Biography - Director of Community Development Steve Hnatuk

Steve Hnatuk was appointed Director of Community Development for the Town of East Hartford in July 2026. He is responsible for the administration and management of the Community Development Department, which includes the Economic Development, Planning, Building, Zoning, Property Maintenance and Grants divisions. He leads the Town's economic development and redevelopment efforts by guiding policy and regulatory initiatives that facilitate growth and investment, supporting business retention and attraction, and advancing redevelopment opportunities throughout the community.

Prior to his appointment as Director, he served as East Hartford's Deputy Development Director, where he led the Town's 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development, the Founders Plaza District Master Plan, the Affordable Housing Plan, and the comprehensive modernization of East Hartford's zoning regulations. He continues to support the redevelopment of the Church Corners Inn and Founders Plaza, Main Street revitalization efforts and the Town's brownfield assessment and remediation initiatives. He also focused department efforts on updating land-use administration and enforcement policies, expanding online permitting and development services, and improving development review processes.

Before joining the Town of East Hartford, Steve worked for Tyche Planning & Policy Group, where he served as Town Planner and led planning efforts for several Connecticut municipalities. His work included Plans of Conservation and Development, municipal Housing Planning, and land use policy initiatives. He also worked for the Town of Newtown, where he supported planning and zoning, inland wetlands, and land use administration.

Steve holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Natural Resources and Applied Economics from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree in Geography from Central Connecticut State University.