HARTFORD, CT - State Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford, Darien) joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy at the State Capitol on Thursday as he announced the nomination of Evonne Klein of Darien to be the first Commissioner of the Department of Housing.
“As First Selectman of Darien, Evonne Klein made great progress in improving access to affordable housing and otherwise stimulating economic development around town. Her experience dealing with housing issues while in office makes her a natural pick to lead the new Department of Housing, and I know she will do a good job for Connecticut’s families,” said Senator Leone.
The new Department of Housing will serve as the lead agency for housing-related matters in the state. The department will be responsible for providing centralized leadership and a comprehensive approach to eliminating homelessness and meeting the housing needs of low and moderate-income individuals, families, and communities in Connecticut.
Under the consolidation, existing state housing programs from the Department of Economic & Community Development, the Department of Social Services, the Office of Policy & Management, and the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services will be transferred into the Department of Housing.
Klein said, “I am honored to be nominated by the Governor for this position. Through the creation of the Department of Housing, we now have the ability to better meet our housing needs across the state. I look forward to serving the people of Connecticut.”
Klein, a Darien resident, is currently an Engage Life Director with Atria Senior Living. She previously served as First Selectman of Darien from 2003 to 2009, during which she dedicated her efforts towards stimulating economic development in the town, including revitalization of the town’s downtown district. She also led efforts to expand affordable housing in the town, including the development of a Town of Darien Affordable Housing Plan and zoning regulations to increase the stock of affordable housing.
“Affordable housing is integral to driving economic development and growing jobs in our state,” Governor Malloy said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Evonne for a number of years, and I’ve been witness to her dedication, work ethic and leadership.”
