STAMFORD – The City of Stamford, Charter Communications and the Stamford Partnership have kicked off a $5 million a workforce development training program.
“I’m excited to announce that just yesterday (April 2), we launched a new initiative called the Stamford Tech Hub, a transformative $5 million workforce development training program which will connect hundreds of residents with in-demand technology skills,” Mayor Caroline Simmons announced at her State of the City Thursday, April 3 at The Village.
“It includes things like cybersecurity, AI, data science, software development, and digital marketing,” she told about 100 business leaders. “I want to offer my deepest thanks to Charter Communications for being the leading sponsor of this initiative with their $5 million contribution. I also want to thank the Stamford Partnership.”
Spectrum – a Charter Communications company – has committed $5 million over 10 years to support this initiative and will welcome learners into its headquarters to complete free technology training. Offerings will support all skill-levels and include a 1-day digital immersion program, a 3-week tech career exploration program, and 6-month tech career readiness course. Programs will start this month.
“As a leading U.S. connectivity provider with 1,800 employees based in Stamford, we understand the importance of a highly skilled workforce and The Stamford Tech Hub will help develop those future leaders, foster innovation and further support the city’s economic growth,” said Spectrum CHRO Paul Marchand. Spectrum operates under the Charter Communications umbrella.
The Stamford Partnership played an instrumental role in shaping the initiative, advocating for workforce development and economic growth in the region. As a key partner, locally-based dae, a nonprofit that provides educational and developmental opportunities designed to prepare individuals for data and digital-centric careers, will carry out the Hub programs with hands-on, real-world approach to education.
State of the City
In her speech to Stamford Chamber of Commerce members Mayor Simmons said she has focused on three priorities as mayor.
“When I took office, I outlined a vision to make Stamford more inclusive, more affordable, and a place where everyone can thrive,” she said. “My goal is to focus on three priorities: economic prosperity, investing in infrastructure, and improving government responsiveness. Over the past four years, we have achieved substantial progress toward these goals.”
Economic prosperity
“Our economy has undergone significant shifts in recent years requiring that we adapt to evolving needs of our workforce,” she said. “Today, we have an unemployment rate of under 4% – the lowest of any big city in the state. We continue to grow and attract new businesses with over 200 new businesses opening last year alone.”
She also cited three straight years of budget surpluses and a Grand List that has grown to $27 billion last year from $21 billion in 2021.
Infrastructure investment
“Over the past four years, we have made intentional investments in the spaces that shape our daily life – from our streets to our schools to parks and public transit,” she said. “We’ve completed transformative projects like the Lower Summer Street promenade, which is a wonderful example of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure that also enhances safety and beautification.”
Affordable housing
“We’re making sure people can afford to build their future here, too by increasing our supply of affordable housing,” the mayor said. “Since signing the city’s first executive order on affordable housing, we have completed 637 units with hundreds more in the pipeline. For the first time in over a decade, we have updated the below-market rate program requirements from 10% to 14%.”
Recognizing a ‘hero’
Mayor Simmons took time in her speech to honor Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Kuhar for his actions and that of his fellow firefighters and emergency service providers, who responded to one of the worst fires in our downtown in decades.
“Last month a four-alarm fire destroyed several of our small businesses on Bedford Street,” Simmons said. “The dedicated 16-hour response by Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Kuhar and dozens of firefighters and police officers ensured that no civilians were injured. Their swift and courageous actions prevented the fire from spreading to more businesses and threatening additional lives.”
After honoring Kuhar, she thanked the Stamford Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Special Services District for offering support the day of the March 7 blaze. She also honored the Women Business Downtown Council, whose offices were also devastated by the fire, for helping out small businesses in need.
