1-billion State deficit and a recessed economy -- Governor Weicker and legislative leaders successfully introduced an income tax measure (that had failed innumerable times before and seemed most improbable during that time).  Leadership emerged to make this major reform occur!  And it might take continued courageous, unified leadership effort in Hartford and the State to make this year another watershed moment -- to tenaciously sustain the investments and reforms necessary to continue to improve Hartford schools.

We hope you will take the time to join this effort and attend the October 15th event.  Please email me at jimboucher@comcast.net if you have any comment(s) or thought(s) regarding this event.

 

 

 

 

Hartford Organizations Striving to Increase Family Economic Self Sufficiency

    ADVOCATING FOR FAMILY ECONOMIC SELF SUFFICIENY

Given the daunting news this week of a continued very volatile economy, it is yet all the more encouraging to know that a number of organizations are working hard to assure that Connecticut residents are supported with a number of opportunities to be economically self-sufficent and stable during this difficult time.

The time of year has arrived for the Hartford Annual Earned Income Tax Campaign, where the Hartford Asset Building Collaborative at Co-opportunity is seeking volunteers ready to make a difference in working families futures. Last season over 5,000 filers were served, which brought back $11-million in refunds and credits to residents of Hartford ands surrounding communities.  If you are interested in joining this effort please email Laura O'Keefe for details at laurao@co-opportunity. Free training will be provided in early December.

Also, a number of organizations, led by the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS), are sponsoring a conference on "Prosperity Communities, Thriving Communities,"  at the Rocky Hill Marriott on September 22nd and 23rd.

If you would like to have other announcements posted on this weblog please email information to jimboucher@comcast.net.

How Might the Connecticut Promise Transform Hartford -- Learn More at April 9th's Forum

On April 9^th, a panel of thoughtful leaders will gather at the Hartford Public Library at 6:00 p.m. to discuss a legislative initiative called the Connecticut Promise led by State Representative Kelvin Roldan.  Kelvin will be joined by other guests to discuss how incentivizing education through college scholarships for families living in Hartford, with students achieving high standards – could lead to a significant boost in community development throughout the City.  Modeled after a program in Kalamazoo, Michigan – promising results have been realized through increased academic performance, community development and higher quality of life standards. 

The Connecticut Promise and results covered on the HartfordInfo.org web-site will be further discussed by Roasanne Druckman, Director of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, David Medina, Hartford Courant Editorial Board, and Pamela Richmond, Hartford School Board Member -- who will join Rep. Kelvin Roldan at the Hartford Public Library Forum at 6:00 p.m. on April 9th for this important discussion.

Please e-mail me at jimboucher@comcast.net should you need more information or have any questions.

Storming Ahead in the Week Ahead

Storming Ahead - The Week Ahead in Hartford

The expected winter storm(s) this week might be an appropriate sign of the stormy set of issues that city leaders will be tackling this week.  A prediction of 'stormy' times ahead on a number of long-standing issues -- will see a number of leaders continue to 'roll up their sleeves,' on such issues as the Earned Income Tax Credit, continued and enhanced State funding of Youth Employment, an enhanced City Noise Ordinance, State compliance on Sheff v. O'Neill, and also the Hartford property tax issues.

Also, the City is planning in advance how to address the need to most effectively snow plow the City streets (should snow predictions materialize as forecast), and we acknowledge that improvements need to be made to assure for the safety of Hartford's traffic-going vehicles and pedestrians. Any concerns regarding plowing can also be called into Hartford's 311 center.

On Monday evening (January 14th) the Hartford City Council will again be taking action to further enhance Hartford's noise ordinance.  After months of work to assure the ordinance is strengthened to meet State DEP conditions, a new ordinance (as agreed by the State DEP) will be amended, and final action is expected the next Council meeting.

Hartford City Council on Monday will also be receiving the Hartford Property Tax Task Force first set of recommendations (see: Download perez20bazzano20letter20re20tax20reform20resolutions2012.31.071.pdf). The Task Force has worked very hard on these set of recommendations, and their report will likely be sent to the Council's Finance & Legislative Committees for further review.  The Mayor has also reviewed and provided some thoughts about which recommendations should be priority.  City Council will be reviewing these also.

On Tuesday, January 15th, community leaders -- including youth and program representatives will be meeting at the State Capitol, Room 310, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- to discuss with state leadership various options to continue enhancing and increasing resources for summer youth employment.

On Wednesday morning (January 16th) a number of community organizations: the Hartford Asset Building Collaborative and the Hartford EITC/Asset Building Campaign -- are one of the lead efforts working with CAHS and other state groups -- to gain an agreement by the state legislature for a State of Connecticut EITC will be meeting to plan strategies to assure that this year becomes the year for the State to adopt an EITC policy and funding.  The meeting will be held at the United Way of the Capital Area in Hartford, 30 Laurel Street at 8:00 a.m.  For more information you might review the following: (Download eitc_jan_16.doc). For further information on the statewide campaign:    http://www.cahs.org/EITC/EITClinks.htm.

On Saturday morning (January 19th) the Sheff Movement leadership committee will be meeting from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Hartford City Hall's 2nd floor City Council conference room.  Outstanding issues that this group will continue to focus on will be gaining additional state support for magnet, choice and other interdistrict remedies by the State to reduce racial and economic isolation realized by many Hartford students.

Clearly there are a number of issues in front of the City, but these are a few of them that you may already be participating in -- and/or otherwise might be interested in getting further incvolved.  I would also be very interested in your views and feedback and ideas on these issues and others.  Please e-mail me at jimboucher@comcast.net if you would like to provide feedback.  In the past few weeks I have received several dozen e-mails which help me further understand various views, thoughts, ideas and concerns.  Please continue to forward them!