Thomas Breen file photo
Now ex-alder, future city climate director Steve Winter.
Steve Winter is stepping down as Prospect Hill/Newhallville/Dixwell alder — and stepping up into the role of City Hall’s first-ever executive director of climate and sustainability.
Winter, a third-term alder for Ward 21, announced his resignation in a Friday afternoon letter sent to his new boss, Mayor Justin Elicker.
“With a bittersweet mix of sadness and excitement, I write to submit my resignation from the Board of Alders, effective the end of the day today, December 9th, 2022,” Winter wrote. “On Monday, I will join your administration as the City’s Executive Director of Climate and Sustainability. I’m thrilled to serve the City in a new role and believe that effectively addressing the City’s climate and sustainability goals will improve the lives of New Haven’s residents by positively impacting issues such as health, housing affordability, and new employment opportunities.”
Winter has served as the alder representing parts of Newhallville, Prospect Hill, and Dixwell since 2017. Click here to watch a recent interview with Winter on WNHH FM radio’s “Dateline New Haven” program.
“Serving the residents of New Haven alongside colleagues on the board has been a great honor and joy,” Winter reflected in his resignation letter. “I’m proud of the work we have done together to increase the supply of affordable and quality housing, support expanded youth programming and job opportunities, improve City finances and push the City’s nonprofit partners to pair their fair share, and set ambitious goals for climate action and electrification.”
As a new member of the Elicker administration, picking up a special fund job that was created this fiscal year, Winter said he is “thrilled” by the opportunity to lead the city closer to achieving its climate and sustainability goals. He told the Independent that “there’s a lot of work to do,” but that “we’re in a unique moment” with a flood of state and federal dollars designed to help local government “meet the moment.”
“I look forward to continuing to work together to serve our residents and improve our city.”
Winter’s resignation means that Ward 21’s seat on the Board of Alders is now vacant.
Per the city charter, there will have to be a special election for a new Ward 21 alder within the next 45 days. (That’s because Winter resigned within the first 18 months of his current two-year term. If he had resigned after serving at least 18 months, the mayor could appoint a successor to finish out his term.)
Thomas Breen contributed to this report.