City of New Haven Office of Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development aims to improve the quality of life in New Haven by attracting investment, developing local businesses, and revitalizing neighborhoods. The department focuses on creating jobs, supporting small businesses (especially those owned by BIPOC, women, and local residents), and fostering diverse housing options in welcoming communities.
The Fellow will assist with the ongoing implementation of an equitable growth strategy befitting a growing New Haven. The city is seeing areas like downtown become more of a residential neighborhood, with expansion moving both south towards the Hill and east towards Mill River/Fair Haven. The Fellow’s goals will include connecting residents to jobs in emerging sectors like bioscience and providing affordable housing for all residents to address the housing crisis. There will be a strong focus on BIPOC communities, which comprise the majority of the city’s residents.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/economic-development-administration
Greater Dwight Development Corporation (GDDC)
The Greater Dwight Development Corporation (GDDC) is a grassroots community organization founded in 1994 by seven women to address the neighborhood’s concerns about drugs, gangs, and crime. GDDC’s mission is to enhance the socio-economic well-being of Dwight neighborhood residents through a variety of initiatives. These initiatives include implementing the Neighborhood Plan, which focuses on increasing access to education and child development activities, job training, and affordable housing. The plan also promotes community beautification and encourages economic development by expanding existing businesses and attracting new ones. GDDC also revitalizes housing by developing affordable options and providing home repair assistance through programs like the Homeowner Assistance Program.
The Fellow will play a crucial role in the next phase of a 30-year community development initiative. In collaboration with GDDC and the Dwight Central Management Team, the Fellow will organize and document community conversations. These conversations will focus on preserving the community-driven nature of development work in Dwight and inform the next round of the neighborhood plan. By engaging residents in discussions about the history of past plans, accomplishments, and current challenges, the Fellow will help shape the future of the neighborhood.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: gddcnh.org
Greater New Haven Chamber
The Greater New Haven Chamber advocates for businesses and promotes economic growth in the region. . The Chamber’s vision is to be a leading voice in creating a thriving and inclusive business environment, and its goal is to make the Greater New Haven region a desirable place to work, live, and conduct business.
The Fellow will work with the Vice President on economic development and workforce initiatives.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: gnhcc.com
New Haven Works
New Haven Works seeks to build a middle class in an urban center and improve economic stability in all communities by providing employers with a trained and qualified workforce and connecting New Haven residents to good jobs. New Haven Works collaborates with a diverse group of individuals from various social, ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds.
The Fellow will participate in data collection efforts. This role will involve assisting in gathering information to enhance services to the community. The Fellow will also work with the engagement team to communicate with individuals, promote enrollment, and educate them about how New Haven Works supports the surrounding area.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: newhavenworkspipeline
Sanctuary Kitchen
Sanctuary Kitchen is a non-profit organization that partners with refugee and immigrant chefs to create economic opportunities and foster intercultural understanding through food. Since its inception in 2017, Sanctuary Kitchen has developed a multifaceted approach to supporting these chefs. Its Culinary Training Program provides professional development and job search assistance. The organization also runs a successful catering business featuring a diverse range of global cuisines. In addition, Sanctuary Kitchen hosts community-based culinary events and programs led by refugee and immigrant chefs. These programs are designed to include individuals from various backgrounds and levels of experience. Ultimately, Sanctuary Kitchen strives to combat the challenges faced by many new immigrants and refugees, including social isolation, financial instability, unemployment, and discrimination.
The Fellow will participate in food preparation, develop social media content, conduct outreach, engage in administrative and research tasks, and support food sales at CitySeed farmers markets. Specific tasks vary based on the fellow’s interest and expertise, as well as program needs.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: cityseed.org/sanctuary-kitchen
Yale Urban Design Workshop
The Yale Urban Design Workshop (YUDW) is a community design center at the Yale School of Architecture that has provided planning and design assistance to communities in Connecticut and around the world since 1992. YUDW collaborates with communities on a wide range of projects, including comprehensive plans, economic development strategies, community visions, and the design of public spaces and facilities. Since 1995, YUDW has partnered with New Haven’s Dwight neighborhood, working with residents and community organizations to develop and implement neighborhood plans, significantly impacting the quality of life for residents. This ongoing relationship with the Dwight neighborhood exemplifies YUDW’s commitment to community-based design in New Haven.
The YUDW has recently reaffirmed its commitment to working with its home community of New Haven and has several ongoing initiatives focused on affordable housing, community health and wellness, and social and environmental equity. Among these initiatives is the preparation of a new plan for the Dwight neighborhood. The Fellow will collaborate with YUDW faculty directors to begin this planning work and may have the opportunity to contribute to other Dwight and New Haven projects.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: udw.architecture.yale.edu