Trainings & Events

Across the state, racial disparities in traffic stops remain a key point of strain between communities and law enforcement. Ken Barone of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3), alongside a panel of law enforcement and community leaders, will explore what it takes to build trust in data. They will examine why skepticism exists, how transparency about data’s limitations matters, and why shared ownership of the work is crucial. Learn about CTRP3 and its efforts to advance accountability and trust through openness.
 

The Hixon Center is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 Speaker Series on Sustainable Transportation. Webinars will take place on Tuesdays from September 9 to November 11, from 12:00-1:00pm U.S. ET. Join us for a ten-part weekly lecture series on Sustainable Transportation, exploring forward-thinking solutions in response to climate change, rapid urbanization, and growing global mobility. Experts will share practical insights and real-world examples from across the globe, shedding light on policies and innovations for a more sustainable, connected world. Visit hixon.yale.edu/event-series/sustainable-transportation to see a full list of upcoming speakers. All lectures are free and open to the public. Recordings of each session will be available on the event page by the following Tuesday.
 

Please join CEEJAC's Energy & Technology Subcommittee for a much-requested meeting about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). CT is one of eleven states who participate in this cooperative, market-based effort to reduce CO2 emissions in the power sector. You may have also heard of RGGI through the funding the program has provided for programs like CHEAPR and UConn CIRCA's Climate & Equity Grant Program. Please join CEEJAC to hear from DEEP staff and Acadia Center about why a cap and invest program was developed, how CT is involved, and the impact in our state.

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact DEEP at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program or event.
 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is excited to launch a four-part webinar series for the Coastal Inundation Community of Practice designed to help you make the most of the Quick Views in NOAA's Sea Level Calculator. The Sea Level Calculator uses Quick Views to present curated sets of data and interactive visualizations that focus on different dimensions of coastal inundation and sea level rise.

Each session focuses on one of the quick views and offers:

• Guided demonstration 
• Hands-on scenarios
• Interactive polls
• Opportunities to ask the developers your questions

Webinar # 1: Observed Sea Level Trends and Future Sea Levels Quick Views

Date: August 20, 2025

Time: 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. ET

Webinar # 2: Seasonal Variation Quick View

Date: September 3, 2025

Time: 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. ET

Webinar # 3: Changes in Flood Frequency Quick View 

Date: September 17, 2025 

Time: 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. ET

Webinar #4: Extreme Water Levels Quick View

Date: October 1, 2025  

Time: 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. ET / 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. PT

Please note that the first half of each webinar will be recorded. Attendees are required to acknowledge the privacy statements from NOAA's Office for Coastal Management which is viewable here. The Q&A portion will not be recorded.

NOAA hopes you can join for one—or all four—of these engaging sessions! Please email [email protected] if you have questions.
 

This is a 2-part workshop. Artists are asked to attend both sessions.

Working on an artistic endeavor, event, or production and not sure where to start? Get an introduction into the basic building blocks of planning, executing, and monitoring a project, no matter the size. Ana Tinajero is an award-winning Afro-Latin dance artist, entrepreneur, and performing arts curator who loves engineering spaces for community connection through the arts. In this workshop, she will cover the fundamentals of crafting a blueprint for success:  

PART 1: BUILDING THE PLAN — Define goals and scope with finite and clear deliverables. Draft a timeline and budget to help allocate resources and identify those needed. Choose a framework of guiding principles for executing a plan that resonates with your artistic practice and creative needs.

PART 2: EXECUTION & REFLECTION — Develop systems and processes to help manage and monitor budget and team workflow. Establish parameters of success, analyze results and evaluate impact. Identify practices for nourishment tailored to you and any collaborators.

This online workshop will involve lecture, small group and partner conversation, solo exercise prompts during the workshop and take-home assignments.

Suitable to artists of all disciplines. 30 participants max.
 

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) recently established a new Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle (MHD EV) Five-Year Program, introducing new incentives and regulations to help accelerate vehicle electrification across Connecticut. This webinar, presented by Clean Transportation Communities of Southern Connecticut in partnership with the CT Green Bank, will focus on the implications of this decision for school districts as they plan their fleet conversions and the resources available to help them along the way
 

Join the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), Sustainable CT, Eversource, and United Illuminating for a webinar on energy efficiency programs that will help your house of worship reduce energy usage and costs. The Small Business Energy Advantage and Micro Business Energy Advantage Program are great for congregations who would like to improve the efficiency of their buildings.

