Who We Are

Hartford NEXT, Inc., formerly known as Hartford 2000, Inc. (H2K), is the coalition of Hartford’s thirteen Neighborhood Revitalization Zones and the City of Hartford. Hartford NEXT, Inc.’s mission is to strengthen the individual and collective capability of the NRZs and to advocate for neighborhood issues.

Our Mission

A collective voice of Hartford residents and stakeholders working to strengthen and grow our community.

Our Purpose

Hartford NEXT’s reason to be is to create an environment that leads to innovation and improvements in Hartford, its diverse neighborhoods, and with its residents and visitors. By bringing people together, listening, encouraging, negotiating, educating, and leading, Hartford NEXT’s purpose is to facilitate inclusion and innovation in our communities.

Our Vision

  • We envision a city where residents are engaged in improving the quality of life in Hartford
  • We envision a city where residents participate in decisions that affect their neighborhoods
  • We aim to create an inclusive environment for all neighborhoods and all residents
  • We will build and expand on existing assets, working to benefit anyone who lives, works, worships, learns, or recreates in Hartford.
  • We are a unified and collective voice and connector of the Hartford community
  • We represent all of Hartford’s residents and neighborhoods
  • We tie together all of the diverse interests across the Hartford community

Our Values

  • To be inclusive, equitable and to honor diversity
  • To be resident driven & community focused
  • To use assets to enable asset-based community economic development
  • To be informed, collaborative conveners that inspire positive community engagement
  • To be non-partisan and independent in our decision making
  • To reach for excellence in all projects and activities
  • To lead through integrity and caring

History

In 1995, the Connecticut State Legislature passed Public Act 95-340, “An Act Establishing a Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Process.” The Act created a process for revitalizing neighborhoods with significant numbers of blighted properties.

Hartford neighborhoods used the law to create Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs). The NRZS each created a strategic plan for improving their neighborhood and the plans were adopted by the Hartford City Council as part of the Municipal Code. Each NRZ is governed by a committee, which is composed of residents, business owners, property owners, and other neighborhood stakeholders.

The NRZ Committees oversee the implementation of strategic plans by reviewing proposed developments and their designs, partnering with government and other groups. The goal is to keep the neighborhood clean, attract businesses that serve residents, advocate for improvements to streets, transportation, recreation and services, and encourage and assist property owners to maintain safe, attractive housing and commercial buildings.

H2K convened in 1997 as an informal collaboration of the NRZS and the City of Hartford to share information. It has grown into a nonprofit organization providing information and services to the NRZS and neighborhood people. In 2019, H2K changed its name to Hartford NEXT, Inc., recognizing that we are neighbors working together as empowered residents for community economic development.

Activities

Monthly Meetings: Hartford NEXT, Inc.’s Board of Directors meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month, with the exception of August, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM to share information, discuss issues, and plan activities. Membership meetings are held at least once a year. The public is welcome at all board and membership meetings.

Information: Hartford NEXT, Inc. provides information about issues, meetings, hearings, and events of interest to the NRZS, community groups, individuals and Hartford residents. This information is distributed through our website, www.hartfordnext.org, mailings, email alerts, and flyers in libraries and other sites.