Urban Act Grant Program

The Urban Act grant program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management and is designed to improve the quality of life for residents in economically distressed areas. This initiative targets municipalities designated as distressed, public investment communities, or urban centers as per Connecticut’s Plan of Conservation and Development. Funds from the Urban Act program support a wide variety of projects including economic and community development, transportation, housing, recreational development, solid waste disposal, public safety, and social services such as child care and shelters for domestic violence victims. The grant enables both municipal governments and organizations to implement initiatives that drive urban revitalization. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. In addition to designated towns, other municipalities may qualify if the State Bond Commission determines that their projects align with specified urban revitalization goals or focus on transit-oriented development. There is no formal application form. Instead, local officials or applicants must submit a letter directly to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, clearly describing the project and its intended outcomes. This informal submission process is ongoing, making the grant effectively rolling. While there are no specified deadlines or award amounts, recipients are subject to the State Single Audit Act if they expend $300,000 or more in state financial assistance within a fiscal year. The audit ensures that funds are used for allowable activities and costs, and agencies may impose additional reporting requirements. Each grant-making agency involved in the Urban Act program may use its own contract format. Interested applicants can request a copy of the relevant contract based on the agency their project aligns with. The state may also direct the proposal to the department most suited to oversee its implementation.