Trainings & Events

The MOVE New Haven Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project builds on previous efforts to identify and develop BRT service along key corridors in the CTtransit New Haven Division to improve service along the four most heavily ridden routes (212, 238, 243, and 265).

Building on the recommendations of the 2019 MOVE New Haven Transit Mobility Study, the project seeks to enhance the quality, reliability, and speed of bus service through the introduction of limited-stop, on-street BRT service while also improving the safety of all corridor users. This effort is supported by a $25 million federal RAISE grant and additional state funding, reflecting a commitment to improve bus service, infrastructure, safety, and accessibility.

The project includes dedicated bus lanes, as well as transit signal priority (TSP), upgraded signal equipment, and enhanced pedestrian safety measures. Improvements will also include BRT-branded stops with amenities, multimodal accessibility upgrades, and mobility hubs designed to facilitate transfers and accommodate electric bus charging at the end of each BRT line. These elements aim to deliver shorter travel times, improve schedule reliability, and create a safer, more accessible environment for all road users.

For public meeting dates on the BRT project, please see below:

• 1/28/26: Hall of Records, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT, Room G2 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/11/26: Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave, New Haven, CT 06519 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/11/26: Stetson Branch Library, 197 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/12/26: New Haven Green | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• 2/12/26: Fair Haven Branch Library, 182 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06513 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/12/26: Mitchell Branch Library, 37 Harrison St, New Haven, CT 06515 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/18/26: African American Society, 12 Manila Ave, Hamden, CT 06514 |  6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• 2/19/26: West Haven City Hall, 355 Main Street, West Haven, CT 06516  | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

As energy prices soar and load growth requires additional grid capacity, states need to unlock large-scale electricity investments that protect ratepayers from a growing affordability crisis. It’s critical that policymakers and advocates understand the policy tools at their disposal to keep transmission and clean energy investments affordable. One key tool is enabling and incentivizing alternative finance mechanisms, such as public funding models, to reduce total project costs as well as the costs passed on to ratepayers.

Climate XChange has invited a panel of experts to dive into recent state-level policy wins related to innovative financing mechanisms for investments in clean energy and the grid, highlighting California’s Senate Bill 254 and Alabama’s Senate Bill 304.
 

In this year's WestportREADS selection, All the Water In the World by Eiren Caffall, much of Manhattan is under water due to melting glaciers. Before real life follows fiction, there are ways we can reduce the chances of warming trends. Expanding on this concept is Executive Director of CIRCA (the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation) James O'Donnell, who will be at the library to share facts about the effects of climate change on the water levels of the Connecticut shoreline and Long Island Sound.
 

Join the Bradley Street Bike Co-Op for one of their most treasured traditions! Gather at the Co-Op, then the group will ride together down Orange St and up the paved road to the top of East Rock Park. Take in the view and get to know your new bike buddies over BYO coffee. Some folks will leave early to get to work, and others will linger and enjoy. Everyone rides at their own pace and no one will be left behind!
 

During the 1900 Paris Exposition, W. E. B. Du Bois displayed over 60 hand-drawn, color data visualizations to document the progress, education, and socioeconomic conditions of Black Americans following emancipation. A pioneer sociologist and data visualization designer, Du Bois used data to tell powerful and intentional stories that we can continue to learn from.

During this session, Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste will join to reflect on these visualizations through W.E.B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits (2018),the collection she co-edited. Participants will explore what Du Bois's data work teaches us about centering people in our data stories, using data as a tool for liberation and advocacy, and designing with a clear understanding of audience and purpose.
 

Guest speakers will cover energy efficiency and renewable energy options for CT farms. Presentations will include a focus on State & Federal incentives such as Energize CT, USDA REAP, USDA EQIP, Utility Incentives, and more followed by Q&A. Learn how your farm can start saving money with energy upgrades and producing on-farm energy. The workshops will be in-person and free to attend. If you need any special accommodations, please contact Christian at [email protected].
 

The CT Cultural District Program is a critical component in the State’s efforts to advance the Creative Economy. Join Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker from the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) CT Office of the Arts in this webinar which explores how aligning Cultural Districts with community goals can foster thriving, resilient places. Participants will learn how arts, culture, and creative economies strengthen social cohesion, support local identity, and contribute to economic and environmental resilience in Connecticut communities.