Houses of worship, like many small businesses, don’t have the time, financial resources, or in-house expertise necessary to analyze and reduce their energy usage. Energize CT can help. Utility-authorized contractors will perform a no-cost, no-obligation audit that includes lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems. They'll provide a customized recommendation that shows how much energy and money could be save by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. There are incentives and low-interest, on-bill payment plans available to help pay for upgrades.

Our presenters will be Ricky Rosa from United Illuminating and Allen Lungren from Eversource.

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Safer, Smarter, Sustainable Foodware: Why Schools Are Moving to Reusables Join START Sustainable Schools for this FREE Webinar!

Featuring:

• Dr. Manasa Mantravadi: Pediatrician, founder of Ahimsa and the Conscious Cafeteria Project.
• Ben Schleiffer: EDC Food Coordinator at the Center for Environmental Health, lead author of the Ditching Disposables Toolkit.

Every school day, millions of single-use trays, cups, and utensils end up in the trash. The result? Higher costs for schools, health risks for students, and long-term damage to our environment.

This free webinar will cover:

• The Critical Health Reasons for Switching – why single-use foodware poses risks, and how reusables protect children’s health.
• Case Study Schools – real-world examples of schools making the shift successfully.
• Financial Savings – how reusables save money over time.
• Logistical Considerations – practical steps and solutions for implementation.

Join the Yale School of the Environment for a day of dialogue on how public art can drive climate action and help us reimagine our urban spaces. This interdisciplinary gathering will bring together artists, planners, and environmental leaders to examine the power of creative expression in shaping more inclusive and climate-resilient communities. The morning workshop will feature a presentations on inspiring mural projects, followed by a panel of experts in urban design, climate science, and public art. The afternoon will include a downtown mural tour and close with an exhibition + reception at 63 Audubon Street. Come ready to connect, learn, and collaborate!
 

Join Third Act Connecticut for a "big tent" Sun Day gathering in central CT with speakers, music, the arts, activities for all ages, exhibitors, an EV demonstration and a great hopeful spirit. Participants will gather both outdoors and indoors to celebrate the many towns and cities that came together with Sun Day events across CT the day before!

SunDay is a global day of action on September 21st, 2025, celebrating the unstoppable rise of clean energy. We’ll come together to showcase the power of the sun and wind, the energy sources that can power our world without pollution.
 

Join Clean Transportation Communities of Southern Connecticut at The Learning Corridor on The Farmington Canal on Sunday, September 21st, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for a free electric vehicle and e-bike ride-and-drive event. Test drive a variety of EV models, take an e-bike for a spin, learn about new affordable and convenient ride/bike share programs, and chat with EV owners and experts about what it’s like to go electric.

Enjoy free food and family-friendly activities, enter raffles for a chance to win great prizes (including an e-bike!) , and connect with the community.

Come celebrate Sun Day and discover how fun and easy clean transportation can be!
 

Join the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) for a public quarterly meeting. The council will hear reports from subcommittees (Waste, Water, Land, Energy, and Air) as well as engage in a discussion on an environmental justice topic. Comments from the public are welcome at the beginning of the meeting. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
 

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and the Connecticut Department of Housing are hosting a Housing Coffee Hour webinar, "Updating Your Municipal Affordable Housing Appeals List," on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. The session will cover CGS Sec. 8-30g reporting requirements and showcase best practices from two municipalities to help ensdure towns submit up-to-date data to DOH. AICP planners can earn 0.5 CM credits. Please register using the link below!
 

Join the Connecticut Green Bank as they provide updates on programs and solutions for homes, buildings, communities, and investments. Topics will include the Fleet Electrification Accelerator, Energy Storage Solutions, C-PACE, Smart-E, and more.
 

If you're a Connecticut resident, you have likely heard of Willimantic. But did you know that Willimantic isn't officially a "Town" but is part of the "Town" of Windham?

This and other idiosyncrasies may make finding data about a place you're interested tricky.

But have no fear! David Kraiker, Data Dissemination & GIS Specialist with the US Census Bureau is here to help!

In this webinar, David will explain how the Census Bureau categorizes different kinds of places in Connecticut, and shows you how to access these places through data.census.gov, the Census Bureau's data portal.
 

In this first installment of a three-part webinar, UConn CLEAR and Speakers Alfredo Herrera, CT GIS Office and DeAva Lambert, CT DEEP, will be talking about the efforts and activities that the State of Connecticut is conducting and participating in the realm of hydrography and flood mapping. They will cover the base datasets available and the ways in which the state makes use of them. The two following webinars, held on Oct 23rd and Nov 13, will delve further into specific topics and activities related to all things water and hydrography.
 

