Historic Preservation, Open Space, Agriculture and Affordable Housing projects are critical.

Enacted in 2005 (Public Act 05-228), the Community Investment Act established what has become Connecticut's primary source of dedicated funding to conserve open space, protect farmland, maintain historic properties and supplement affordable housing projects. Each sector represents a critical component of our statewide quality of life and economy.

This dedicated fund should never be raided

How the community investment act is funded

A $40 fee goes a long way.

Community Investment Act funds accrue from a $40 recording fee collected on every real-estate transaction in the state. This fee income is then distributed by formula to town clerks and the state agencies administering the qualified programs. 


The images below link to the Historic Preservation, Agriculture, Open Space and Affordable Housing agencies and programs.

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This fund can't be diverted again

Protect the Connecticut Community Investment Act from further diversions and sweeps

  

In 2015, the legislature passed a measure to divert fifty percent of recording fee revenue from reaching the CIA accounts, an action that, per formula, resulted in a seventy percent cut in funding in the four core program areas. 


In 2016, the final budget agreement swept unallocated funds from the CIA accounts to remedy general revenue shortfalls. Agencies were forced to work with reduced fund balances that restricted the timing and volume of program activity, resulting in a growing list of unfunded needs and projects across the state. 


In 2017, although full funding was restored July 1st, the CIA account once again suffered a $5 million cut in each year of the biennium as part of deficit mitigation adjustments at the end of the special session.


We understand the difficult cuts and decisions that the General Assembly must make this year in an effort to balance the state budget. However, as outlined above, the CIA has already paid a steep price with significant consequences these past several years. 


We thank you in advance for protecting the CIA from further diversions and sweeps so it can continue to play a vital role in underwriting the state’s economic well-being and overall quality of life in our communities. 

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GET INVOLVED OR ASK a question!

Connecticut Community Investment Act Coalition

E-mail:contact@preservationct.org Phone: (203) 562-6312