Cultural District Overview: Cultural Districts Overview

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.
 

In conjunction with Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), Pro Bono Partnership is pleased to offer this webinar to all nonprofits. Registration is free for NPW members and $25 for nonmembers.

This webinar, part of the Nonprofit Westchester “Mission Possible” series, will discuss lobbying and advocacy rules for 501©(3) organizations. Through expert-led sessions Mission Possible equips nonprofits with the knowledge and tools to strengthen their operations.

Presenter:

• Maurice Segall, Esq., Program Director, New York and Fairfield Program, Pro Bono Partnership

“People of the Sound” is the theme of this full day, in-person gathering hosted by the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF). The event will bring together tribal groups, organizations, institutions, and community members to discuss needs, environmental impacts, and community access along the Long Island Sound estuary, while identifying resources and opportunities for capacity building.
 

Interested in learning how to ease your town staff’s workload, standardize permit reviews, and increase inspection approval rates for residential solar permits? Join Third Act CT on Zoom for an introduction to SolarAPP+. In addition to a demonstration of this automated online permitting platform, Matt Hoey, First Selectman of Guilford, and Kimberly Norman-Rosedam, Guilford’s Chief Building Official, will share their experience using SolarAPP+ since 2023.

SolarAPP+ is a free, web-based tool that automates the municipal plan review and approval process for residential solar and energy storage systems. Developed with local building officials, inspectors, and industry experts, SolarAPP+ verifies applicable industry codes and standards, and municipal requirements, against permit applications to instantly validate safety and code compliance. By automating these routine reviews, SolarAPP+ saves staff time, reduces both contractor errors and back-and-forth reviews, and improves the customer experience through faster approvals. The tool easily integrates with existing permitting systems, or as a standalone addition, and includes free onboarding and ongoing support – so towns and cities can modernize their solar permitting process without adding staff or cost.

If you are unable to join on February 25, learn more and schedule a 1-on-1 assessment, prioritized for CT municipalities, with the SolarAPP Foundation team or attend a demo at another time: https://www.gosolarapp.org/landing-pages/solarapp-in-connecticut

This webinar is part of Third Act Connecticut’s Simplify Solar Campaign, in partnership with the non-profit SolarAPP Foundation.
 

During this hands-on workshop, we will focus on the principles of data visualization and apply them with free data visualization tools. By learning the principles of data visualization, you will be able to create simple, compelling charts that effectively convey insights you gain from data, no matter what tool you use.

By the end of this session, you will:

• Learn how to choose a chart based on what is most important in your analysis.
• Be able to make decisions about color and design to communicate your message.
• Be able to create graphs in free data visualization tools.
• Understand how much detail to show depending on your audience.

Please contact Jackie at [email protected] with any questions.
 

Guest speakers will cover energy efficiency and renewable energy options for CT farms. Presentations will include a focus on State & Federal incentives such as Energize CT, USDA REAP, USDA EQIP, Utility Incentives, and more followed by Q&A. Learn how your farm can start saving money with energy upgrades and producing on-farm energy. The workshops will be in-person and free to attend. If you need any special accommodations, please contact Christian at [email protected].
 

Are you interested in learning more about a new United States Geological Survey (USGS) Compound Flood Hazard Mapper tool? During each of these in-person workshops, you’ll hear from USGS staff about local compound flooding hazards and learn how you can use this new online tool for decision-making. Experts will walk through scenarios and provide time to explore, ask questions, and give feedback. These sessions are geared towards municipal/COG staff, planners, engineers, local decision-makers, and other impacted stakeholders.
 

Are you interested in learning more about a new United States Geological Survey (USGS) Compound Flood Hazard Mapper tool? During each of these in-person workshops, you’ll hear from USGS staff about local compound flooding hazards and learn how you can use this new online tool for decision-making. Experts will walk through scenarios and provide time to explore, ask questions, and give feedback. These sessions are geared towards municipal/COG staff, planners, engineers, local decision-makers, and other impacted stakeholders.
 

