New Haven Oral History Project: Michael Morand

Summary Description

After graduating from Yale College in 1987 and Yale Divinity School in 1993, Michael Morand began his career working for the Yale University Office of New Haven and State Affairs. Morand describes the work of this Office in encouraging New Haven's economic development. This office was established in 1995, two years after Richard Levin became president, as a way to connect Yale to the community and to look for ways to make the city attractive to investors and businesses. He discusses community development and public relations initiatives such as the Yale Homebuyer Program, the Yale Entrepreneurial Society, and Market New Haven. He also recounts efforts to increase flights to Tweed-New Haven Airport and to encourage biotechnology and venture capital initiatives in the city. Morand spends much of the interview touting the benefits of New Haven, to both residents and businesses, and comparing it to other towns. He also contrasts New Haven's current development plan of "strategic incrementalism" to the larger-scale urban renewal and Model City efforts of the 1950s and 1960s. Interviewer: Eidelson, Josh Length (min): 57

Category Tags

Economy, Labor, and Income; City Planning, Development, and Gentrification

New Haven Neighborhood

New Haven (All)

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