CT Communities Challenge Grant

In 2021, DECD created the CT Communities Challenge, a competitive matching grant program that funds multiple projects in an effort to improve the livability, vibrancy, convenience, and equity of communities throughout the state. The program is intended to potentially create 3,000 new jobs. It is DECD’s goal to allocate approximately 50% of the funds to eligible and competitive projects in distressed municipalities. Successful projects include multiple of the elements below: - Transit-oriented development that densifies commercial and/or residential land uses near transit hubs. - Downtown / major hub development that improves or reuses existing property (Brownfields remediation may be a component of such application). - Essential infrastructure that facilitates future development. - Housing to support affordability, accessibility, and local workforce. - Mobility improvements that increase connectivity to transit and promotes economic activity, including pedestrian, ADA, and bicycle improvements. - Public space improvements that provide amenities to the community, including open spaces, public art projects, wayfinding, and lighting and safety improvements.