Join the CT Blue Economy Coalition for a statewide workshop focused on strengthening marine and maritime education. This event brings together K–12 educators, school leaders, marine science organizations, and businesses committed to growing marine literacy and supporting Connecticut’s Blue Economy. The workshop features panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with providers of marine and maritime experiential learning. Participants will leave with practical tools, resources, and strategies to enhance instruction and support workforce development.
 

The ability to tell captivating stories with your data isn’t just a plus, it’s a must-have skill that turns numbers into action. Whether you are trying to get your team on board with an idea, convince people to support a cause, or just want your presentations to stand out, knowing how to create a data story can make all the difference. However, transforming numbers into a cohesive story can be difficult and leave audiences with more questions than answers. This workshop offers a process to create clear and memorable data stories that guide readers toward action.

By the end of this session, attendees will:

• Understand the concept of a “data story” and its significance in communicating information effectively.
• Acquire a step-by-step process to craft data stories that are clear and compelling.
• Learn how to combine insights with visualizations, creating memorable data stories that inspire an audience to take action.

Please contact Jackie at [email protected] with any questions.
 

Most professionals have access to qualitative data that can help inform their work but may not even realize it. Even after discovering this data, it can be challenging to categorize it so we can gain valuable insights to inform our work. This workshop will provide you with guidelines and practices you can apply to analyze qualitative data and will provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you more confidently gather insights from your qualitative data.

By the end of this session, you will:

• Know what qualitative data are and where they come from.
• Learn how to prepare and manage qualitative data.
• Be able to analyze qualitative data.
• Know how to generate and compile insights from qualitative data analysis.

Please contact Jackie at [email protected] with any questions.
 

The 2026 Sustainable CT Virtual Equity Training Series is a free, practical, action-focused learning experience designed to help municipal leaders move from equity concepts to confident application in real time. Attendance at all three sessions is required.

Participants will work with scenario-based coaching and peer learning, using real challenges from their communities such as budgeting tradeoffs, policy revisions, resident engagement tension, and team dynamics. Anyone is welcome to register and participate.

Session One runs 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on March 11. Sessions Two and Three run from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, on March 25 and April 8. Attendance is capped at 35. This will be a live, interactive training and will NOT be recorded. Please only sign up if you intend to participate for the duration of each session.

Attendees will actively participate in three different workshops:

March 11 - Equity in Action – From Principles to Practice: Clarify shared commitments and apply an equity lens to current municipal practices to identify practical opportunities for change.

March 25 - Building Trust and Cross-Town Coalitions: Go deeper on trust-building, communication, and collaboration across departments and communities. Includes guided small-group breakouts to problem-solve shared challenges and navigate politically sensitive moments.

April 8 - Measuring What Matters and Sustaining Momentum: Define meaningful equity measures, track progress, and build strategies to sustain the work through leadership transitions, shifting priorities, and budget cycles.
 

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) was established in Executive Order 21-3 to provide guidance to the Commissioner of CT's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on issues related to the state's historic and current environmental injustice and inequities across the state. The Council convenes quarterly to hear updates from subcommittees and discuss key projects. All Quarterly Meetings are open to the public. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
 

This informative day will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking, a catered lunch, and exhibitors. Attendees will benefit from a variety of themed breakout sessions, providing education on composting related to the basics, home, farm, municipal, schools, and medium to large scale operations. The event will highlight how composting can benefit local communities, businesses, the environment, and improve climate resiliency.
 

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.
 

The bird is the word. The early bird, that is. Now’s your chance to score discounted registration rates to the 42nd annual Connecticut Land Conservation Conference, the largest gathering of land conservation professionals and allies in the state. Early bird registration ends February 23. Check out the workshop schedule and register today.
 

​Join Connecticut's Urban Forest Network for the Urban and Community Peer Learning Exchange for the Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) Region! This will be an opportunity to:

• ​Share urban and community forestry successes and challenges
• ​Advance transformative urban forestry project ideas
• ​Build connections
• ​Learn about innovative funding models

​This event, supported by The Nature Conservancy, MetroCOG, and partners, is an interactive opportunity to advance urban and community forestry initiatives for the health and well-being of Connecticut residents.

​See the agenda below for more information.

