PRESS RELEASE: DataHaven and Partners Urge Residents to Participate in Landmark Wellbeing Survey of Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Answer the Call to Improve Your Community”: DataHaven and Partners Urge Residents to Participate in Landmark Wellbeing Survey of Connecticut

Thousands of randomly-selected residents from all 169 Connecticut towns will participate in the 2024 DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey, the seventh wave of a large survey on happiness and quality of life that has been fielded since 2012

HARTFORD, CT, May 7, 2024 – How happy are you? Are the public parks in your area in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition? When was the last time you saw a dentist?

These are just a few of the types of questions included in interviews by friendly survey-takers helping DataHaven and dozens of leading community, health care, and charitable groups across Connecticut complete what is believed to be the nation’s largest neighborhood-level well-being survey.

“We include well-established questions that people like to answer,” says Mark Abraham, Executive Director of DataHaven. “They are answering questions about their own happiness and well-being, their experiences and relationships within their community, and how their neighborhoods are doing. These questions show that we care deeply about the aspects of life that are most important to everyone’s day-to-day happiness and quality of life.”

DataHaven, the nonprofit group that leads the collection and sharing of public data about Connecticut, said that the 2024 program will track trends on key issues such as economic security, institutional trust, access to healthcare, and public safety. The latest data will allow DataHaven to create even more granular portraits of Connecticut towns and neighborhoods, as well as statistical data for groups that share specific demographics or life experiences.

Over time, 45,000 randomly-selected adults in every Connecticut ZIP code have participated in the DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey, which was also fielded in 2012, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. This year, thousands more will participate in in-depth, multilingual interviews.

As with prior years, Connecticut’s leading hospitals, non-profits, and charitable organizations are supporting the program (see below). To ensure that the survey topics reflect the interests of communities, an Advisory Council of representatives from 300 different organizations around the state once again helped choose the questions to include this year. For example, the parents and caregivers who are selected to take the survey may receive a significantly expanded set of questions about child well-being and mental health, which emerged as a top issue of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the spring and summer, randomly-selected residents in each town will receive phone calls from survey-takers at the Siena College Research Institute – typically appearing as a 203, 860, or 518 area code – and in some cases, may receive a letter, package, or text message with information on how to participate. Beginning this fall, survey results will be included in many local and statewide publications and community health needs assessments, including DataHaven’s widely-used Town Equity Reports.

“Make a difference: Pick up your cell phone, help your community learn more about your needs, and tell us what you want to see to promote greater happiness and well-being in your neighborhood,” says Abraham.

“UNITED BY DATA”: SPONSORS OF THE 2024 DATAHAVEN COMMUNITY WELLBEING SURVEY

              Many organizations throughout Connecticut, including those listed below, provide funding to support the 2024 DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey. Major sponsors are highlighted in bold font.

Foundations and Philanthropy

  • Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
  • Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
  • Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
  • Connecticut Health Foundation
  • The Connecticut Project
  • Connecticut Community Foundation
  • Valley Community Foundation
  • Main Street Community Foundation
  • American Savings Foundation
  • United Way of Greater New Haven
  • United Way of Coastal and Western CT
  • United Way of Central and Northeastern CT
  • NewAlliance Foundation
  • Tremaine Foundation

Health Care

  • Yale-New Haven Health
  • Hartford HealthCare
  • Stamford Health
  • Trinity Health of New England
  • Nuvance Health
  • Yale Cancer Center
  • Connecticut Children’s
  • Eastern Connecticut Health Network
  • Waterbury Health
  • Griffin Health
  • Middlesex Health
  • Day Kimball Healthcare
  • Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

 

Government / Agency / Community

  • Naugatuck Valley Health District
  • Stamford Health Department
  • Bridgeport Health Department
  • Hartford Dept. of Health and Human Services
  • Yale University
  • University of Hartford
  • Connecticut State Office of Rural Health
  • New Haven Health Department
  • Danbury Health Department
  • Norwalk Health Department
  • Ledge Light Health District
  • Eastern Highlands Health District
  • Central Connecticut Health District
  • Northeast District Department of Health
  • North Central District Health Department
  • Quinnipiack Valley Health District
  • Newtown Health District
  • Stratford Health Department
  • Fairfield Health Department
  • Trumbull Health Department
  • Monroe Health Department
  • Milford Health Department
  • City of Bristol
  • Town of Bethel
  • Capitol Region Council of Governments
  • Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
  • South Central Regional Council of Governments
  • Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance
  • Workforce Alliance
  • Trinity College
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • DMHAS Center for Prevention Evaluation and Statistics at UConn Health

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For more details and interviews, please contact Mark Abraham at 203.500.7059, info@ctdatahaven.org. Promotional graphics are attached and may be shared.

