In 2023, Open Communities Alliance is coordinating Growing Together CT, a consortium of organizations advancing policies that promote thriving neighborhoods and affordable housing access everywhere to make Connecticut equitable and economically vibrant.  

Here are our policies priorities:

Fair Share Planning & Zoning

Connecticut is facing a dual housing crisis of unaffordability and segregation that restricts our economic growth and prosperity. Based on an effective model that has generated thousands of units of affordable and market-rate housing in New Jersey, Fair Share Planning & Zoning involves assessing each region's need for affordable housing, allocating it fairly to towns, creating a structure for updating municipal planning and zoning, and providing effective incentives. Learn more...

Tenant Protections & Housing Program Investments

As Connecticut’s housing crisis has become more acute, including as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable tenants are more likely to be subjected to unfair practices. The current environment of soaring costs for housing and building materials has made clear that it is critical for Connecticut to invest more deeply in existing affordable housing programs. Growing Together CT supports a package of proposals to protect tenants and support housing affordability. Learn more...

Housing Growth Fund

Across Connecticut, many municipalities are doing the right thing on planning and zoning – making room for affordability at a variety of income levels and contributing to meeting the state’s overall housing needs. Connecticut should invest in these areas to ensure that they have the resources to thrive. The Housing Growth Fund will contribute to this by allocating $50 million to be invested by municipalities that are creating housing to meet their vision for the future. Learn more...