MetroHartford Alliance Building on Solid Foundation Looks Ahead
/by David Griggs
As we close out 2025, I am sincerely grateful for the partnership and commitment you continue to show the MetroHartford Alliance and the Hartford Region. This has been a year defined by progress, strengthening our economy, and investing intentionally in the quality of place that makes Greater Hartford competitive for business and compelling for people.
The MetroHartford Alliance exists to collaborate with investors and partners to elevate our region through targeted economic development, community convening, and strong business support. In 2025, we doubled down on creating environments where people want to gather, innovate, and invest. Building on the success of Hart Lift, we launched the Arena District Retail Initiative to activate long-vacant storefronts surrounding PeoplesBank Arena, reinforcing the principle that vibrant streetscapes deliver real returns for residents, employers, and visitors alike.
Our economic development work continued to gain traction across key sectors. The InsurTech Corridor deepened its international partnerships and reinforced Hartford’s position as the Insurance Capital of the World, attracting new companies and global attention. Looking ahead to 2026, a key priority will be supporting the Connecticut Airport Authority in securing a daily direct flight to London, an important step toward strengthening international connectivity and long-term competitiveness for our region.
In 2026, we will be making a strategic commitment to support the growth of hotels and hospitality across the region. Investing in hospitality strengthens downtown vibrancy, supports local restaurants and retail, and makes Hartford more attractive to businesses, talent, and visitors alike. By growing this sector, we unlock economic activity that ripples across the entire region, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and reinforcing Hartford as a vibrant place to live, work, and gather.
“Investing in hospitality strengthens downtown vibrancy, supports local restaurants and retail, and makes Hartford more attractive to businesses, talent, and visitors alike.”
Industry-focused growth remains central to our mission. Through CT Insurance & Financial Services, we promoted Hartford on global stages, delivered impactful programming such as the annual Insuring the Future Summit, and continued advancing workforce and innovation initiatives across the insurance and financial services ecosystem. At the same time, the Connecticut Health Council (CHC) strengthened Connecticut’s position as a national leader in healthcare. In 2025, CHC hosted a successful Annual Summit focused on health equity, launched a new Virtual Healthcare Trend Talks series, and developed a strategic roadmap that will guide its work in 2026 and beyond.
Talent attraction and retention also remains a top priority. With fresh leadership at the helm, HYPE re-energized young professionals across Greater Hartford, welcoming more than 400 new members in 2025 and growing to over 2,000 members across industries. As HYPE approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, we are preparing for a year of celebration and new opportunities to engage the next generation of our region’s leaders.
Through the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, we continue to strengthen the small business community. The Hart Lift program has now directed more than $9.5 million in ARPA funds to businesses across Hartford, leveraging $12 million in private investment, helping fill 285,000 square feet of space, and supporting the creation of an estimated 826 new jobs.
None of this work is possible without you. Our investor network - now over 350 organizations across more than 20 industries - is one of our region’s greatest assets. In 2025 alone, more than 50 new organizations joined the Alliance, and together we convened the community through 50+ events and partnerships with over 80 organizations, fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am more confident than ever in what we can accomplish together. Thank you for your leadership, your investment, and your belief in Greater Hartford’s continued rise. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, more competitive region, I am excited for what the new year will bring!
David Griggs is President & CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, The MHA collaborates with investors and partners to elevate the Hartford Region through economic development, community engagement, and local chamber support. Our work is driven by four key initiatives: the Connecticut Health Council (CHC), Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS), Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and HYPE (Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs).
