CCM Goes to Washington CT

Delegates attend the NLC Congressional City Conference

In March, CCM and local leaders throughout Connecticut descended upon our nation’s capital as part of the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference (CCC). The annual event brings together over 3,000 local leaders from around the country to learn about emerging issues, network with other local leaders, interact with federal agency officials, and bring the local voice to Capitol Hill.

The conference highlighted how in the divisive environment of national politics; local government has the ability to seek non-partisan solutions by focusing on core problems rather succumbing to ideological roadblocks. Attendees emphasized how local government can serve as laboratories in experimenting with solutions to emerging problems, in particular how local leaders can best shape the country’s infrastructure over the next 100 years. However, in order to do so greater coordination and integration with federal partners is necessary, and the conference allowed one avenue to enhance that collaboration.

A highlight of the conference was President Biden attendance and speaking to members about achievements made to support local communities. He also spoke about future investments to assist local leaders and investments made to improve the country’s infrastructure.

As tradition with the CCC, CCM hosted specific events for Connecticut attendees. This included a CCM dinner, which afforded local leaders the opportunity to network and discuss emerging issues occurring throughout the state. In addition, CCM coordinated a meeting with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy to discuss specific issues.

Among the topics discussed was the progress of the federal budget and its particular impact on Connecticut. Specifically, the senators emphasized that Connecticut has received $138 million in direct spending (i.e. earmarks), and specifically how a significant portion of the funding is intended to be directed towards “green” projects which highlight sustainability. Their respected offices have coordinated with CCM, local leaders and other partners to explain the application and review process.

In addition, the conversation weaved in general topics such as workforce development, housing, infrastructure - in particular hardening cyber security infrastructure. The senators also explained that the federal government is pursuing additional housing vouchers through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, as well as how additional funding is available for brownfield remediation through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They also explained efforts to protect youth in online safety through the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

This annual trip continues to be a great and productive opportunity for Connecticut’s local leaders to bring their voice to Washington, all in an effort to build municipal laboratories in seeking positive change.