As nonprofits face funding cuts and rising expenses, it is more crucial than ever to have access to accurate data that helps us manage our resources and meet the growing needs in our communities. As the availability and reliability of federal data becomes unpredictable, nonprofit and public sector professionals must think creatively about how to navigate this changing landscape and find partnerships that can help us maximize the resources available.

Join CTData for a 90-minute in-person event designed to foster connections, share resources, and highlight reliable state data.

During this event, you will hear from state agency leaders about the data they are working to make available, including updates on ongoing projects and information about data sources you may not have considered. We will also discuss changes at the federal level and how they may affect data availability in the future. Then, participate in small group discussions to share challenges and brainstorm solutions for filling data gaps in your community. We’ll conclude with dedicated networking time to build relationships and strengthen our data community.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, data professional, or simply passionate about evidence-based social change, you’ll gain new insights, valuable resources, and stronger connections. Let’s create a more resilient, informed, and connected data ecosystem.

Speakers:

• Scott Gaul, Connecticut Chief Data Offier, Office of Policy and Management
• Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of CT Students for a Dream
• Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director of CTData Collaborative

Governor Lamont is hosting Connecticut’s second annual Sustainability and Resiliency Week! Join in on the fun starting September 28 to October 4, 2025, for events that celebrate the work across Connecticut that protects our economy, natural resources, and our communities.

Each day will feature virtual, hybrid, and in-person events hosted by partners from across the state. We hope you can join in the celebration!
 

This is an electric vehicle ride and drive event in the parking lot of the zero-emission Hotel Marcel in the Long Wharf area of New Haven. Multiple makes of vehicles will be available to test drive. Food will be available for sale. Last year's event attracted over 200 people. EV Club leadership will be present to discuss the latest in EV developments.

The following manufacturers or dealerships are bringing vehicles.

• Lucid
• Kia
• Vinfast
• Tesla
• Hyundai

Sustainable CT will be joined by staff from Senator Chris Murphy's office for an update on the federal landscape related to sustainability and climate change initiatives. Senator Murphy has a 97% lifetime approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters. He has authored, sponsored or co-sponsored major environmental legislation including the Super Pollutants Act focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar seeks to make a clear-eyed assessment of the state of our environmental union and find a positive way forward.
 

Join the Connecticut Green Bank for their semi-annual webinar providing critical updates on environmental infrastructure programs and financing opportunities. This session is designed for stakeholders across all environmental infrastructure sectors (water, waste and recycling, parks and recreation, land conservation, agriculture, climate adaptation and resilience, and environmental markets).

The Connecticut Green Bank will cover the Environmental Infrastructure program’s evolution, recent developments, policy changes that drive financing opportunities, and highlight active projects. Attendees will gain valuable insights into application timelines, eligibility criteria, and strategies to optimize financing. This webinar is also an excellent opportunity to engage directly with program administrators and ask questions relevant to your community or project.
 

Nonprofits are increasingly concerned about how sensitive government and federal data are accessed, and how this may violate laws and regulations while undermining the trust people place in organizations when seeking critical services. How can we provide services without risking people's safety when sharing sensitive information?

Building on the Quick Improvements to Data Privacy tip sheet, Dr. Eric Giannella of the Massive Data Institute will share practical safeguards to protect sensitive data without requiring new technology. He will outline steps for assessing whether certain personal data can be stored separately or made less sensitive while still meeting mission needs, and methods for deciding whether to retain or delete sensitive information to balance program effectiveness with privacy protection.

This webinar will be especially helpful for executive directors and program managers, but it will also benefit anyone who manages client data and needs practical solutions they can share with colleagues. Register here.
 

Placemaking goes beyond beautification —it is a process that fosters connection and community activation. Join us in New Haven on Wednesday, October 8th for a dynamic summit that explores how placemaking can reflect a community’s unique geography, cultural identity, and history—while driving pride, investment, and growth.

Why Attend?

• Hear from Fred Kent, founder of the global placemaking movement, as he shares his insights and actionable strategies for transforming main streets into vibrant, people-centered places.


• Explore real-world case studies from downtowns across Connecticut that demonstrate how municipalities and stakeholders are successfully implementing community-led placemaking.


• Engage with New Haven leaders in a live panel discussion showcasing impactful local initiatives and lessons learned.


• Connect with decision makers and doers— main street professionals, planners, city officials, economic developers, arts & culture professionals, and entrepreneurs—who are shaping the future of Connecticut’s downtowns.

Whether you’re looking to spark reinvestment, strengthen local identity, or activate underused public spaces, you will leave this summit with the inspiration and practical tools to make it happen!
 

