The Planning, Economic Development & Housing Committee on Dec. 16 forwarded favorable recommendations to the City Council for several mayoral appointments to boards and commissions.

Key confirmations the committee voted to send to council with favorable recommendations included:

- Nelke Maldonado: nominated to the Fair Rent Commission. Maldonado told the committee she has lived in Hartford for more than 35 years and works in community service, and she said she would "be a voice" for residents struggling with rising rents.

- Garza Silva: nominated to the Hartford Parking Authority and the Board of Assessment and Appeals. Silva, a retired city employee with 50 years in Hartford, said he hopes to bring cross-department collaboration and community responsiveness to parking and assessment issues.

- Angela Eikenberry: nominated to the Hartford Parking Authority. Eikenberry, a UConn public policy professor who lives and works downtown, said she brings expertise in transportation and urban development.

- Michelle Shay (formerly an alternate) and Brandon Best (alternate): nominated to the Historic Preservation Commission. Shay described ongoing work to expand use of state historic tax-credit programs; Best said his background in local real estate and architecture informed his interest in serving.

Each nomination was introduced, committee members asked questions about background and expectations, and the committee voted to send recommended appointments to the full City Council.

Sources: Committee introductions and votes, Dec. 16, 2025.