Alan Cavagnaro

Alan Cavagnaro is a senior from South Windsor, CT, double-majoring in Political Science and Urban & Community Studies with a minor in Public Policy while enrolled in UConn’s SPP Fast-track program. His passion for public service and policy ignited when he decided to run for local office at age 19. As an elected Planning and Zoning Commissioner, he enjoys helping guide the direction of his community, navigating between complex issues of land conservation, housing affordability, and open space. 

As the Campaign Coordinator for DesegregateCT, a statewide pro-homes policy nonprofit, Alan invests his time into sustainable land use and affordable housing policy. He plays an integral part in getting the Work Live Ride bill through committees in 2023 and 2024. His work at DesegregateCT also includes leading the candidate and commissioner training programs, which in 2023 saw 79% of attendees win their respective elections. Previously, Alan interned for the Connecticut General Assembly and Housing Committee in 2022 and helped pass the Fair Rent Commission bill through his internship. Last year, he served on the 4th cohort of the H2OO U.S. Youth Advisory Council for the UN Ocean Decade, helping advocate for ocean environmental policy on the national level.

Attending the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, Alan is eager to learn from engineers and scientists to better inform state policy at home. After graduation, Alan plans to pursue an MPA, maintaining his focus on public service and meaningful policy work. In his free time, he enjoys astronomy, reading, and playing cornhole & pool.