We’re Coming To Your Town

We’re Coming To Your Town

Municipal Unity Week brought CCM to you for great conversations during crucial moments

Because so many of our member towns were represented, you probably already know about Municipal Unity Week, which took place in mid-April, right during the heart of the legislative session. In meetings in Norwalk City Hall, Torrington City Hall, Hamden Memorial Town Hall, The Glastonbury Boathouse, Groton Town Hall Annex, and the Eastern Connecticut Educational Service Center in Hampton, town and city leaders engaged with Executive Director Joe DeLong and Deputy Director Ron Thomas on issues facing municipalities in 2019.

The meetings provided an opportunity for municipal leaders to have direct access to the behindthe-scenes information from our Directors and Public Policy & Advocacy staff. They were held at a pivotal mid-session point at the State Capitol, and in these discussions, we were able to separate what has life from what is just background noise.

Executive Director Joe DeLong

Matthew Ford photo

Some of the primary topics of discussion were shared services, municipal revenue diversification, unfunded mandates, PTSD, Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), tolls, reforms to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS), Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR), and labor bills such as Paid Family Medical Leave (PFMLA) and the minimum wage.

You were able to let us know that you are looking for ways for the state to help towns without “just handing you money,” as one leader put it. The State Police communications system was just one example that was proposed.

This was also a test run of our new live-streaming capabilities. Events that were held in Norwalk, Hamden, and Groton were live-streamed to Torrington, Glastonbury, and Hampton. Because the technology worked so well, CCM plans to bring its podcast, The Municipal Voice, into your towns to highlight stories from around the state.

Hamden Memorial Town Hall

Matthew Ford photo

Since the Municipal Unity Week forums were so warmly received, we plan to keep holding these events at key times throughout the year. We know that municipal leaders have jam-packed schedules, one CEO commenting that CEOs “don’t have the luxury of being out all day.” That’s why we came to you. And remember, as Executive Director DeLong said, we work for you. We want to hear from you throughout the year. Our many talented and knowledgeable staff are just a phone call or email away.

Groton Town Hall Annex

Matthew Ford photo

We want to thank all the municipal leaders who attended the regional forums and for creating an interactive and informative dialogue on issues that matter to towns and cities.