January 2020


NRPC Email Phishing Scam

On Friday, January 3 NRPC's email listserv was hacked by a malicious third-party who sent out a phishing scam email from an NRPC email address. If you received an email appearing to be from NRPC with the subject line RE: Invoice for $12300 processing, please delete that email immediately and do not click on any of the links in the email. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused. We have taken steps to re-secure our email list and worked with Constant Contact to identify the source of the issue. 
Essentials of Land Use Training

Are you a new Selectboard, DRB or PC member? Or a seasoned member that needs a refresher course?  Please join NRPC for a training on the essentials of land use planning and regulation in Vermont. This training will focus on the basics: Municipal Plans, PC/DRB/ZBA roles and responsibilities, meeting/hearing procedures and the basics of Vermont's Open Meeting Law.  Town staff and local board members are encouraged to attend. 
 
NRPC is offering the "Essentials" training 2 more times during winter 2020. Here is a list of the training opportunities:
 
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 9 AM - 11 AM
City Council Chambers
St. Albans City Hall
100 North Main Street
St. Albans, VT
 
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 7 PM - 9 PM
Worthen Library
28 Community Lane
South Hero, VT

If you have specific questions, please contact Taylor Newton or Emily Klofft at NRPC (phone: 534-5958). RSVPs are appreciated!

Regional Planner Hiring at NRPC

Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) is seeking a regional planner to work with communities in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Specific projects may include, but are not limited to: municipal comprehensive plan and bylaw updates, development review, grant writing and administration, project management, regional plan development, and state and federal policy review. This position may range from assistant to senior level depending on the candidate.
 
The ideal candidate has knowledge and skills in municipal and regional land use planning and development. Experience in community development, project management and grant writing is a plus. This position requires effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment and independently, and a strong customer service ethic. Regular night meetings will be expected and a valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
 
NRPC offers an excellent benefit package and a flexible work environment with a dynamic and friendly staff. For more details see here. Send resume and three references to Catherine Dimitruk, Executive Director, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, 75 Fairfield Street, St. Albans, VT, 05478, or email cdimitruk@nrpcvt.com. Interviews will begin in mid-January. This position will remain open until filled. NRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Small Grants for Smart Growth Available

Is your community seeking more money for smart growth work?
If you're ready to...
 
undertake creative, inclusive outreach about your future land use, pilot a wastewater solution, intervene in a development proposal in a sprawl location, organize local residents in favor of smart growth housing, hold a community meeting about whether and how to undertake interim zoning, develop a planning process for a public park or reuse of a historic building, develop a guide to help residents successfully implement your smart growth zoning,or other smart growth project that works for your community
 
...you should apply! Grants are typically between $500 and $1,500. There is no deadline; grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Learn more here. If you would NRPC to assist you with your application please contact Greta Brunswick or Taylor Newton at 524-5958.

Vermont Land Survey Library Now Available

The Vermont Land Survey is now online and available for use at landsurvey.vermont.gov. The library consists of a web map that displays the general locations of .pdf copies of surveys produced by Vermont licensed land surveyors. For new surveys of line adjustments and subdivisions throughout Vermont produced from January 1, 2020 onward, surveyors upload the .pdf copies to the map when the surveys are to be filed with the respective Town Clerk. The library's content is open to the public and was established as part of Act No. 38 passed in 2019.
USDA Rural Business Development Grant Now Accepting Applications

The USDA Rural Business Development Grant program for FY20 is now open. The Rural Business Development Grant is meant to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Examples of projects funded under this grant include training and technical assistance to small businesses, capitalization of a revolving loan fund, rural business incubators, community economic development planning, and long-term business strategic planning. 

Municipalities and non-profit organizations in rural areas in Vermont are eligible to apply for a maximum grant of $30,000 (or $100,000 within the Northeast Kingdom). Letters of Intent are due by January 17,2020. Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting (February 12, 2020 for Northeast Kingdom Applicants and February 13, 2020 for applicants located outside the Northeast Kingdom).  These meetings are not mandatory, however they will provide some good information regarding process and scoring. 

For more information, see the USDA website or contact Susan Poland at USDA.

Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Address: 75 Fairfield Street, St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: 802.524.5958      Fax: 802.527.2948     Website: www.nrpcvt.com