 

About DataHaven

DataHaven is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a 30-year history of public service to Connecticut. DataHaven is a formal partner of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, a collaborative national effort by the Urban Institute and approximately 40 local partners. For more information, visit www.ctdatahaven.org.

PRESS RELEASE: Advancing Toward Safer Roadways: NVCOG Releases NVision Zero Progress Report 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2024

Contact:
Richard Donovan
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
Rdonovan@nvcogct.gov

Advancing Toward Safer Roadways: NVCOG Releases NVision Zero Progress Report 2022

(Waterbury, CT) – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is proud to announce the release of its inaugural NVision Zero Progress Report, covering calendar year 2022. This publication marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards safer roadways for all. Grounded in the Vision Zero movement, NVision Zero serves as the name of the Naugatuck Valley’s campaign to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2060.

Since endorsing Vision Zero principles on September 9, 2022, safety has become the top priority for the Naugatuck Valley. The NVCOG is the first Connecticut Council of Governments to adopt a Vision Zero commitment advocating for a new approach to transportation planning that recognizes that traffic deaths are preventable. Vision Zero utilizes a combination of engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response to address safety from all perspectives, paying special attention to equity concerns in the process. 

The NVision Zero Progress Report 2022 is the first in a series of annual updates on the region’s Vision Zero progress. This report contains information about crash frequency, severity, location, and mode disparity. Utilizing regional crash data, the NVCOG identifies locations with the highest number of fatal and serious injury crashes, laying the groundwork for focused investments and improvements in these critical areas. In 2022, 12,427 total crashes occurred on streets within the Naugatuck Valley, revealing a stark reality of 243 fatalities and serious injuries. The NVCOG intends to leverage transportation planning, design, policy, enforcement, education, and communication to achieve its goal of safer roads for all.

For more information on the NVCOG’s Vision Zero visit the web page at nvcogct.gov/highway-safety-program/. The NVision Zero Progress Report 2022 is available on the NVCOG website at nvcogct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NVision-Zero-Report_2022.pdf.

About the Naugatuck Valley’s NVision Zero

In October 2023, Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation secured a pivotal $1.7 million for traffic and road safety projects in our state through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Within this funding, the NVCOG was awarded $320,064 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Staff engineers and planners meticulously extracted crash data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR), a web tool designed to offer comprehensive crash information collected by state and local police. Briefings were conducted before the NVCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC), who provide recommendations to the NVCOG Board on transportation infrastructure, safety and maintenance. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and other officials commemorated the award on November 20, 2023, at a press conference on the Waterbury Green. The NVCOG will use this funding to update the NVision Zero Action Plan, which will employ a data-driven approach to identify dangerous roadway locations, propose conceptual improvements and address systemwide actions that will promote safety for all road users.

Pedestrians on East Main Street in Waterbury use the rectangle rapid flashing beacon to safely cross the street.

PRESS RELEASE: NVCOG Demonstrates Commitment to Sustainability in Shelton Clean Sweep Efforts

FOR RELEASE: April 24, 2024 

Contact:
Desira Blanchard
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-489-0353
dblanchard@nvcogct.gov

NVCOG Demonstrates Commitment to Sustainability in Shelton Clean Sweep Efforts 

Shelton, CT – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) proudly participated in the Shelton Clean Sweep program, demonstrating their commitment to supporting clean and healthy communities throughout the Naugatuck Valley Region.

The Shelton Clean Sweep, an annual initiative organized by the Shelton Conservation Commission’s Anti-Litter Committee, aims to bring together volunteers from across the community to clean up litter and debris from public areas. This collaborative effort not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters a sense of pride and unity among residents. This year, NVCOG staff volunteered their time to help clean up the areas around Chordas Pond and Nells Rock Road.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to join forces with the Shelton community and support their efforts to keep the City clean and beautiful” said Savannah-Nicole Villalba, AICP, Community Planning Director of NVCOG. “Participating in events like the Shelton Clean Sweep allows us to actively contribute to the betterment of our communities and promote a sense of civic pride.”

NVCOG, as a regional planning organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in its member municipalities, recognizes the importance of initiatives like the Shelton Clean Sweep. By partnering with local communities and organizations, NVCOG seeks to support initiatives that promote sustainability, enhance livability, and strengthen community bonds.

