Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST)

05/06/2026

Flag on the Play - Property Tax Relief in Question

The Connecticut General Assembly approved a $28.1 billion state budget which increases municipal aid by $283 million. The budget was widely touted by Governor Ned Lamont and lawmakers as a way to provide residents and businesses with much-needed property tax relief.

However, the bill includes language that calls into question whether the additional funding could be used to reduce mil rates.

Contact your legislators NOW and urge them to fix the budget to allow towns to reduce property taxes!

The Connecticut General Assembly 2018 Regular Session convened February 7th and adjourns May 9th

04/27/2026

COST Board members Matt Hoey, 1st Selectman of Guilford, and Peggy Maloney Lyons, 1st Selectman of Madison, attended today’s press conference in support of funding to continue CTDOT’s Microtransit Program which connects residents to transportation to access jobs, healthcare, and essential services.

04/18/2026

Connecticut's Time to Own program gives first-time homebuyers up to $25K. Here’s how it works https://ctinsider.com/realestate/article/ct-first-time-homebuyers-chfa-time-to-own-22087736.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral via

With the cost of buying prohibitive for some, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority can put homes within reach through forgivable loans.

04/18/2026

Since 2024, Connecticut microtransit services have provided over 375,000 rides, connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, and essential services. Unfortunately, without a proposed $10.5M funding extension, over 10,000 riders across 15 zones could lose access to these services. We’re calling on Governor Lamont and state leaders to protect these services and the thousands of CT families they support.
📍 Read our full letter and support the extension here:

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

03/14/2026

Make your voice heard! Weigh in on bills to give towns a stronger voice regarding the siting of grid-scale renewable energy projects!

03/14/2026

Despite recent adoption of a sweeping housing bill that will impose significant planning and zoning requirements on towns, the legislature’s Housing and Planning & Development Committees have approved bills to impose additional one size fits all zoning mandates on towns. Let your legislators know how this will affect your community.

02/28/2026

Congratulations State Representative Jaime Foster and our other Town Crier Award recipients! Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of the state’s small
Towns!

02/08/2026

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2026/02/06/connecticuts-small-towns-press-lawmakers-for-relief-at-costs-annual-meeting/

At the Connecticut Council of Small Towns’ annual Town Meeting last week, municipal leaders from across the state delivered a blunt message: the cost of running local government is rising faster than small towns can sustain.

01/30/2026

Thanks so much for exhibiting CSG Construction Solutions Group!

CSG is excited to attend the 51st Annual Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) Meeting this Wednesday, January 28th.

We’re excited to connect with fellow industry professionals and public-sector leaders across Connecticut. From public schools to community centers, public parks, and municipal facilities, CSG is proud to support projects that strengthen communities statewide. If you’ll be there, be sure to say hello—we’d love to connect!

01/30/2026

Halloran Sage has been a longtime sponsor and exhibitor at COST events. Attendees appreciate their expertise on a wide range of municipal issues!

Halloran Sage was proud to sponsor the 2026 Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) Town Meeting this week. Attorneys Rich Roberts, Mike Collins, and Mark Branse joined to connect with Connecticut's municipal leaders, discuss important state updates, and welcome newly elected mayors and first selectmen.

Congratulations to the Town Crier honorees, Senator Jeff Gordon and State Representative Tony Scott, and COST's newly appointed officers and directors including President Mary Calorio. We look forward to seeing you more in 2026!