2013 IForums

 

The Innovation Imperative

The Great Recession has wounded Connecticut’s state budget, its communities and its families.  Solutions are needed – now, and for a sustainable, long-term recovery.   States and communities that emerge from recession soonest will recognize the opportunities in a quickly changing economy and housing market.  We can redevelop our cities, rebalance our housing supply, make our aging population secure, attract a new young professional class of workers, and narrow our wage and wealth disparities.

New solutions – innovative, clever ideas – already exist.  Energy-efficient housing design.  Creative ways to reach hard-to-serve clients.  Mixed-income housing and thoughtful “placemaking” to get the most impact from Connecticut’s new and existing transit lines.  Mixed-use development as a cornerstone of vibrant town centers.

Connecticut can do this. IForums2013 will be both a reality check and a springboard to the innovative state Connecticut can be.  The six-part series of forums will assemble expertise and creativity to answer vexing questions:  How can we compete for residents and economic opportunities?  How can we save scarce public resources by solving nagging public problems?  How can we ensure that all state residents benefit – and keep income, education and health disparities from growing wider?

IForums2013 will bring an array of thoughtful policymakers and experienced practitioners to infuse the two-hour sessions with new, but proven, solutions.  Mark your calendars, save the dates and watch for further information here.

  • Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - click here for a recap of the event
    What Makes a Strong Community?
    Keynote: Kaid Benfield - Natural Resources Defense Council, author for The Atlantic
     
  • Friday, March 22, 2013 - click here for a recap of the event
    Mixing Uses, Income, Vitality:
    Case Studies From Neighboring States
  • Thursday, April 11, 2013 - click here for a recap of the event.
    The Peril and the Potential:
    How the New Housing Market Could Affect Towns,
    Residents and Revenue-Raising
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - click here for more information
    Health Care, Housing & Homelessness: Target.Connect.Save.
    Keynote: Dr. James O’Connell, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program
    This event is at capacity. If you are interested in attending and have not yet registered, please contact us to be placed on the waitlist.
  • New Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - click here for more information
    Creating Pathways To Economic Security for Those Who Are Homeless
    Tremendous work is being done to integrate systems addressing homelessness and economic security. Join us as we hear from innovators who are demonstrating that with the right supports, people with substantial needs can be secure and productive.
    Introduction: Commissioner Sharon Palmer, State of CT Dept. of Labor
    Keynote Speakers: Jennifer Keeling, Director of Policy, Chicago Jobs Council, and John Rio, Senior Research Associate, Advocates for Human Potential

All IForums*:

  • 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Conversation, coffee
  • 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Program

The Lyceum. 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford, CT (Click here for directions).

Click here for a flyer of all 2013 IForums.
Click here to learn more about the IForum Series.

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                Thanks to the following for their support: