For more than a decade, Kristen Gorski has been shaping the economic future of Connecticut communities by integrating sustainability into local development. Early experiences in disaster preparedness and business continuity opened her eyes to the challenges businesses face in staying resilient — and the opportunities that come from integrating sustainability into economic development.

As an economic development staffer in Bristol, Kristen saw firsthand how municipal government could support businesses, attract investment, and strengthen communities. Now, as West Hartford’s Economic Development Manager, Kristen has expanded her focus, championing small business, housing development, and commercial retention and revitalization.

Now, Kristen and her team are busy raising awareness about programs and resources for their portfolio of 2,660 brick and mortar businesses and 1,500 multifamily . Hearing business owners consistently mention access to capital as barrier to growth, Kristen emphasizes the importance of programs like Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing, which can help fill financing gaps and reduce operating costs for existing properties.  

The One Park development exemplifies the importance of Kristen’s work as a connector.  The adaptive re-use of the Sisters of Saint Joseph convent was poised to preserve a historic structure and create 294 units of new multifamily housing.  However, the $66 million project faced years of financing challenges until Kristen connected the developer with the C-PACE program, administered by Connecticut Green Bank. Through C-PACE, the developer secured nearly $14 million in financing for energy-efficient upgrades, including LED lighting and solar panels from a capital provider. Without this innovative financing, the project – which provides critical rental housing in an already densely developed municipality – might have failed.

Kristen’s leadership demonstrates how sustainability is not just an environmental priority but a financial strategy. By connecting businesses with resources like C-PACE, she can help retain, grow and attract new businesses and development. By lowering energy costs and improving building performance, she helps businesses remain competitive while strengthening community resilience.

Her story underscores the critical role of economic developers in advancing adoption of green solutions like renewables and energy efficiency. By staying informed about evolving programs and maintaining strong partnerships with organizations like the Connecticut Green Bank, Kristen ensures that businesses and property owners can access the tools they need to thrive.