Leonardo Ghio

The meeting addressed several key areas including updates on the CAMA/GIS Grant, a potential lease of additional office space at EdAdvance, and coordination regarding Regional and local POCD data needs. The board interviewed candidates for the Regional Planner position. The Legislative Committee reviewed and approved the 2026 NHCOG Legislative Policy Agenda, emphasizing the importance of ECS funding, and discussed local tax considerations like the 1% food and beverage tax and homestead tax exemption. Administrative items included the approval of previous meeting minutes and the monthly financial statement, noting zero findings on the FY25 Audit. Economic Development discussions involved updates on regional housing legislation, the PROMISE Program workshops, authorization to engage CT Main Street Center for downtown inventories, and funding approval for the Discover Litchfield Hills consulting work. Transportation planning updates covered the Safe Streets for All Grant application status and reviews of RFPs for bus stop amenities and AI road management tools. The Rural Health Resources section detailed the HRSA update, including a new peer-support initiative, and outlined the expected sustained funding for the Regional Community Health Navigator project under the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The primary focus of the meeting was the preparation for the FY26-27 Annual Member Dues review and recommendation to the full NHCOG board. Discussion included a 15-year snapshot showing dues have been flat despite cumulative inflation, and a review of the FY2026-2027 Estimated Operating Budget showing significant increases in operating costs driven primarily by staffing increases and benefits. Member value and return on investment were discussed, focusing on grant matching opportunities. Options for the board consideration included holding the rate flat, an inflation-adjusted rate, or a phased-in adjustment. The committee also addressed workshop discussions from prior meetings concerning PA25-1 funding for Affordable Housing and MSW/MS4-Floodplain initiatives, including staffing proposals for a housing planner, a strategic advisor, and a recycling coordinator, with a consensus to move these matters to the full board.

The meeting convened with introductions and a summary of the Legislative Committee's positions, followed by focus sessions on regional priorities moderated by staff. Key topics discussed under Transportation & Infrastructure included establishing sustainable, inflation-responsive transit funding, strengthening rural transit access through micro-transit expansion, reforming the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP), reforming the Municipal Grant Program (MGP) to allow fund rollovers, and addressing road and culvert failures. The Public Safety session covered resident state trooper program costs, fire and EMS sustainability, and speeding enforcement. Discussions on Education & Municipal Finance focused on reforming the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR), strengthening special education funding oversight, and addressing tax relief for veterans and homesteads. Finally, Economic Development considerations involved incentivizing rural business development and addressing regulatory burdens.

The meeting included a continued workshop focusing on providing direction for PA25-1 funding related to Affordable Housing and MSW/MS4-Floodplain initiatives in preparation for the FY26-27 budget. The committee reviewed a revised proposal and discussed the necessity of submitting a supplemental RSG work plan to OPM to secure up to $400,000 before the end of the fiscal year, specifically for housing diversity and MSW/MS4 initiatives. A staffing proposal was presented, suggesting roles such as a housing planner and a strategic advisor to support state-mandated regional housing growth plan requirements across 21 municipalities. Concerns were raised regarding the qualifications and long-term funding stability of these proposed positions. The consensus was to advance this matter to the full board for consideration during a Special Meeting the following week to facilitate the timely submission of the supplemental RSG workplan to OPM. No motions or decisions were made during this session.

The primary business involved a discussion and subsequent approval of a motion to amend the FY25-26 budget by authorizing the Executive Director to accept $200,000 in supplemental Regional Services Grant (RSG) funding for housing initiatives under Public Act 25-1. Key discussion points included allocating $100,000 for affordable housing work and $100,000 for MSW work, all to be expended by June 30th without requiring a local match or dues increase. The board also discussed staffing needs, specifically a regional planner or housing specialist position, and the potential cost-effectiveness of hiring a full-time employee versus using contractors. Furthermore, they reviewed the need for increased office space, with an option to expand to the entire third floor of the current building, which would be detailed further at the next meeting.