• ​Optional morning refreshments (8:30-9:00)
• ​Introduction to the Peer Learning Exchanges and Urban Forest Network Project - TNC (9:00-9:15)
• ​Brief introductory presentation from support groups/technical experts (9:15-9:45)
• ​Lightning round presentations from municipal and community leaders on how they are approaching management of their urban forest. What's working, what's not (9:45-10:45)
• ​Break (10:45-11:00)
  • ​Project development breakout session (11:00-12:00)
  • ​Facilitated small group discussions to workshop project ideas. 
  • ​Explore possible funding opportunities, including those suitable and eligible for SustainableCT matching grant program.
• ​Breakout group report out and identification of synergies and shared approaches (12:00-12:30)
• ​Lunch (12:30-1:00)
• ​Optional site walk/planting (1:00-2:00)

​For your consideration:

• ​What are the successes and challenges you encounter related to urban forestry in your community?
• ​Is there an opportunity to deepen your engagement in urban forestry?

​Location to be determined within the MetroCOG area.
 

Join Connecticut's Urban Forest Network for the Urban and Community Forestry Peer Learning Exchange for the South Central Regional Councils of Government (SCRCOG) Region! This will be an opportunity to:

• ​Share urban and community forestry successes and challenges
• ​Advance transformative urban forestry project ideas
• ​Build connections
• ​Learn about innovative funding models

​This event, supported by The Nature Conservancy, SCRCOG, and partners, is an interactive opportunity to advance urban and community forestry initiatives for the health and well-being of Connecticut residents!

​See the agenda below for more information.

• ​Optional morning refreshments (8:30-9:00)
• ​Introduction to the Peer Learning Exchanges and Urban Forest Network Project - TNC (9:00-9:15)
• ​Brief introductory presentation from support groups/technical experts (9:15-9:45)
• ​Lightning round presentations from municipal and community leaders on how they are approaching management of their urban forest. What's working, what's not (9:45-10:45)
• ​Break (10:45-11:00)
• ​Project development breakout session (11:00-12:00)
  • ​Facilitated small group discussions to workshop project ideas.
  • ​Explore possible funding opportunities, including those suitable and eligible for SustainableCT matching grant program.
• ​Breakout group report out and identification of synergies and shared approaches (12:00-12:30)
• ​Lunch (12:30-1:00)
• ​Optional site walk/planting (1:00-2:00)

​For your consideration:

• ​What are the successes and challenges you encounter related to urban forestry in your community?
• ​Is there an opportunity to deepen your engagement in urban forestry?

​Location to be determined within the SCRCOG area.
 

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.
 

The Connecticut River Museum will host the third annual Connecticut River Valley Environmental Summit at Wesleyan University on May 2, 2026. Guided by the theme of “Stewardship in Action,” Environmental leaders will present sessions on pressing issues affecting the Connecticut River watershed, engaging an audience that includes scientists, policymakers, academics, cultural institutions, and more. This event serves as a platform for watershed professionals and community stakeholders to learn from their peers, forge new connections, and explore opportunities for collaboration and coalition building to keep Connecticut's waterways healthy and safe for future generations.
 

The 2026 Sustainable CT Virtual Equity Training Series is a free, practical, action-focused learning experience designed to help municipal leaders move from equity concepts to confident application in real time. Attendance at all three sessions is required.

Participants will work with scenario-based coaching and peer learning, using real challenges from their communities such as budgeting tradeoffs, policy revisions, resident engagement tension, and team dynamics. Anyone is welcome to register and participate.

Session One runs 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on May 6. Sessions Two and Three run from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, on May 20 and June 3. Attendance is capped at 35. This will be a live, interactive training and will NOT be recorded. Please only sign up if you intend to participate for the duration of each session.

Attendees will actively participate in three different workshops:

May 6 - Equity in Action – From Principles to Practice: Clarify shared commitments and apply an equity lens to current municipal practices to identify practical opportunities for change.

May 20 - Building Trust and Cross-Town Coalitions: Go deeper on trust-building, communication, and collaboration across departments and communities. Includes guided small-group breakouts to problem-solve shared challenges and navigate politically sensitive moments.

June 3 - Measuring What Matters and Sustaining Momentum: Define meaningful equity measures, track progress, and build strategies to sustain the work through leadership transitions, shifting priorities, and budget cycles.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.