For more information about NVCOG visit https://nvcogct.gov/.

Funding Opportunity: Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program

The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is open. For more information, visit the US DOT website.

Deadlines vary by grant type:

  • May 16, 2024, 5 PM (EDT): Sole deadline for Implementation Grants. Deadline #2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
  • August 29, 2024, 5 PM (EDT): Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration Grants. NOFO closes.

For questions or application assistance, email Rich Donovan, Transportation Planning Director, at rdonovan@nvcogct.gov.

Community Canvassing Kinneytown Dam Removal Project

We will be canvassing with Save the Sound in Ansonia this upcoming Saturday, April 13, to connect with community members around the Kinneytown Dam Removal project and hear their thoughts and feedback on the project.

El próximo sábado, 13 de abril, realizaremos un sondeo con el Save the Sound en Ansonia para ponernos en contacto con los miembros de la comunidad en torno al proyecto de eliminación de la presa de Kinneytown y escuchar sus opiniones y comentarios sobre el proyecto.

PRESS RELEASE: In-Person and Virtual Public Meetings Scheduled to Discuss Active Transportation Plan for the Naugatuck Valley 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2024 

Contact:
Desira Blanchard
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-489-0353
dblanchard@nvcogct.gov

In-Person and Virtual Public Meetings Scheduled to Discuss Active Transportation Plan for the Naugatuck Valley  

(Waterbury, CT) – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) will be hosting two upcoming public meetings as part of an ongoing series to gather additional input for the development of the Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan (NVATP). The NVCOG invites residents, business owners, transportation advocates, and local officials to participate. 

An in-person meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Bristol Public Library’s Meeting Room #2, located at 5 High Street, Bristol, CT 06010. This gathering will feature a charrette which is an interactive workshop that allows participants to collaborate with professionals, share ideas, and explore innovative solutions. During the session, the NVCOG staff will provide an overview of the NVATP, and participants will have the chance to actively participate and contribute their ideas, suggestions, and concerns to help shape the plan. Pizza and refreshments will be available. RSVP by emailing Desira Blanchard at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov. 

A virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM on Zoom. Join the meeting by using the link at https://bit.ly/3TQVLJq. Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling +1 929 205 6099 and entering the Meeting ID when prompted: 838 1800 0864. 

The purpose of the Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan is to create a multi-modal framework that encourages and accommodates various forms of non-motorized transportation, including walking, rolling, cycling and other active modes. Once completed, the plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap to help guide future infrastructure investments that improve the access, comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.  

The NVCOG has released an online survey to examine habits, preferences, and challenges to walking/rolling and cycling in the community at https://arcg.is/yKyKW. Residents of the Naugatuck Valley planning region are strongly encouraged to participate.   

Language assistance is available to the public at no cost. For language assistance requests contact Desira Blanchard, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov or at 203-757-0535. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting.  

To learn more about the Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan and stay engaged in the process, visit https://bit.ly/NVActiveTransportationPlan.  

Event Flyer April 23, 2024 (PDF)

Event Flyer April 30, 2024 (PDF)

Funding Opportunity: 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program

The Transportation Alternatives Program provides funding to municipalities for transportation improvements, which includes: transit, transportation equity, safe routes to school, multi-use trails, and supporting transit dependent groups residing in low-income areas. This program requires a 20% non-federal local match. Funds are made available to the State through the FHWA and are administered by CTDOT. 

Project evaluation & selection will be completed in coordination with MetroCOG, WestCOG, CRCOG, NVCOG, & SCRCOG. Interested parties are requested to contact the NVCOG for their specific urban area interest sheet before completing an application or taking any additional steps. Submit project proposal to NVCOG by April 26, 2024. Complete applications will need to be submitted to CTDOT by June 28, 2024.

For questions about the program, or assistance with applications, please contact Rich Donovan, Transportation Planning Director, at rdonovan@nvcogct.gov.

Solicitation Memo – CT DOT

Solicitation Letter – FHWA

 

Funding Opportunity: Active Transportation Microgrant Program

The NVCOG is accepting applications for the CTDOT Active Transportation Microgrant program. This program is designed to assist schools, school districts, municipalities, and non-profit organizations encourage walking, rolling, or biking across the state. Eligible expenses include bikes, bike maintenance equipment, training, and safety materials.  

This program is supported entirely with state funds, and eligible entities can submit requests of up to $5,000. Applications can be submitted at any time to the NVCOG by email to Rich Donovan, Transportation Planning Director, at rdonovan@nvcogct.gov. For questions about the program, or assistance with applications, please contact Tayo Olaleye, Transportation Planner, at eolaleye@nvcogct.gov.

