Steven Miller has spent over 45 years in the real estate industry, building meaningful relationships and becoming a trusted advisor to families across generations. Based out of the Coldwell Banker office in North Haven, Connecticut, Steven's career is marked not only by his dedication to his clients but also by his tireless work in legislative advocacy for property rights and community service both state and nationwide. As the current president

of the Connecticut Association of Realtors (CTR), he has become a powerful voice in addressing critical issues such as affordable housing and homelessness. His passion for helping others shines through in every aspect of his work, making him a true leader in his community.

In this interview, Steven shares insights into his legislative efforts, community projects, and what drives him to stay involved.

Steven Miller: Over time, Realtors have become a strong voice in Connecticut. I can call my state senator or representative to discuss issues impacting the real estate industry. Right now, a major concern is the lack of housing units. Pre-pandemic, there were around 17,000 to 19,000 single-family homes and condos on the market in Connecticut. Today, that number is down to just over 3,000. We're working to create legislation that reduces

regulatory barriers, making it easier for developers to build affordable housing. Rising land and construction costs make it challenging, but we're committed to finding solutions.

Steven Miller: Absolutely. In North Haven, I sit on the Affordable Housing Committee. There's a significant issue where long-time homeowners have difficulty maintaining their properties or paying taxes, but they have nowhere to downsize to. This lack of housing options creates a bottleneck in the market. We need to create more affordable housing opportunities so people can move out of large homes they no longer need, opening up those homes for younger families. It's a community issue that affects everyone.

Steven Miller: I serve on several committees, including the Wetlands Commission and the Blight Committee. On the Wetlands Commission, we work to balance development with environmental protection. Last year, a proposal for a trash-to-energy plant in North Haven was rejected because it would have destroyed a wetland on the property. We need development, but not at the cost of our environment. The Blight Committee addresses neglected/blighted properties in town. Often, the homeowners are seniors who can't maintain their homes. We try to connect them with services to help, whether it's volunteers or local programs. It’s about building a stronger

community.

Steven Miller: CTR partners with the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. Right now, there are 500 children in Connecticut without a bedroom or toys to play with. This year, we raised close to $50,000 to help families stay in their homes. It's more cost-effective to keep people in housing than to rehouse them once they become homeless. The margins are so tight for some families that one illness or unexpected expense can leave them homeless. We take this issue very seriously.

Steven Miller: I don’t do community work to impress clients or colleagues—I do it because it’s important. That said, this is a relationship business, and many of my closest friendships have come from both my real estate work and my community activities. It’s all interconnected. Building stronger communities ultimately benefits everyone, including the real estate market.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get more involved in their community?

Steven Miller: For Realtors, most local associations have legislative committees you can join. Start by attending meetings to learn how things work. In your town, reach out to your mayor’s office or first selectman and ask about committee openings. There are always opportunities to get involved, whether it's affordable housing, environmental issues, or other areas. It’s important to bring fresh ideas and new energy to these committees.

Steven Miller: One issue I’m particularly passionate about is the increasing cost of insurance rates. For instance, my homeowner's insurance recently doubled, despite having no claims or incidents. These rising costs could impact both homeownership accessibility and residents' ability to remain in their homes long-term. It’s essential to engage in open discussions with our legislators to address these challenges and work toward solutions that benefit our communities.

Steven Miller's dedication to his community extends beyond his role as a realtor. Through his legislative advocacy and various community service projects, he addresses critical issues such as affordable housing, environmental protection, and homelessness. His efforts with CTR and local committees have made a tangible impact on the lives of many

Connecticut residents. Steven's passion for helping others and building stronger communities is the driving force behind his success—both in real estate and in life. His story serves as an inspiring example of how giving back can create lasting positive change.