Office of Connecticut State Treasurer

05/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2026 11:59

Treasurer Russell Hosts 2026 Connecticut Public Finance Outlook Conference

05/20/2026

NEW HAVEN, CT - Treasurer Erick Russell hosted almost 200 municipal finance professionals, local leaders, and investors in New Haven on T uesday at the 202 6 Connecticut Public Finance Outlook Conference.

The event highlighted economic and fiscal issues facing Connecticut's cities and towns, including updates on state and national trends , and several key programs administered by the Office of the Treasurer.

"This conference comes at a very different moment than when we last gathered in 2024," said Treasurer Russell. "No matter where you fall politically, state and municipal leaders are navigating a new set of challenges and uncertainties - including federal funding reductions, rapidly shifting federal policy changes, market volatility, and broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Bringing public and private sector finance professionals and policy experts together to share information , best practices, and new ideas is an extremely important and productive way to address this moment. "

Tuesday's event, hosted at Hotel Marcel, featured panels and presentations on a variety of programs, policies, and economic projections.

A fireside chat with Darrick Hamilton, University Professor and Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy at The New School, and Mark Cabana, Co- Head of Global Rates Research at Bank of America, focused on the national economic outlook, interest rates, labor markets, and the potential impact of federal policy changes on state and local governments .

Treasurer Russell , Office of Policy and Management Secretary Josh ua Wojcik , and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter provided updates on Connecticut's fiscal position and response to federal funding cuts and policy changes.

A roundtable discussion with Wolcott Mayor Tom Dunn, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons , and Moody's VP and Senior Analyst Michael Wertz explored the challenges facing municipalities and the innovative ways cities and towns are preparing for the future.

Financial leaders from the Office of the Treasurer also provided updates on several key programs administered by the agency, with a particular focus on the intersection of public policy and public finance and issues affecting municipalities, including:

  • The Municipal Employees' Retirement Fund , the state run pension fund in w hich many mun i cipalities participate ;

  • The Short-Term Investment Fund, the state's short-term cash investment vehicle that is also utilized by most municipalities;

  • The Unclaimed Property Fund ;

  • The Connecticut Higher Education Trust ; and

"I appreciate the immense knowledge and collaborative attitude our speakers, panelists, and attendees brought to this important conversation," said Treasurer Russell. "I'm looking forward to turning these conversations into action as we continue to support, and partner with, our local governments."

In addition to the main program, a team from the Unclaimed Property Division was on hand to help officials locate and claim lost or abandoned funds for which a municipality is the rightful owner. The Office of the Treasu r er returned a record $120.9 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners in Fiscal Year 2025 .

This is the second biennial Connecticut Public Finance Outlook Conference hosted by Treasurer Russell. The first was held in 2024. In 2023, Treasurer Russell and Governor Ned Lamont co-hosted a Connecticut Investor Conference, which brought over 300 investment professionals from across the country to Hartford to discuss opportunities for investment in the state.

About the Office of the Treasurer

The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut's financial resources through prudent cash management and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and t hirteen state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state's fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut's social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the first Black, out LGBTQ person to win an election for statewide office in American history. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ ott .

Contact: Maliha Ahsan
[email protected] | (959) 278-0468

Office of Connecticut State Treasurer published this content on May 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 20, 2026 at 17:59 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]