Partnership for Strong Communities

10/16/2026

We had a blast at the Connecticut Department of Housing’s Housing Conference yesterday! We are grateful to be in community with so many people from across the housing community to share ideas, build connections, and work toward a stronger housing future for Connecticut.

We’re leaving energized by the conversations and looking forward to diving in deeper with everyone together again at CAHC 2026 this November.

10/15/2026

For young people in Connecticut, housing affordability is shaping the future they envision for themselves.

A recent poll found that 67.3% of voters ages 18–34 rank housing costs as a top issue ahead of November’s gubernatorial election. From saving for life after college to achieving homeownership, young people are feeling the impact of rising costs.

Read how housing affordability is influencing young Connecticut voters and what they want to see from the state’s next governor:

By Brianna Wallen | Southern Connecticut State University

10/14/2026

📢 CAHC 2026 Plenary Session Announcement!

Join us Tuesday, November 17 at 11 AM for a CAHC plenary session exploring findings from the newly updated Connecting Zoning Atlas.

The Connecticut Zoning Atlas delivers critical insights about the way local governments use zoning to promote, slow, or facilitate housing across the state.

This session will detail findings in Zoning Report: Connecticut, which documents current zoning conditions across the state, in key metro areas, and around train and CTfastrak stations.

The updated Zoning Atlas will be available in early November, so stay tuned and be sure to join us for this insightful conversation!

📅 CAHC 2026 | November 16–17
💻 Virtual & Free thanks to our generous sponsors!

🔗 Register today: https://heyor.ca/XeLYKJ

10/09/2026

“We cannot keep talking about affordability while forgetting the people living through it.”

In a new CT Mirror op-ed, Tyler Mack of the Connecticut Project Action Fund calls for a renter’s affordability agenda in Connecticut, including a renter’s tax credit, just cause eviction protections, and action on excessive security deposits.

Read the full op-ed: https://ctmirror.org/2026/10/07/government-must-deliver-for-renters/

Campaign rhetoric on affordability feels out of touch is because most politicians are ignoring the needs of renters.

10/08/2026

A new analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts examines how the nation’s estimated 4 million to 7 million home shortage has driven rents above historical norms and contributed to poverty.

Connecticut is one of the top ten states where the greatest share of poverty is attributable to high housing costs.

The analysis also highlights growing evidence that policies that lower rents and increase housing supply, including changes to zoning, building codes, and permitting, can help lower housing costs and benefit low-income households.

Read the full analysis from Pew Research: https://heyor.ca/Pmgtv7

Housing costs are usually the largest item in a household’s budget and can determine a family’s financial stability.

10/07/2026

What does the housing crisis mean for young adults trying to build a life?

In his new report, “The ‘Forgotten’ Generation,” Research Associate Saquan Taylor explores how housing affordability and limited housing options are shaping young adults’ ability to live independently, form relationships, build community, and plan for the future.

Drawing on research, interviews, and a survey of young adults, the report looks beyond the cost of housing to examine how housing instability can affect some of the most important parts of early adulthood.

Read the full report: https://pschousing.org/the-forgotten-generation/

10/01/2026

CAHC Keynote Highlight ✨

What does it take to move from agreement that we are experiencing a housing crisis to a shared strategy for solving it?

On Tuesday November 17, leaders from Rhode Island, California, Michigan and beyond will share how their states have moved from developing statewide housing roadmaps to putting them into action. They’ll discuss the choices they made, challenges they encountered, partnerships they built, and policy progress they’ve achieved along the way.

As Connecticut considers what comes next, these experiences can offer valuable lessons about turning a shared vision into sustained action and building the partnerships needed to keep progress moving forward.

Join us for this important conversation at CAHC 2026. Register today!

https://heyor.ca/XeLYKJ

Housing California
Michigan State Housing Development Authority

09/29/2026

Applications are open for the next cohort of the Partnership’s Research Associates Program!

The program engages BIPOC writers and researchers to produce original research and policy materials on affordable housing, community development, and housing insecurity in Connecticut.

Research Associates receive $25/hour, plus opportunities to publish and present their work. Graduate and upper-level undergraduate students, as well as early-career researchers, are encouraged to apply.

Priority deadline: October 30, 2026.

Learn more and apply by emailing [email protected] with your resume, writing sample, and cover letter.

https://heyor.ca/IQAwmG

09/25/2026

🏠 Meet Research Intern, Nicholas Lanese!

Nick is a Political Science student at Western Connecticut State University and is spending his internship with The Partnership examining who participates in local conversations about housing.

His research looks at who shows up to planning and zoning commission meetings across Connecticut when housing is on the agenda, including how attendees engage with current housing initiatives.

Read Nick's blog: https://heyor.ca/JrDol5

09/24/2026

Our Partnership team recently spent a day giving back with Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation. 💙

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and support organizations doing important work to provide safe, stable housing and services in our community.

Want to get involved? Learn more about ways to support My Sisters’ Place and Mercy Housing: mercyhousingct.org