The NVCOG is committed to knowledge sharing to support informed decision making. Education and training opportunities are thoughtfully crafted to equip land use staff and commissioners with valuable insights and skills.

Upcoming Events

2024 Aquifer Protection Areas: Working toward Compliance Workshop Series

 The NVCOG and CT DEEP hosted the Aquifer Protection Areas: Moving Towards Compliance Workshop Series to provide municipal land use staff with helpful techniques for program compliance. The series concluded in July 2024.

View the Executive Summary (PDF) to see key results from the series, including participation rates, a look at the most impactful sessions and insights into the online legacy.

Past Events

This folder equips municipal staff with essential tools and guidance on the Aquifer Protection Area program. It provides templates, examples, and resources tailored to areas of compliance, from regulations adoption to inspections and more. 

Download the support materials guide (PDF)

Download the zip file

Learn about aquifer basics, program overview, municipal responsibilities, and next steps for achieving compliance. This presentation was led by Kim Czapla, Supervising Environmental Analyst at CTDEEP. 

Watch the live recording.

Learn about best practices for aquifer protection area program implementation from registrations, to inspections and enforcement. This presentation was led by Alexis Cherichetti, Senior Environmental Officer and Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning for the City of Norwalk.

Watch the live recording.

Learn tips and strategies for creating and maintaining your aquifer protection area website. This presentation was led by Melissa Mostowy, Environmental Analyst for CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Watch the live recording.

Presentation Slides (PDF)

Learn, review and discuss the procedure for Aquifer Protection Area municipal registrations. This presentation was led by Melissa Fahenstock, technical lead for the Municipal Aquifer Protection Area Program at CT DEEP. 

Watch the live recording.

Download Municipal Aquifer Protection Area Registration Processing SOP (PDF)

Learn the ins and outs of conducting site inspections as a best practice for implementing aquifer protection. This presentation features Melissa Mostowy and Melissa Fahenstock of CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Watch the live recording.

Review key elements for maintaining compliance annually with references back to lessons learned throughout the series. This presentation features Kim Czapla of CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Watch the live recording.

Land Use Education Sessions

Municipal land use staff, including planners, zoning enforcement officers, and administrators, come together for the land use education sessions. These gatherings focus on in-depth discussions and exploration of land use concepts and strategies that address the needs of the region. 

Past Events

10/22/24

This presentation provides an in-depth look at the CGS Sec. 8-30g Affordable Housing Appeals Process.

Guest Speaker: Michael C. Santoro, Director, Office of Policy, Research and Housing Support

Watch the live recording.

Presentation Slides (PDF)

06/17/24

This presentation explores the connection between housing development, demographic changes, and school enrollment using case studies and data from Connecticut.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Don Poland, PhD, AICP, Managing Director & SVP, Planning & Strategy, of Goman+York Property Advisors

Watch the live recording.

Presentation Slides (PDF)

02/29/24

This presentation covered short-term rental regulation, with a focus on Simsbury’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance, which served as a helpful template for municipalities across the state. 

Guest Speaker: Mike Glidden, CFM, CZEO, Town Planner for the Town of Cheshire

Watch the live recording.

Presentation Slides (PDF)

Town of Simsbury Short-Term Rental Ordinance 2021 (PDF)

Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations 2023 (PDF) 

12/06/23

This presentation covered the new CHFA State Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and discussed data specific to the Naugatuck Valley planning region.

In partnership with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).

Watch the live recording.

05/10/23

This presentation covers data, insights on the economic impact, and a comprehensive freight management guide.

Guest Speaker: Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

Watch the live recording.

2023 Sec. 8-4c Land Use Commissioner Training

The NVCOG hosted two successful land use training sessions in September 2023 for commissioners from the planning region and beyond to comply with CGS Section 8-4c. The sessions equipped Planning, Zoning, Planning and Zoning and Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioners in the Naugatuck Valley Region with tools and insights for navigating complex land-use decisions and provided a platform for networking and idea exchange.

Past Events

Partners

A special thanks to our partners!

Live Recording

Watch the live recording.

PDF Slides

Download the topic-specific presentation slides (PDF) for each presenter.

Additional Resources

Partners

A special thanks to our partners!

  • City of Ansonia
  • Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaption (CIRCA)
  • CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
  • Partnership for Strong Communities (PSC)
  • State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Live Recording

Watch the live recording.

PDF Slides

Download the topic-specific presentation slides (PDF) for each presenter.