Connecticut Agency That Funds Housing Names New Leader

The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) in Hartford is stepping into a new era, naming David Sinko Steuber as its next executive director. This leadership change comes as downtown revitalization pushes forward and development challenges keep piling up.

Steuber takes the helm from Michael W. Freimuth, who’s been at the CRDA’s core since 2012. Right now, Hartford’s arena is in the middle of a $145 million renovation, and the city’s wrestling with tough economic shifts—think empty office buildings and tricky redevelopment projects.

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David Sinko Steuber: A Leader Poised for Hartford’s Next Transformation

Steuber, currently chief of staff at the state Department of Economic and Community Development, will officially step into the new role on October 31. At just 39, he’s already racked up over 15 years in the public sector, with a track record on projects like Innovation Clusters and Greyfields redevelopment.

Experience Spanning Multiple Connecticut Institutions

His roots run deep in Connecticut’s civic and economic circles. Steuber’s been chief of staff to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, worked with Connecticut Innovations, and spent time in the state legislature.

That mix gives him a pretty broad perspective on what cities like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, and New Britain really need to move forward.

Transition from Michael W. Freimuth’s Decade of Leadership

Steuber steps in for Michael W. Freimuth, who’s led CRDA since it started and will help with the transition through the end of the year. Freimuth’s legacy? It’s big—$200 million in low-cost loans, 3,300 apartments, and a wave of redevelopment throughout Hartford and beyond.

Freimuth’s Enduring Impact Across the Capital Region

Board chairman David C. Robinson praised Freimuth’s leadership, calling it both exceptional and transformative. Under Freimuth, Hartford became a livelier, more appealing city, and even neighboring towns like Manchester, Middletown, and Enfield felt the positive effects as development picked up.

Current Development Challenges Ahead

Steuber’s stepping in just as CRDA faces a tough set of hurdles. One big one: redeveloping the South Meadows trash-to-energy plant site, which means wrangling state agencies, environmental groups, and private investors.

On top of that, Hartford’s still fighting the problem of vacant office space, which makes it tough to recast the city as a thriving urban center.

Balancing Growth and Economic Reality

With all that experience, Steuber’s job is to balance ambitious growth with the real economic challenges cities like Hartford, Norwich, and Danbury face. He’ll have to find ways to draw businesses and residents back into revitalized downtowns—no small feat these days.

Economic Development Focus for the Capital Region

The CRDA’s mission is about creating jobs and boosting the cultural energy of Connecticut’s capital area. That means driving commercial growth and making sure affordable housing doesn’t get left behind.

Job creation initiatives aimed at boosting employment opportunities in multiple industries.
Urban revitalization through strategic investments in infrastructure and cultural projects.
Housing development focused on both market-rate and affordable options.
Public-private partnerships to leverage resources for high-impact projects.

Looking Beyond Hartford

Sure, most headlines focus on downtown Hartford, but CRDA’s reach goes well beyond that. Nearby places like West Hartford and East Hartford are part of the mix, too, forming a regional network that’s ripe for growth.

There’s a sense that Steuber’s leadership could tighten those connections, helping investments ripple out past city borders. That’s what a lot of folks are hoping for, anyway.

Final Thoughts on CRDA’s Leadership Shift

David Sinko Steuber’s appointment shows that CRDA wants fresh ideas but still values its core mission. He brings real experience in economic development and statewide policy, which Hartford will need as it grows.

The move from Freimuth to Steuber isn’t just a routine leadership change. It feels more like a deliberate shift, maybe even a gamble, to help Hartford and nearby cities build a stronger, more vibrant future.

With October 31 coming up, people are watching Steuber. Will he use his background and vision to tackle tough issues and spark new opportunities across Connecticut’s cities? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Here is the source article for this story: Influential CT agency that invests in housing, large projects names new leader. What to know.

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