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Good afternoon,
Last month, we held our annual Chittenden County Municipal Legislative Breakfast to serve as a forum for municipal representatives and legislators to connect on a few important topics for the 2024 legislative session. This event was well attended and yielded useful discussion about housing, climate resilience, open meeting law, transit revenue options, municipal local options tax, equity, and more. Following a presentation, the discussion focused on what can be done at the municipal, regional, and State level to make improvements to our systems and progress toward our goals. View the full presentation on our website here.
A priority for Vermont's Regional Planning Commissions this legislative session is regional planning, State Designation, and Act 250 Reform. The HOME Act (Act 47 of 2023, Sections 15 and 18a) required the Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (VAPDA, the state association of RPCs) to prepare two reports for the legislature and two other closely related reports. The first was a report on statutory recommendations to better integrate and implement municipal, regional, and State plans, policies, and investments by focusing on regional future land use maps and policies. The second report proposes a framework for municipalities to enter into a delegation agreement for Act 250. The third report prepared by the Department of Housing and Community Development provides recommendations to update and simplify the State's Designation Program in a way that will better support municipal plans. The fourth report prepared by the Natural Resources Board outlines a framework for how Act 250 can be modernized to better protect our environment while encouraging more housing to be built in viable locations.
The solutions proposed in these reports reflect the intersectionality of the challenges Vermont faces today, and a readiness to collaborate. They offer a path forward to incentivize new housing development in and around our community centers, while better protecting Vermont's natural resources. By modernizing Act 250 to a location-based approach with a 3-tiered system, we can better protect the environment and incentivize the development of more housing in a flood safe way. We look forward to continuing to discuss this with the legislature this session and further support significant improvements to regional planning, Act 250, and the State Designation Program to support our municipalities in implementing their plans.
We're also available to help legislators with obtaining expert municipal testimony, data, or mapping on any of the additional topics outlined in our legislative breakfast presentation, or others that come before the legislature. As always, please let us know how we can help.
We look forward to working with our municipalities, the legislature, and all our partners in the year ahead. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, we welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Please contact me at cbaker@ccrpcvt.org or 802-735-3500.
Best regards,
Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
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Eliana Fox Joins CCRPC as Transportation Planner
Eliana's work focuses primarily on Transportation Demand Management and active transportation planning. Since earning her bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Vermont in 2019, Eliana gained experience working with Champlain College, Local Motion, and UVM's Transportation Office and Transportation Research Center. Eliana is passionate about her community and enjoys serving as a member of Burlington's Public Works Commission. Outside of work, some of Eliana's favorite activities include running on the bike path, riding bikes with friends, and eating dried mango. She is an avid, year-round bicycle commuter and lives in Burlington with her partner, Connor. Welcome, Eliana!
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2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Vermont: April 8
Start planning to view the next solar eclipse in Vermont! Vermont's location within the 2024 total solar eclipse's path of totality makes it an ideal place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event. Learn More »
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Eclipse Glasses Order Form for Vermont Municipalities + Community Organizations
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing has purchased branded eclipse glasses to be distributed to Vermont municipalities, community organizations and state entities planning events for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse. Learn More »
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Resource Available: 2024 Religious and Cultural Days of Significance Calendar
CCRPC staff prepared a religious and cultural days of significance calendar for 2024. This calendar is not exhaustive, but is intended to be a resource to be consulted prior to scheduling meetings and events for the current year and the year ahead. View the Calendar »
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Winter Bike to Work and School Day: February 9
Winter bikers come together on Friday, February 9th from 8-9:30am to celebrate Winter Bike to Work and School Day, an annual event that encourages cyclists to brave the elements and bike their way to work or class. Meet at the UVM Bikes! Co-op at the Booth House (86 S. Williams St.) for hot coffee, bagels, and doughnuts. Learn More »
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New Program + Volunteer Opportunity: Ride Together by GMT
Learn how to ride the bus with Ride Together, a free GMT travel training program dedicated to assisting community members in becoming familiar with local fixed-route transportation options. This flexible and personalized program is designed to address the needs of every individual, leading to increased rider independence, safety, and confidence in GMT services. Are you a compassionate and strong communicator with experience riding GMT fixed route service? GMT is hiring Travel Advisors to facilitate Ride Together workshops! Learn More »
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Burlington-Winooski Bridge Project Update
Thank you to everyone who attended the latest project meeting on January 23! The meeting presentation is now available on the project website, and a summary and recording will be available soon. Learn More »
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GMT Fares Resuming on March 6, 2024
Green Mountain Transit will resume fare collection on March 6 on Chittenden County, Commuter, and LINK Express routes. Learn More »
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2024 Vermont Highway Safety Conference: March 26
Join the Vermont Agency of Transportation for a one-day Highway Safety Conference with highway safety professionals from across New England! The conference will be held at the Killington Grand Hotel + Conference Center. Learn More »
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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.
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Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses: February 3
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity/Financial Futures Program, Vermont's Small Business Administration, and the Vermont Professionals of Color Network invite you to Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses from 10am-1pm this Saturday, February 3rd at the O'Brien Center in Winooski. This business-oriented celebration of Black History Month brings together community members and lenders (both traditional and non-traditional) for conversations on accessing capital. This event is open to all business owners (and those interested in starting a business), with a special invitation to BIPOC and New American business owners. Learn More »
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2024 Forecast: What Can We Expect for Purpose-Driven Businesses? Free Panel: February 8
Join Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and the University of Vermont - Grossman School of Business and Sustainable Innovation MBA program on February 8 at Kalkin Hall at UVM to network and connect while social responsibility experts share their mission-driven projections for the year. Learn More + Register »
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UVM Annual Spring Job + Internship Fair: February 28
The February 28 event is the largest career fair of the semester at UVM and includes organizations from all industries who want to recruit Catamounts. Learn More »
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Northern Border Regional Commission Announces Availability of $50M in 2024 Catalyst Program Funding
The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development activities that create economic opportunity for residents in rural places across Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Learn More »
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Vermont Department of Health 2024 Worksite Wellness Awards
The 2024 Worksite Wellness Awards application is now open. These awards recognize efforts by Vermont employers to promote employee wellness. All worksites are encouraged to apply, even if you're just starting with your wellness initiatives. Applications are due May 31, 2024. Learn More »
| ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES | |
Clean Water Board Meeting: February 14
The Clean Water Board will review the Governor's recommended State Fiscal Year 2025 Clean Water Budget and updated Clean Water Fund revenue projections, as well as address other business beyond annual Clean Water Budget Cycles. Learn More »
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Survey: What is Going on in Your Watershed?
In collaboration with partners, Vermont is updating the Northern Lake Champlain Direct Drainages Tactical Basin Plan, to be released at the end of 2024. This water quality and habitat management plan identifies rivers, lakes and wetlands in need of restoration and protection. It also outlines actions to achieve water quality goals and identifies partners and funding critical to implementation. Contribute to the planning process by taking this survey! Your answers benefit the process by providing a more complete picture of the watershed and understanding of the community needs. Learn More + Take the Survey »
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Charge Vermont DC Fast Charging Application Available
The state-funded, Green Mountain Power administrated Charge Vermont program has announced the launch of their DC fast charging competitive application process. This offers up to $160,000 per location and pre-applications are due 2/29. Learn More »
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NOFA-VT 2024 Winter Conference: February 17 + 18
The NOFA-VT 2024 Winter Conference provides a valuable opportunity for farmers, gardeners, earth tenders, educators, students, policy-makers, and other food system activists to share ideas, resources, and skills. Learn More + Register »
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Read the Latest Issue: Watershed Planning Program Newsletter
In this issue, the Watershed Planning and Clean Water Initiative Programs are excited to announce that the Clean Water Service Network Summit will take place on April 5, 2024. The newsletter features a Basin 5 (Northern Lake Champlain) Update and much more. Learn More »
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Drive Electric Vermont Translated Resources
There are several DEV partner resources available for your potential use, including an EV fact sheet and incentive information translated into French, Mandarin, Nepali and Spanish, along with social media assets and blurbs that can be used in newsletters or other updates. Learn More »
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Vermonters Increasingly Embracing Heat Pumps
Efficiency Vermont announced that Vermonters are increasingly embracing heat pumps to heat and cool their homes and businesses, with more than 63,000 installed through the end of 2023. Vermonters have installed more heat pumps per capita than any other state in New England, with 97 heat pumps for every 1,000 residents. A typical U.S. home could cut its heating-related climate pollution by 45-72% by switching to an all-electric heat pump in place of a gas-fired furnace. Learn More »
| EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESILIENCY | |
Vermont Language Justice Project - Accessible Public Health Information in 17 Languages
The Vermont Language Justice Project allows people with language access needs the ability to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their families. They do this by providing public service videos and audio files in 17 languages spoken here in Vermont. Learn More »
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Flood Recovery Resources
The CCRPC has compiled a list of flood disaster recovery resources. Learn More »
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Homes for All Toolkit Launch and Training Summit: March 14
Join the VT Department of Housing and Community Development and statewide partners for the Homes for All Toolkit Launch and Training on March 14! This interactive event is for novice and emerging small-scale home builders seeking to start developing new and renovated homes in Vermont, community development professionals and local leaders looking for new housing tools to support Vermonters, and anyone interested in innovative solutions to Vermont's housing crisis. Learn More + Register »
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Burlington South End Redevelopment Process Survey
Following an open house public meeting in December, Burlington is seeking public feedback on design concepts through an online survey that will be available through the end of February. Learn more about the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Process and take the survey here.
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FY24 Municipal Planning Grant Recipients + Bylaw Modernization Grant Recipients
Municipal Planning Grants (MPGs) support local planning and community revitalization initiatives that ready projects for implementation, build strong communities and improve Vermont's quality of life. In FY24, Hinesburg and Winooski received MPGs. Learn More »
Bylaw Modernization Grants will support local zoning bylaw updates to enhance the production of affordable homes in development-ready places, confront the State's housing crisis, and help communities become more equitable, energy-smart, and economically strong and affordable. In FY24, Jericho received a Bylaw Modernization Grant. Learn More »
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UVM Medical Center Offers New Center for Vermonters Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia
This week, the University of Vermont Medical Center announced a new center that will provide support and resources for caregivers, like peer-mentoring and short-term counseling. Learn More »
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CCRPC is a Member of the Government Alliance on Race + Equity (GARE)
GARE is a national network working to advance racial equity and increase opportunities for all communities. GARE is building the field of practice to advance racial equity within and through government. If you're interested in learning more about GARE resources and membership, contact Anne Nelson Stoner, CCRPC Equity + Engagement Manager.
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Language Translation
The CCRPC newsletter can be translated into many languages using Google Translate. Visit the newsletter webpage for more information.
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Quick Links
CCRPC Website »
CCRPC Calendar »
Cultural and Religious Days of Significance Calendar »
CCRPC Equity Statement »
CCRPC Traffic Alert Program »
Vermont League of Cities & Towns Resources »
Vermont Open Meeting Law Updates and FAQ »
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Calendar
Please Note: All meetings are virtual unless otherwise specified. Information needed to join remotely is included in every meeting agenda, which is posted in advance to each committee webpage.
Find all CCRPC committee webpages here.
JANUARY
1/31, 5:00pm: Equity Advisory Committee Meeting
FEBRUARY
2/6, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
2/6, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
2/6, 12:15pm: MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting
2/7, 3:00pm: Chittenden County Communications Union District Board Meeting
2/7, 5:45pm: Executive Committee Meeting
2/14, 2:30pm: Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
2/19: CCRPC Office Closed [Presidents Day]
2/21, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
2/26, 5:30pm: UPWP Committee Meeting # 2
2/28, 5:00pm: Equity Advisory Committee Meeting
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CCRPC Board of Directors FY24 Membership
FY24 Membership is effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
NOTE: CCRPC will begin reaching out to member municipalities in early April to begin the FY25 appointment process for the CCRPC Board and all Committees! Please reach out to Emma Vaughn with any questions in the meantime.
Bolton: Vacant
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Dana Hanley
Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy
Essex: Andy Watts
Essex Junction: Elaine Haney
Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette
Huntington: Joe Segale
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: Chuck Wilton
Richmond: Bard Hill (Vice Chair)
Shelburne: John Zicconi
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
So. Burlington: Chris Shaw (Chair)
Underhill: Brad Holden
Westford: Ben Bornstein
Williston: Andy Watts
Winooski: Mike O'Brien
For more information about the Board of Directors, click here.
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The CCRPC Funding Database is a near complete list of funding opportunities available to municipalities, non-profits, and businesses for planning and infrastructure-related projects. The list is updated by CCRPC staff annually every July. Users may filter the database by category, funding agency, and eligible organizations. Learn More »
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| Click the map below to access links to each municipality, where you can find current projects, data reports, key statistics, and more. | |
Save the Date! Vermont's Green Up Day is May 4
Pick up your green trash bags and get out in your community on Saturday, May 4 to clean up your neighborhood roads and waterways. As a volunteer, you make a huge difference for our environment. Learn More »
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CCRPC Staff Spotted in Google Street View
CCRPC's Chris Dubin and Sai Sarepalli are preserved in Google Street View history at the corner of Main St. and Spring St. in Winooski while gathering data for the ADA Transition Plan. This work included investigating curb ramp dimensions, slope, and pedestrian push buttons to determine ADA compliance and deficiencies.
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CCRPC Staff
Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GIS Data and IT Manager
Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Senior Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Senior Transportation Planner
Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner
Eliana Fox, Transportation Planner
Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Manager
Ann Janda, Senior Energy Project Manager
Sarah Muskin, Planner
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Taylor Newton, Planning Program Manager
Sai Sarepalli, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Darren Schibler, Senior Planner
Anne Nelson Stoner, Equity and Engagement Manager
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
For more information, including staff bios and contact details, click here.
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