Harrison comes from DesegregateCT where he served as Director for three years

HARTFORD, CT (March 11, 2024) - Regional Plan Association, an independent, non-profit civic organization that develops and supports programs that improve sustainable, economic vitality and the quality of life in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan area, today announced the hiring of Pete Harrison as the new Connecticut Director. In his new post, Harrison will lead the implementation of and shape RPA programs that will have a positive impact on Connecticut’s infrastructure, environment, economic development, and communities.

“For the past few years, we’ve worked alongside Pete and seen first hand his tremendous skills at research, planning and advocacy,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association. ​“Pete has demonstrated his passion for working with communities and making positive change through coalitions and grassroots campaigns. We are delighted to have him join RPA to lead our efforts in Connecticut to create communities that are sustainable, equitable, healthy and prosperous.”

Prior to joining Regional Plan Association, Harrison served as the Director of DesegregateCT, a coalition of nonprofits and community members advocating for improved local and state policies that lead to equitable and thriving Connecticut communities and a longtime RPA partner. A resident of Simsbury, Connecticut, Harrison has over a decade of experience in tenant organizing and policy research focused on affordable housing and climate solutions, and brings with him to RPA comprehensive experience and knowledge in this region and beyond.

“Joining RPA as the Director of Connecticut brings my career completely full circle,” said Harrison. ​“Coming from Connecticut, and leading DesegregateCT, to then joining RPA, is a true honor and opportunity for me to continue the work on housing, transportation, and climate that I feel so passionately about in our region, while collaborating with a forward-thinking group of professionals.”

“I’m thrilled to continue to work alongside Pete in his new role to advance our shared mission at RPA,” said David Kooris, Co-Chair, Connecticut Committee. ​“With his extensive experience and leadership, Pete will leverage RPA’s robust portfolio of programs to help shape a bright, prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for Connecticut and its place within the greater New York metropolitan area.”

Prior to joining DesegregateCT, Harrison held roles at Data for Progress as a senior housing policy advisor where he led research on the trailblazing 2020 ​“Homes for All” report. He also co-founded and served as the CEO of homeBody Network, and has spent over seven years as an adjunct lecturer at Baruch College. Harrison holds a BA in History from the College of Holy Cross and a Masters of Urban Planning (MUP) from Columbia University.

RPA also announced the promotion of Zoe Baldwin as Vice President of State Programs. Zoe will remain NJ Director, and will work with Kate Slevin and the advocacy team at Regional Plan Association to build a strong network and presence in Connecticut and strengthen our work throughout the region.

“After a thorough search with many qualified candidates, Pete Harrison stood out for his vision and dedication to our issue areas, including transportation, housing and the environment,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of Regional Plan Association. ​“With Pete’s hire, Zoe’s promotion, and the continued work of Maulin Mehta as our New York Director, our advocacy team is incredibly strong. We can’t wait to deepen our work with our partners throughout the region to improve public transit, create more homes for more people, and prepare for the climate challenges ahead.”

“For over a century, RPA has worked to ensure that policy and practice in each state serve the broader goals of our region,” said Zoe Baldwin. ​“I’m eager to help continue that legacy alongside Pete and Maulin as we work to expand RPA’s presence and effectiveness throughout each state.”

About Regional Plan Association
Regional Plan Association (RPA) is an independent non-profit organization that conducts research, planning, and advocacy to expand economic opportunity, environmental resiliency, improved health, and better quality of life in the New York metropolitan area. Since the 1920s, RPA has produced four landmark plans for the region. The most recent was released in November 2017. For more information, please visit www.rpa.org.

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