Overview

The Office of Community Development (OCD) manages a wide variety of economic and community development capital projects, maintaining a special focus on building strong town centers, revitalizing downtowns, and promoting economic development by supporting the arts, tourism and community growth.

This office is responsible for providing engineering and construction support services for development programs administered by OCD and other DECD offices. Additional responsibilities include coordinating with clients and DECD staff from the project concept phase through design and construction phases. The OCD also administers the state's Community Investment Fund 2030. 

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Access Project Support

The Office of Community Development assists municipal and nonprofit organizations in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, downtown planning and mixed-use projects. Here are few resources available:

• State Historic Preservation Office
  Explore regulations for projects that integrate cultural resources or are of historic, architectural or archeological significance
• Help Working with Other Agencies
  Access a list of resources in state, regional and federal offices across Connecticut.
• Environmental Compliance
  Find resources and documents to assist in compliance with the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).
• Professional Services Selection Process
  Outlines the steps needed, from interviewing through contract execution.
• Bidding, Contracting & Construction Guidelines
  Provides guidance to ensure a successful project using state funds.
• Flood Management Program
  Explore opportunities for certification, or an exemption, on all state actions within floodplains.

Explore Funding Opportunities

For complex redevelopment and rehabilitation projects which involve various sources of financial assistance, the Office is connected to variety of funding sources, including:

• Urban Act Grant Program Application
  Find funds to improve and expand state activities which promote community conservation and development and improve the quality of life for urban residents of the state.
• Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP)
  Find funds for economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects for localities.
• Brownfields Remediation Regulations (RSRs)
  Find guidance and information on Connecticut’s Remediation Regulations.
• Community Investment Fund 2030
  Find resources for this funding opportunity which fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across CT.

View Success Stories

See how funding, support programs and other services have already achieved success in Capital projects of all sizes and requirements.

• Storrs Center - Mansfield, CT
• Colt Gateway Redevelopment Project - Hartford, CT
• Hartford Hospital - CESI

Contact

For community development funding questions, please contact Melinda Wilson, Director of the Office of Community Development and the Community Investment Fund 2030, at Melinda.Wilson@CT.gov. 

For questions related to the STEAP grant program and project management related questions, please contact Susan Decina at susan.decina@ct.gov or 860-500-2463.