Is $34.7M in state infrastructure funding tied to Unilever’s New Haven innovation center a good use of taxpayer money?

New Haven's plans for Unilever's $270 million global innovation center at 2 Church St. call for $34.7 million in state funding for public infrastructure, including service tunnels, street and stormwater improvements, and two public plazas.

The consumer goods giant expects about 300 employees to work at the center, which will replace its longtime research and development operation in Trumbull.

The project is part of New Haven's Quantum and Life Sciences Innovation Cluster, which won $50.5 million in state support in 2025.