Please join Rebekah Fraser’s Trash to Fashion programming. Learn from her ongoing dedication to using less, reusing more with concrete and accessible ways to achieve it.

Fraser (artist, writer, activist and educator) has spent years creating wearable garments and accessories out of items such as plastic wrappers, torn ‘beyond use’ clothing, and even glass (seen as a decorative element in her skirt to the left.)

If you want to help make our environment safe but don’t know where to start, learn how to upcycle with flair to refashion our environment at the Trash to Fashion Workshop, led by Fraser and other fashion designers. Whether wild, ridiculous, or glamorous, wear your creation at the Trash to Fashion Ball immediately following the workshop.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

SWAC membership is open to all. Meetings held in an open stakeholder forum.

For more information or agenda: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/waste-management-and-disposal/solid-waste-management-plan/state-solid-waste-advisory-committee-information-and-schedule
 

Save the Date!

We'll be honoring all of our 2025 certified towns and a brand new cohort of Climate Leaders at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam on Tuesday, October 28, from 4-7 p.m.

The Goodspeed opened its doors as a professional musical theatre in 1963 in an historic building on the banks of the Connecticut River in East Haddam. This exceptional venue has hosted over 250 musicals, including over 70 world premieres, and has exported 21 productions to Broadway.

Please do save the date to hit the high notes with us. Better yet, REGISTER EARLY because - you guessed it - space is limited. Your hard work and continuing support are of vital importance to us, so we hope to see you on October 28th!

Sponsorship Opportunities are Available!

Join us in working for a better Connecticut. By sponsoring our 2025 Awards Celebration, you'll be aligned with our reputation as a trusted and valuable support program for municipal leaders and an innovative thought-leader in building thriving, sustainable communities. Don't wait: contact Jessica LeClair, 860-259-4767, to discuss options and details.
 

Join the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for an exciting day of presentations featuring current science-based research and information on supporting pollinators in managed landscapes. Learn how native plants support pollinator health throughout the year!

This program is designed for growers and other green industry professionals, landscape service providers, landscape architects and designers, town commissions, municipalities, and home gardeners.

Session topics:

Who are Connecticut’s Specialist Bees: Tracy Zarillo MS., Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Come learn about Connecticut’s specialist bees and the plants they need, as well as other common bees to watch for in the yard. 

Soil Microbial Allies in Managed Systems: Mia Maltz, PhD., Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut
This presentation will highlight suburban soil ecology and how it impacts native plant and pollinator health. 

Knockout Natives: Sam Hoadley, Mt. Cuba Center Botanic Garden
Top performers and favorites of Phlox, Echinacea, wild hydrangea, Carex, Amsonia, and Vernonia from Mt. Cuba Center’s research trials will be discussed.

Seeing Nature: Andrew Brand, MS., Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
Draw gardening inspiration from images of plant and pollinator interactions captured beautifully and like you’ve never seen before.

Native Landscape Plants with Local Roots: Jessica Lubell-Brand, PhD., Professor, University of Connecticut
Native shrub selections that were discovered in and originate from New England will be covered

REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION: s.uconn.edu/nppc2025

• Early Registration (by October 15): $70
• Regular Registration (after October 15): $80
• College/University Matriculated Students: $25

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation is hosting a one-day conference at the Branford House at UConn Avery Point in Groton. Please join to work toward a more Resilient Connecticut! Register for the event HERE, registration closes November 3. Agenda to follow.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Connecticut’s data community faces new challenges and opportunities as access to critical information grows more complex and essential to our work. This year’s sudden loss of federal datasets (which were ultimately restored) underscored the urgent need for a strong and connected data ecosystem in Connecticut.

For this year's conference, CTData will focus on the theme of Data for Democracy. Bringing together more than 250 nonprofit and public sector leaders, data professionals, and advocates, we will strengthen our collective ability to use data for good.

Join CTData on December 3rd at the Hartford Marriott Downtown for a day of expert insights, hands-on learning, and networking with peers who share your commitment to ethical, transparent, and impactful data use.

This year’s event comes at a pivotal moment for our state and features keynote speaker Dr. Ismar Volić, Director of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy, and author of “Making Democracy Count: How Mathematics Improves Voting, Electoral Maps, and Representation.” As an attendee you will:

• Gain practical skills through sessions such as Data Tools 101 and 202.

• Explore participatory strategies to authentically engage people with lived experience.

• Learn actionable frameworks like “before action reviews” and “in action reviews.”

• Connect with a vibrant professional community committed to advancing ethical data practices.

• Share solutions and advocate for the data that drives our missions and supports strong communities.

This is a paid in-person event.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.