ABOUT US
Civic Works Department, Inc. is a nonstock corporation organized in Connecticut in September 2025.
Our mission is to make the 21st century the Civic Century by bringing neighbors together through community-building, neighborhood projects, and civic participation — with the goal of strengthening our democracy. We carry out charitable and educational activities in Greater New Haven, Connecticut and hope to inspire others to do similar work in their towns.
Co-Founded by Miles Lasater, Ming Thompson, & Caroline Tanbee Smith — and we welcome others to join.
Our team
The Civic Works founding team are seasoned civic and entrepreneurial leaders rooted in New Haven – with backgrounds in politics, business, and neighborhood leadership.
CAROLINE TANBEE SMITH
Co-Founder, Collab: New Haven-based small business accelerator
Twice-elected Alder: City of New Haven, Board of Alders
Co-Founder, New Haven Bike Month and aapiNHV
ming thompson
Co-Founder, Atelier Cho Thompson
Critic at Yale School of Architecture
Co-Founder of A Rising Tide: Dedicated to AAPI Architects
miles lasater
CEO & Founder of Purpose, Built Ventures
Co-Founder of Higher One, See Click Fix, OneUni
Board Member of ConnCORP, and founder of greater New Haven’s Neighbors For Housing
THE Know your neighbors fund
Selection Committee
Civic and social leaders from across New Haven, who support multiple rounds of fund selections.
Daniel Hunt
Community Liaison,
ConnCorp
Ana Jaurez
Board Member,
Elm City COMPASS
Hope Chavez
Executive Director,
Arts Council of Greater New Haven
Elise Granata
Founder,
Group Hug