News and Announcements

Connecticut’s Social Equity Council Marks a Year of Impact

Inaugural Meeting Highlights New Data and Entrepreneurs Turning Challenges Into Opportunity

Press Release

Announcement - Social Equity Council Hosts 2025 Market Outlook Working Group Featuring Governor Lamont and State Leaders

Governor Ned Lamont has been invited to present at the Social Equity Council’s (The Council) 2025 Market Outlook Working Group on Wednesday, September 24, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Legislative Office Building (Room 2c) in Hartford.

Press Release

Announcement - CT Social Equity Council Launches " Reimagine & Revitalize" Community Reinvestment Program with $36 Million Investment Over Three Years

The Social Equity Council announced today the relaunch of its Community Reinvestment Program under a bold new vision: Reimagine & Revitalize - a strategic initiative that advances equitable economic prosperity and long-term community transformation across ten targeted regions in Connecticut.

Press Release

Announcement – Social Equity Plan Criteria and Rubric

All cannabis establishments seeking to apply for a final license must submit a social equity plan to Council for review and approval. In accordance with section 21a-420d(h)(5), the Council has developed specific criteria for an acceptable social equity plan. The resources below are made available to help cannabis establishments by providing clear metrics and scoring criteria and providing applicants with templates for various parts of the social equity plan. All cannabis establishments must adhere to the criteria in the creation and implementation of their social equity plans. Social Equity Plans must be submitted to the Department of Consumer Protection through the e-License Platform.

The criteria will become effective on Tuesday, July 28, 2025.

All related documents can be found on SEC’s Home page under Entrepreneur Resources. Any questions regarding social equity plans can be directed to SEC.Plans@ct.gov.

Announcement - New Policy

For purposes of equity joint venture applications, all Social Equity Individuals (SEI) approved by the Social Equity Council prior to the certification of the 2023 Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) map shall continue to be eligible for social equity status until the next DIA map certification. Statutory limitations on the number of equity joint ventures continue to apply and are not affected by this policy change. New SEI backer applications received after certification of the 2023 DIA map shall be governed by the 2023 DIA map.

Effective date: 4/1/2025

Announcement - Social Equity Council's Statement in Response to Comptroller Scanlon's Report

Press Release

Announcement - Social Equity Council Appoints New Executive Director

Connecticut's Social Equity Council (SEC) announced today they have named Brandon McGee the new Executive Director of the SEC. McGee's background as a nonprofit leader, combined with a deep commitment to social equity and justice, will help to further advance the mission of the SEC.

Press Release

Announcement - Workforce Development Plan Updated Criteria and Scoring Rubric - Effective July 22, 2024

The Social Equity Council has revised the Workforce Development Plan Criteria and Scoring Rubric to incorporate elements that directly impact DIA (Disproportionately Impacted Area) employees.

Workforce Development Plan Criteria and Scoring Rubric

Announcement - Increase in State Median Household Income

The current state median household income based on the data provided by the American Community Survey is $88,429.00, while three hundred percent (300%) of this average state median household is $265,287.00. Therefore, a Social Equity Individual, in addition to all individuals residing in the household, must have less than $265,287.00 in income each year during the three tax years immediately preceding the application in order to meet the income criteria. Income shall be calculated based on the adjusted gross income shown on tax documents submitted by the individual members of the household.

This update will apply to all applications that the Social Equity Council will consider on and after November 8, 2023.

Announcement - 2023 DIA Map

The Social Equity Council voted today to recertify the DIA Map by approving the 2023 recommended disproportionately impacted areas.

The 2023 approved tracts have been published on the Connecticut Open Data Portal and can be found here.