Connecticut Senate Bill SB00550

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Community Investment Boards And Neighborhood Assistance.

Impact

By requiring the establishment of community investment boards, SB00550 seeks to enhance local governance and participation in decision-making processes regarding the use of municipal funds. This can lead to more tailored and effective solutions for urban challenges, as the boards will have local representatives who understand community-specific issues and needs. The bill also mandates the Office of Policy and Management to accept and pilot proposals that address problems within urban areas, which may demonstrate promising solutions for wider implementation throughout the state.

Summary

SB00550, also known as 'An Act Concerning Community Investment Boards and Neighborhood Assistance,' proposes significant amendments to the general statutes aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of community investment initiatives in urban municipalities. The bill mandates certain municipalities to form community investment boards tasked with identifying priorities for the allocation of municipal revenue-sharing grants. These boards will also select grants meant for payments in lieu of taxes, helping to streamline funding and resources directed towards community improvement efforts.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB00550 could relate to the potential for disparities in how community investment boards are formed and how priorities are determined. While the bill aims to empower municipalities, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of representation on these boards and whether they will truly reflect the diverse interests of urban populations. Additionally, establishing pilot programs could lead to differing levels of resource allocation across municipalities, raising questions about equity in urban development efforts. The bill also calls for a task force to study issues concerning nonprofit providers, which may highlight existing challenges in collaboration and support within the context of community investment initiatives.