Bronin wants $47M in federal stimulus aid to fund Hartford’s economic development efforts
Photo | HBJ File
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said Monday that he will seek to spend about 40% of the estimated $117 million the Capital City could receive from the recently passed American Rescue Plan to fund economic and community development efforts.
In a statement released alongside his proposed $584 million city budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, Bronin put forward a three-year allocation plan governing how the federal aid would be divided up and put to use.
The largest single share, amounting to $47.3 million, would go toward stimulating economic development and growth in Hartford, including funding “key neighborhood investments” and supporting public-private partnerships, such as those overseen by the Capital Region Development Authority.
The plan also sets aside $15.3 million for business support and activation, and $9.5 million for critical infrastructure, including investments in water and sewer systems and the city’s flood control system.
Bronin said he sees the federal dollars as an opportunity to make “investments to lift up our entire community.” He cautioned against using the money to fill gaps in Hartford’s budget or increase spending in ways the city’s tax base will not be able to maintain.
According to the mayor, funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan must be spent by Dec. 31, 2024.
The allocation plan must be approved by the city council before it can take effect.
Bronin’s recommended budget, also released Monday, represents a 2.85% increase from the current-year budget of $567.8 million.
The mayor said his budget prioritizes basic city services, including public safety and core public works functions. It is balanced, he added, does not rely on any one-time revenues, and does not increase the city’s mill rate.
The proposed spending plan is also subject to the City Council’s approval.
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