HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD CREATE TASK FORCE TO EXPLORE REGIONAL SHARE

HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD CREATE TASK FORCE TO EXPLORE REGIONAL SHARE

Published on October 31, 2024

(EAST HARTFORD, and HARTFORD, CT) -- Today, the City of Hartford and Town of East Hartford announced an innovative effort to create a task force with three committees that will examine and assess the impact of centralization and consolidation of services across the two municipalities. This model represents the first major, local effort leveraging potential funding through the Regional Performance Incentive Program.

The effort is rooted in three main frameworks: Shared Services, Shared Vision, and Shared Tourism/Culture/Entertainment. Key stakeholders and partners will make up task forces charged with implementing the key priorities of each framework and reporting on the results of completed assessments.

"The City of Hartford is excited to join forces with our neighbors in East Hartford to strengthen our communities and elevate the quality of services for all residents", said Hartford mayor Arunan Arulampalam. "Over the coming months, the task force will explore ways to enhance services, reduce costs, and foster a more vibrant region. I want to thank Mayor Martin for this partnership as this collaboration reflects our joint commitment to innovation and to building a capital region where residents feel connected to each other and their government."

"Today marks a significant step forward for both East Hartford and Hartford as we launch these task forces rooted in the benefits of regionalization. Through them, we aim to enhance collaboration, streamline services, and elevate our communities together", said Mayor Connor Martin of East Hartford. "I'm excited to work alongside Mayor Arulampalam and our esteemed Co-Chairs to build a stronger, more connected future for our municipalities, and serve as a change leader for other local governments aiming to establish a collaborative model."

Each of the frameworks will be spearheaded by Co-Chairs who will lead the conversation on what this regionalization effort will look like. The Co-Chairs will be as follows:

Shared Vision
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam
East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin
Capital Region Development Authority Chair David Robinson

Shared Services
Hartford Chief Operating Officer Olusegun "Shay" Ajayi
East Hartford Director of Finance & Chief Administrative Officer Melissa McCaw

Shared Arts/Culture/Entertainment
Travelers Vice President and Head of Media Relations Courtney Nogas
Riverfront Recapture President and CEO Mike Zaleski

Recommendations will be developed in the coming months as the groups meet to determine opportunities for a collaboration of services between the two municipalities. Mayor Arulampalam and Mayor Martin will continue conversations with surrounding municipalities to encourage further collaboration.

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