PRESS RELEASE: VTD2GO Micro Transit Service Rolls Out on April 1st.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2024

Contact:
Richard Donovan
Transportation Planning Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
rdonovan@nvcogct.gov

VTD2GO Microtransit Service Rolls Out on April 1st.

Derby, CT – Valley Transit District is pleased to announce the launch of its new micro transit service, VTD2GO, which will be available to users beginning April 1, 2024. The on-demand service will be offered Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., providing convenient transportation options for people commuting within a defined service area in Derby, Ansonia, and Shelton, CT. The service area map is available at www.valleytransit.org/vtd2go-micro-transit.

Microtransit is a flexible on-demand transportation service that operates like a cross between ride-sharing and traditional public transit. The service will provide residents and visitors with a flexible and affordable transportation option with rides priced at just $2 per trip. To kick off the program, the first ride will be free for all passengers. To use the microtransit service, riders can download the “VTD2GO” app (available on Apple iOS & Google Play) or call the designated phone number at 203-735-6408 to schedule a ride.

The VTD2GO service, provided in partnership with VIA Mobility LLC, aims to fill transportation gaps and increase accessibility for riders, particularly during evening hours, in a service area where no other options exist. The service will complement existing bus routes and transit hubs by providing seamless connections to CT Transit, Greater Bridgeport Transit, and Metro North services.

“We are excited to introduce this much needed service to our community”, said Mark Pandolfi, Executive Director of Valley Transit District. “This initiative reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our riders and enhancing overall transit accessibility.”

The microtransit program is currently scheduled to operate through April of 2025. For questions and more information about Valley Transit District and its VTD2GO service, please visit www.valleytransit.org/vtd2go-micro-transit or call the office phone number at 203-735-6824. Funding for this new service is provided by The Connecticut Department of Transportation.

About Valley Transit District

Valley Transit District (VTD) is a public transit district that has been providing paratransit services since 1971, including paratransit services and ADA paratransit services for the New Haven CT Transit fixed route service. VTD also provides non-ADA Dial-A-Ride services to member municipalities in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton, operates the Bridgeport Ave Commuter Shuttle, and has contracts with various social services agencies. VTD’s drivers, dispatchers, and maintenance staff are professionally trained and are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The company places a strong emphasis on passenger safety, customer service and compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Click to download

News Release: Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Microtransit Services in Connecticut

Click here to access the press release from the office of Governor Ned Lamont

Published on March 25, 2024

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that new microtransit services will begin in various communities throughout Connecticut between March 26, 2024, and July 30, 2024. These services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to develop and pilot on-demand microtransit service.

Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. The pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions exercisable by CTDOT, based on performance and ridership. 

“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” Governor Lamont said. “These services allow people to use an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas, connecting them to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services.” 

“Microtransit brings public transportation to communities that have lacked fixed route bus service,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature for the continued investment in high-quality public transportation that eliminates gaps between communities and increases access and mobility throughout our state.” 

On-demand microtransit services will begin on a staggered basis in the following locations: 

Starting March 26, 2024

  • Norwalk Transit District: Serving Norwalk. 

Starting April 1, 2024 

  • Greater Hartford Transit: Serving Enfield and portions of East Windsor.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Groton.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving New London.
  • Valley Transit District: Serving the Ansonia Train Station, Derby, and Shelton. 

Starting April 6, 2024

  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Stonington HOP, additional service hours on existing services to include Saturday service. 

Starting April 8, 2024 

  • Milford Transit: Serving Milford. 

Starting April 22, 2024

  • Greater Bridgeport Transit: Serving Trumbull. 

Starting May 6, 2024 

  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): New London Smart: Service to include late night service on existing microtransit services.
  • Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Waterford. 

Starting May 28, 2024

  • River Valley Transit (Estuary Transit): Serving Madison, Guilford, and portions of East Hampton and Middletown. 

Starting July 1, 2024

  • City of Stamford: Serving a five-mile boundary within the city. 

Starting July 30, 2024 

  • City of New Haven: Serving the Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services. 

In addition to this new pilot program, existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (River Valley Transit), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).

For more information on all of Connecticut’s microtransit services, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/publictrans/bureau-of-public-transportation/microtransit-services. 

The latest episode of Along the Lines, a podcast produced by CTDOT, discusses the pilot program and the benefits and transformative potential of microtransit in shaping the future of public transportation in Connecticut. This episode can be accessed at www.alongthelinesct.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov