Regional Notes | April 2023

Good afternoon,

As April winds down, we'd like to share an opportunity to provide input on the draft 2023 ECOS Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), which is available for review and public comment through May 17th. Metropolitan Planning Organizations, like the CCRPC, are required by Federal law to develop a long-range MTP at least every five years. This document must include the strategies, actions and projects that will lead to "an integrated multimodal transportation system to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods." Federal funds cannot be used for projects and services unless they are consistent with an adopted long-range plan. The MTP must also be financially constrained by the reasonably expected level of transportation funding.

The draft 2023 MTP sets out a vision for the development of the region's transportation infrastructure over the next 20 years and is the primary tool the CCRPC uses to plan for transportation needs and recommend solutions based on anticipated funding availability.

A public hearing will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 17th as part of the regular CCRPC Board meeting -- and comments can also be emailed to Eleni Churchill at echurchill@ccrpcvt.org. Learn more about the draft MTP here.

Please browse the newsletter below for more opportunities to share your input on current projects, as well as view some of the latest news from around Chittenden County.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker

Executive Director, CCRPC

OF NOTE

Job Opening: Entry to Senior Planner - Applications Due April 28

The CCRPC is seeking to hire a full-time planner to assist with equitable municipal and regional planning. View the job description.

FY24 CCRPC Committee Appointments Due May 31

CCRPC has reached out to all member municipalities to request that their legislative bodies take action to appoint representatives and alternates to CCRPC committees. Half of every CCRPC committee gets appointed every fiscal year. Please contact Emma Vaughn with any questions about the appointment process.

CCRPC's Weekly Traffic Alert Back for 2023 Season

During construction season, the CCRPC provides a weekly traffic alert email service, the source for all roadway and construction work in Chittenden County. To review current and future alerts, subscribe to the weekly traffic alert email, or for more information, contact Taylor Dorn at trafficalert@ccrpcvt.org.

TRANSPORTATION

Lafountain and Dion Street Scoping Study Public Meeting: May 8

Join us at our first public meeting! We want to hear your thoughts on making these streets more friendly to walking and biking. Can't make it, but still want to contribute? Email project manager Jason Charest at jcharest@ccrpcvt.org with your feedback. View the project webpage for more information.

Park your CARbon: May 15-19

Want to try a different way of getting around? How about a healthy option, one that can save you some money and even be fun? You can reduce carbon pollution in Vermont and impact worldwide climate change by pledging to Park your CARbon. This is a one-week initiative to help change Vermonters' transportation and commuting habits by encouraging green ways of travel. Try it for a day, a week, or make it an ongoing habit. Bike. Walk. Share your ride. Work from home. Every trip counts. Even small ones! Take the Pledge.

Bike Me Out to the Ballgame: July 9

Join the CCRPC and other transportation partners as we sponsor the Lake Monster's Bike Me Out to the Ballgame on Sunday, July 9. All bike valet users get a free game ticket, and the first 100 fans who use valet bike parking receive free Monster Bucks to spend at the game. Keep an eye on the Lake Monsters promotions page for more details. Play ball!

Access Matters Video Series

These videos were created to train drivers to be more sensitive to the needs of people who are blind, deaf, and have other disabilities who rely on public transportation. The series of five videos covers important topics such as communication, service animals, what access means and tips for serving people with a variety of disabilities. Learn More »

Transportation Projects & Updates

For a full list of current transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee webpage; a full project list is included in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly.

ECONOMY

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility 33rd Annual Conference: May 11

This full-day, in-person event will bring together thought leaders from throughout Vermont for provocative conversations inspired by a keynote address on "Seizing This Moment." Facilitated dialogues, panel discussions, and workshops follow and will focus on the leading-edge of social and environmental impact. Learn More & Register »

Green Mountain Job and Retention Program

The State of Vermont, in collaboration with the University of Vermont and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, is offering a $5,000 loan repayment program to incentivize and retain new graduates from Vermont colleges and universities. Learn More »

UVM to Host Research, Innovation, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship Summit June 21-22

The new RISE Summit will bring together researchers, business leaders, and alumni to spotlight the opportunities and challenges of economic development in Vermont and the surrounding region. Learn More »

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Green Up Day is Saturday, May 6

Join the fun and help make Vermont clean and beautiful! Pick up your Green Up trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 6 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment. Learn More »

State of Vermont Requests Help to Support Growing Electric Vehicle Charging Needs

With the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, the State of Vermont is working proactively to find more locations for charging stations. In partnership with Drive Electric Vermont, the State is seeking to identify property and business owners interested in supporting plug-in electric vehicle charging or providing services associated with the installation and management of charging. Learn More »

Job Opening: Stormwater Coordinator, Town of Williston

The Town of Williston is seeking a Stormwater Coordinator to join the Department of Public Works. Learn More »

2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference: Friday, May 19

The 2023 Vermont Arbor Day Conference on Friday, May 19th at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. Learn More »

Enhanced Rebates for Commercial LED Lighting Projects

The Regional Development Corporations of Vermont have collaborated with Efficiency Vermont to offer a new program featuring enhanced rebates for commercial LED lighting projects. This special program is designed to motivate and support Vermont businesses outside the City of Burlington, especially small and mid-size businesses, in upgrading to LED lighting in 2023. Learn More »

QUALITY OF PLACE

Announcing the 2023 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Program

In FY24, $4.3 million in state income tax credits are available. Credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Applications for the next round of tax credits are due Monday, July 3, 2023. Learn More »

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Request for Proposals: Ben & Jerry's Foundation 2023 Vermont Equity & Justice Grant

The Ben & Jerry's Foundation announced the opening of its 2023 Vermont Equity & Justice Grant program with an allocation of $300,000. Beginning this summer, the Ben & Jerry's Foundation will offer competitive grants of up to $20,000 to Vermont-based, non-profit organizations working to address racial, economic, social and environmental disparities in the state. Proposals may be submitted through an online application process by May 1 for review in early June. Learn More »

Resource Available: Vermont Health Equity Planning Toolkit

Municipalities, Regional Planning Commissions, State agency partners, non-profit/for-profit organizations, and Vermonters who are curious should find this document beneficial in determining how and why to take steps toward creating a healthier and more inclusive Vermont. These steps could include but are not limited to, improvements to policy, bylaws, community engagement, and infrastructure to promote healthy and inclusive communities. Learn More »

New Website: Northwest Vermont Prevention Network

The Prevention Network is made up of organizations and individuals from communities across Northwest Vermont who share a common goal of preventing substance misuse and promoting the wellbeing of youth and young adults. Learn More »