A Community Conversation on Economic Mobility (RECAP)

What does it take to move up the economic ladder? What’s holding people back and what's helping people move forward? How can we do better as a society? What opportunities for change exist in Greater New Haven?

The Community Foundation hosted a community-driven conversation diving into these pressing questions on February 25, 2025. The discussions used selections of the latest data and insights from the DataHaven 2024 Community Wellbeing Survey to guide table discussions around three critical factors shaping economic mobility:

Housing Affordability – How does one's living situation impact opportunity? What strategies are needed to expand access to affordable housing?
Entrepreneurship – What barriers do aspiring business owners face? What strategies are they pursuing?
Social Supports – What networks and resources make a difference?

A highly-engaged group of residents came together at The Lab at ConnCORP, eager to share what they knew and listen to others as we discussed pressing concerns and opportunities related to housing, entrepreneurship and social supports. Attendees made new connections across shared interests, and discussions brought various thoughtful perspectives to complicated issues.

To help facilitate the exchange of diverse viewpoints and build new personal connections across different communities, participants were seated at tables with a mix of residents from beyond their own town or neighborhood.

Leaders from each of these fields and The Community Foundation were present to listen and learn, and to respond to ideas generated from the table discussions. The discussion offered an opportunity for community members to share experiences, listen to others and help shape solutions, and to emphasize the message: Your voice matters!

What We Heard

• Housing affordability is a central issue across the towns and cities in our region and beyond, and demands collaborative solutions.
• Housing, entrepreneurship and social supports are interrelated issues.
• Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods and communities.
• Feeling safe on the streets, social support in schools and good parks are primary needs for the community. 

Resources for You

• DataHaven Community Wellbeing Surveys and Town Equity Reports
• New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem e3connnector online resource.