BNT Marks 40th Anniversary by Welcoming the HCDLI’s First-Ever Fairfield County Cohort for an Eight-Week Deep Dive into the Future of Affordable Housing in Connecticut
April 1, 2026 – Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT)
Building Neighborhoods Together will host the 2026 cohort of the Housing & Community Development Leadership Institute at its Bridgeport headquarters this May and June.
The eight-week program is HCDLI’s first cohort to be based in Fairfield County. Operated by LISC Connecticut and funded by the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, HCDLI brings together emerging and established professionals working in affordable housing, real estate development, construction management, public housing, banking, and community-based organizations.
“This is a big deal for BNT, Bridgeport, and the future of affordable housing in Connecticut,” said Chip Parrish, BNT’s Director of Real Estate Development. “Bringing HCDLI to Bridgeport in our 40th anniversary year is exactly the kind of moment we have spent four decades working toward: a roomful of people who will help build the next generation of affordable homes in Connecticut, learning together in our city.”
Over eight weeks, participants will explore affordable housing finance, pro forma analysis, fair housing law and history, economic development, property and asset management, and housing policy and advocacy.
The cohort will include professionals from across the state of Connecticut. Chip Parrish and Diamond London, Director of Operations, will participate as members of the cohort, bringing BNT’s on-the-ground development experience to the program and carrying new learning back to the organization’s growing affordable housing development work.
Founded in 1986 as the Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, BNT has spent four decades creating affordable housing, supporting first-time homebuyers, and providing housing and financial counseling to Connecticut residents. To date, BNT has developed more than 250 affordable housing units representing more than $45 million in investment in Bridgeport neighborhoods. Through its Empowerment Resource Academy, BNT has helped more than 4,000 Connecticut residents become first-time homeowners.
“Affordable housing depends on strong partnerships and skilled people who understand how to move complex projects forward,” Parrish said. “The professionals walking into our offices this May are part of the future of affordable housing in Connecticut. Some may become partners on projects in the years ahead. Some may lead their own organizations. All of them will help make Connecticut a place where more working families can afford to live.”
Hosting the HCDLI cohort is a meaningful part of BNT’s 40th anniversary year. The organization will celebrate its anniversary at its 40th Anniversary Gala on November 5, 2026, at The Waterview in Monroe.
Learn more about the Housing & Community Development Leadership Institute at hcdli.org.