Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven are Connecticut’s three largest cities. They are among the poorest cities in the United States. These three communities bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to providing services for Connecticut’s neediest residents.

At the same time, they are regional hubs for economic development and culture. It’s clear that if these hubs fail the suburbs around them will also founder -- people won’t move their families or businesses to regions without a cultural and work base, and these bases can’t be spread out among 15-20 towns. Only a strong central city can provide these anchors. If the central city isn’t viable the only alternative for economic growth will be areas that haven’t yet been developed -- devouring Connecticut’s green space and agricultural lands.

As the state makes difficult budget decisions during these tough times, the needs of our poorest cities should not be ignored.

All of Connecticut has a stake in the vitality of Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION
• CENTERS OF REGIONAL SERVICES
• CENTERS OF CULTURE
• POVERTY CHALLENGES
• HEALTH CHALLENGES
• EDUCATION CHALLENGES
• REVENUE CHALLENGES
• CRIME RATE CHALLENGES
• CONCLUSION

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