Economic Vitality

Economic vitality – it’s about jobs and robust businesses; it’s about safe and affordable housing no matter your income; it’s about public education; it’s about accessible healthcare; it’s about arts, culture and entertainment; it’s about everything that makes a community livable.  That is why UI is working to shape the quality of life in Connecticut by supporting the growth of affordable housing, reaching out to business owners and residents to offer energy conservation programs, and supporting the growth and expansion of businesses within our service territory.  A few of the programs and organizations we are working with to ensure the economic vitality of Connecticut include:

• In 2006, through Connecticut’s Housing Tax Credit program, UI was able to provide over $2.6 million in funding for projects across our service territory.  However, assisting non-profit developers create affordable housing is not simply about financing, it’s also about lending expertise and technical assistance.  That is why UI supports the work of organizations such as Connecticut’s Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).  LISC helps community development corporations and other non-profit developers increase their development capacity.  As a part of meeting this goal, LISC offers both direct techncial assistance and training to community developers.

• Connecticut Main Street Center provides member towns with education and training, resources and technical assistance, and advocacy regarding the revitalization of downtown commercial districts.  Towns use these tools to develop strategies to support the growth and retention of businesses in their downtown areas.

• Througout Connecticut, 1000 Friends of Connecticut promotes the adoption of Smart Growth for our cities, towns, suburbs and rural areas.  By promoting accessible transportation, equitable education and quality housing, 1000 Friends works to ensure a prosperous economy, natural environments and integrated communties for future generations of Connecticut residents.

Working to keep Connecticut businesses healthy and profitable is important to UI.  UI offers an energy conscious design support for new construction, expansion, and renovation projects.  UI actively supports Chambers of Commerce throughout our service territory by providing sponsorship of activities, lending employee expertise, and acting as a resource for Chamber members.  We also have an active economic development team working to ensure a robust Connecticut economy for years to come.