Open Communities Alliance

08/14/2026

For generations, America has been defined by the freedom to move in search of greater opportunity. In Stuck, writer Yoni Appelbaum argues that this mobility — the engine of the American Dream — has been steadily undermined by housing shortages, restrictive land-use policies, and rising costs that prevent millions of Americans from living where opportunity exists.

This six-session learning series explores the themes of Stuck while connecting them to affordable housing, economic mobility, and community development. Through discussion, multimedia resources, local case studies, and interactive exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the housing challenges facing their communities and identify practical ways to create more inclusive places to live.

Learn more and register! https://www.ctoca.org/book_club

07/30/2026

OCA is looking for fair housing testers, to assess whether fair housing laws are being followed in Connecticut. Our next information session will be held on November 17. This session will cover how to become a tester, what the work entails, and why it’s so important for our state. We’re looking for people who are dependable, impartial, able to work independently, and have a few hours of flexibility during business hours.

This is your opportunity to take a front-line role in ensuring that housing is open and fair for everyone in our state. Sign up for the information session here: https://www.ctoca.org/become_a_fair_housing_tester

07/27/2026

Important findings about the NJ zoning reform process: clear *state* guidelines & enforcement paired with municipal control over *how and where* affordable housing is located is what works.

By requiring every municipality to create its fair share of affordable homes, the Garden State offers a compelling model for other states to build on.

07/24/2026

“These fair housing laws are on the books, but they don’t mean anything if there’s no one to enforce them.”

Read about how organizations around the country are fighting to ensure that violations of fair housing laws are investigated and that our laws are enforced.

A shift in grant requirements would curtail fair housing investigations, according to a new lawsuit.

07/13/2026

State Sen. Martin Looney, one of Connecticut's true champions of equal opportunity for every person in this state, has some important words to say in this vital op-ed.

"When communities use zoning to keep out multifamily and affordable housing that working families can actually afford, they are also deciding in advance who will attend their schools. Integrated classrooms cannot happen in towns that refuse to integrate neighborhoods.

" ... We have made incremental progress on housing in recent sessions, often over fierce local resistance, and that same resistance produces the school numbers in this report."

Sen. Looney's leadership will be deeply missed as he moves into retirement this year.

An honest assessment, and the one a new report confirms, is that the approaches CT has relied on to end segregation in schools have not been enough.

06/23/2026

Housing and schools are closely linked in Connecticut. This report is another indication of how much work there is to be done.

The report came as little surprise to state education leaders, who cited widespread opposition to regionalization as a key obstacle.

06/19/2026

As we celebrate victories in dismantling the instruments of segregation, we recognize the work ahead to ensure full housing choice and fully resourced communities everywhere.

06/08/2026

An excellent report from CT Public on "Keys, Not Barriers," our comprehensive look at voucher programs in the state and how they're working (and not working) for Connecticut residents.

Families who rely on state or federal housing vouchers are often forced to live in racially segregated areas. That’s according to a new report of state and federal rental assistance programs.

05/28/2026

Join us today, May 28th from 2-4 PM ET for the release of our new report, “Keys, Not Barriers: Ensuring Connecticut Housing Voucher Families Can Access Homes of Their Choice.”

This important conversation will explore the data behind housing vouchers in Connecticut, including where voucher holders live, the barriers limiting neighborhood choice, and solutions to expand access to housing choice. The session will also cover emerging challenges, including funding shortfalls and restrictions on mixed-status households.

The discussion will be moderated by Karen Dubois-Walton of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and feature speakers from Open Communities Alliance, the Connecticut Department of Housing, Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven, the National Housing Law Project, and the Poverty and Race Research Action Council.

Register here: https://www.ctoca.org/keys_not_barriers

05/19/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 28th from 2-4 PM ET for the release of our new report, “Keys, Not Barriers: Ensuring Connecticut Housing Voucher Families Can Access Homes of Their Choice.”

This important conversation will explore the data behind housing vouchers in Connecticut, including where voucher holders live, the barriers limiting neighborhood choice, and solutions to expand access to housing choice. The session will also cover emerging challenges, including funding shortfalls and restrictions on mixed-status households.

The discussion will be moderated by Karen Dubois-Walton of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and feature speakers from Open Communities Alliance, the Connecticut Department of Housing, Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven, the National Housing Law Project, and the Poverty and Race Research Action Council.

Register here: https://www.ctoca.org/keys_not_barriers