Based on our findings from the literature review, analysis of Census data, and resources from federal agencies-including environmental justice indicators-we find that disparities in income, health vulnerability, and environmental burden disproportionately impact communities of color in Hartford. These quantitative patterns are further illuminated by insights from oral history interviews and photovoice discussions, which bring forward the lived experiences behind the data. Drawing from this comprehensive analysis, we offer the following recommendations, each paired with concrete actions aimed at advancing environmental justice and equity in Hartford.
Call to Action: Recommendations
| Goal | Concrete Actions | Who Leads / Supports | Why It Matters |
| 1. Launch an Environmental Justice Fund seeded with MIRA closure savings | • Advocate for the $ 60 M to be repurposed into a permanent EJ trust. • Prioritize grants to resident‑led projects: home air‑filter rebates, public education, asthma outreach, health care facilities, youth green‑jobs. | CLJ, state legislators, CT Green Bank (fiscal agent) | Turns a one‑time shutdown into a long‑term revenue stream for those most harmed. |
| 2. Tackle illegal dumping & “trash tourism” from suburbs | • Enforce hauler GPS‑tracking and increase fines on out‑of‑town violators. • Expand bulky‑item pickup to weekly and waive fees for low‑income households. | City DPW + Capitol Region Council of Governments | Responds directly to PhotoVoice stories of mattresses, toilets, and shame; shifts burden off residents. |
| 3. Build pride & healing through quick‑win green spaces | • Activate two city‑owned vacant lots within 2‑miles of the incinerator with movable pollinator planters, asthma‑friendly shade trees in boxed containers, benches, and QR‑linked oral‑history signs. • Pair with paid summer youth crews (ages 14–24) for maintenance. | City Parks, KNOX Inc., local schools, | Provides a tangible symbol of reinvestment; addresses interviewees’ call for “something really nice to forget those decades.” |
| 4. Make technical processes understandable & accessible | • Fund a standing Community Science Translation Team (local health org + Trinity students) to turn DEEP jargon into plain‑language infographics, bus‑stop posters, TikTok explainers. • Offer stipends and childcare for residents attending hearings; schedule meetings evenings/weekends and on bus routes. | CT Children’s asthma program, Trinity EJ courses | Directly tackles the “I wouldn’t understand a single word” barrier and rebuilds agency and hope. |