Albany Avenue on the Rise: UAMS Community Conversation Draws Over 90 Attendees and Celebrates Local Success
Published By: Upper Albany Main Street & City of Hartford
Date: May 2, 2025
Category: Community / Events
On April 15th, 2025, Upper Albany Main Street (UAMS) hosted a powerful and inspiring Community Conversation that drew more than 90 attendees, including small business owners, residents, and City of Hartford officials. The event, held in the heart of the Upper Albany district, served as a platform for connection, collaboration, and celebration—showcasing the momentum building along Albany Avenue.
UAMS extends its deepest gratitude to Speaker of the House Matthew Ritter and Council President Shirley Surgeon, whose steadfast support continues to fuel progress in the neighborhood. Their presence at the event underscored a shared commitment to economic empowerment and community revitalization.
Throughout the evening, Upper Albany Main Street highlighted its vision for the future of business development along Albany Avenue. The team shared updates on ongoing initiatives, outlined upcoming projects, and reinforced their mission to provide tools and opportunities that help small businesses grow and thrive.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of seven local business owners who successfully completed UAMS’ Digital Literacy Training Course. These entrepreneurs were honored with certificates of completion and awarded laptops to support their continued digital growth. Their journey doesn’t end there—each will now transition to the SHEBA Resource Center for the next phase of training, bringing them one step closer to qualifying for a $15,000 grant through the City of Hartford.
Speaker Matthew Ritter delivered remarks emphasizing the critical role UAMS plays in strengthening the local economy and creating pathways for success. “What UAMS is doing here is not just building businesses,” he said. “They’re building legacies, lifting up families, and making this city stronger from the inside out.”
The April 15th Community Conversation was more than just a meeting—it was a testament to the power of partnership and progress. With dedicated leadership, enthusiastic community engagement, and a clear path forward, Albany Avenue is well on its way to becoming a model for neighborhood-driven economic development in Hartford.