The North Hartford Promise Zone

Lead Organization: Hartford, Mayor’s Office

Population: 23,950 

Poverty Rate: 49.35% 

Unemployment Rate: 27.44% 

The North Hartford Promise Zone (NHPZ) encompasses 3.11 square miles and includes the neighborhoods of Clay Arsenal, Northeast, and Upper Albany. The NHPZ has alarmingly high rates of unemployment, violent crime, and food insecurity. In addition, the area is marked with several blighted commercial and industrial sites. It is also one of the poorest in the country.

The zone’s average per capita income is $12,099 and only 38.3% of residents have a high school degree. The North Hartford Promise Zone’s sharp socio-economic decline began after WWII with the construction of Interstate 84 which effectively divided the City in half and isolated the NHPZ from the economic activity of the downtown. Under the executive leadership of the Hartford Mayor, the City is working in partnership with business, foundations, municipal and regional planning organizations, and the City’s own resources to advance neighborhood revitalization and create a safe prosperous future for residents.

As part of these ongoing efforts, the North Hartford Promise Zone identified the following six goals to improve the quality of life and accelerate revitalization.

• Create Jobs 
• Increase Economic Activity 
• Reduce Serious And Violent Crime
• Improve Educational Opportunities 
• Improve Health and Wellness 
• Improve Home Ownership And Rental Housing Assistance

Key Partners: 
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut; Capital Workforce Partners; Community Solutions; Greater Hartford YMCA; Hartford Housing Authority; CT Center for Advanced Technology; Village for Children and Families; Hartford Police Department; Health and Human Services Department; Hartford Department of Development Services: Housing Division and Economic Development Division; Metro Hartford Information Services (MHIS)



“I am committed to making Hartford one of America’s best capital cities. To accomplish this goal, all of our neighborhoods must be vital and healthy.”
Pedro E. Segarra, Hartford Mayor

Martha Hood PhD povertyinapot.blogspot.com