To provide critical support in building capacity for a larger, comprehensive green infrastructure effort to secure the long-term resilience of Hartford.

Through the implementation of this work, a valuable lesson was learning to leverage partnerships and diversify communications methods. Strong partnerships with local community groups helped maximize impact through at-risk youth engagement, neighborhood connections, and scaling work through shared networks. Utilizing a variety of communications methods increased participation. Through direct outreach at events, meetings, and written outreach online and with mailers, over 900 people signed up for the program, and people have continued to reach out to the to express their interest.

The City had an existing relationship with the local foundation, which improved the impact of our program. The foundation acted as a fiscal agent for the Partners for Places funding. This was a new opportunity for the Office of Sustainability, and the Sustainability Director was able to work with the funder to manage the project. This experience will help inform and streamline future efforts.