It's December, and we know you're getting ready to spend time with family and friends to celebrate winter holidays and welcome the new year. There is a lot more afoot this month! The intro to a new legislative biennium, our Federal Funding Assistance Program launching its resources, an explanation of borrowing authority, and a preview of coming changes to how you interact with us online – including some exciting new benefits that come with a member portal.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily updates and links to hot topics.
After nearly 20 years with the same database and five years with the same website, VLCT is making two big improvements. Starting early next year, you'll be able to create a login to see member-only web content and access new features. Learn more.
The DFR now says that municipalities are not eligible for COVID-19 paid leave grants.
Subscribe by 5/10 for free access to employee training using this PACIF member benefit.
Applications for this program are now being accepted.
For projects that reduce the future public safety and water quality impacts of flood hazards.
Get technical assistance to develop healthy community design and placemaking plans.
Help us center JDEIB in all aspects of local government. Apply by January 6.

We have recently learned that several of our members have been the target of a First Amendment Audit. To help you be aware and reduce the risk associated with these audits, we encourage you to take a look at two articles and a video on our website. We are also hosting three live, interactive trainings in December and January. Get ready!

Capacity is a major concern for towns of all sizes, and this year nearly 70% of respondents to our annual member survey identified funding, access to grants, research and writing as a top areas needing help. The Federal Funding Assistance (FFA) Program was created with this in mind. The team has decades of experience with local projects, tackling complex challenges with creative solutions, and now we're here to help you.

Frozen pipes and water leaks can happen if the heating system fails in one of your buildings. Use of internet connected sensors can help you monitor buildings to reduce risk, and hassle. These sensors help you to monitor for the presence of water to detect leaks in areas like basements and temperature to detect cold or freezing temperatures in heated areas. They provide an early warning, letting you know of the potential for damage before it's a big problem.


Journal readers like you are getting early access to VLCT's Legislative Preview. Scheduled to be sent to inboxes tomorrow morning, our annual look-ahead at the session is available online now. Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Make sure to register for next Monday's Advocacy Chat: Legislative Preview Edition.


Last month, Vermont passed a threshold. Now, 50% of our population lives in a community that has adopted the Declaration of Inclusion. VLCT's Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Resources webpage provides information about the declaration as well as other examples that you can use to develop your own statement of commitment to justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.


Municipal budgeting is complex and more of an art than a science. Towns can face financial hurdles that are unexpected and unpredictable. Natural disasters such as floods and pandemics come to mind. To help manage financial uncertainty, it is wise to save for a rainy day. To do this, Towns create reserve funds to ensure specific funds are available for a specific purpose when the need arises.

VLCT's Municipal Legislative Priorities for the 2023-24 biennium are available now. These priorities were drawn from the adopted Municipal Policy in order to help the VLCT Board, advocacy staff, and members effectively advocate for and articulate the needs of Vermont local governments.


When a workers' compensation claim involves lost work time, the employer needs to report the employee's wages for the 26 weeks preceding the injury. Use this webpage as a "how to" for reporting. It will help guide you and your supervisors through filling out the Wage Statement Form correctly, so that all the state requirements are met.

Snowmobile operators have the right to travel on any town highway that is not maintained by the town in winter. Additionally, snowmobiles may be operated on a town highway if the path of travel is located five or more feet from the plowed portion of the highway. Learn more about the law and use the Model Snowmobile Ordinance and Guidance to help regulate snowmobiling within your town.

Public libraries today serve as dynamic community hubs. Everything from family story time to teen afterschool programs to workforce development services and more happens in the library.
The results from a 2021 Public Library Association survey show libraries are already actively engaged in creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for community members and staff alike. Continued investment will be crucial in advancing that work and expanding the benefits it brings. Read more.
Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
What information are cyber criminals trying to get when they are phising?
What do you mean by information? They're trying to catch fish.
Personal information for malicious purposes.
Personal information so they can help you be more efficient.

Federal and State laws call for only high-efficiency LED lighting to be sold starting in 2023. The incentives from Efficiency Vermont are changing. They exist to bring the cost of efficient products in line with the cost of less-efficient technology.

Now through July, your municipality can save the most money on new lighting. Efficiency Vermont recently increased the maximum quantity from 250 to 500 products per project, so municipalities can upgrade all lighting at the lowest price.

Efficient LED lighting can last more than 10 years, so upgrade your lighting now and don’t worry about replacing them again for a good, long while! Learn more.
Help capture and document what you love most about your local community through your lens. You’re invited to share photos and captions of how great your community is. Share this project with your municipal staff and residents! Need ideas? How about pictures of events that draw in community members, murals and artwork that make your public spaces unique, town hall, public meetings, the library, or maybe the general store where everyone gathers to unofficially (or officially) meet and chat over coffee. You can capture anything that brings out the best in your neighborhood. Surprise us!

As we head into 2023, we hope to see you at an in-person or virtual training soon. While many trainings don't have dates yet, and we always add special topics based on what you tell us you need and new initiatives, this annual calendar provides you with the general timeframe for our popular annual trainings.

Pencil them into your calendars and then visit vlct.org/events to register. Find out more.

Monday, December 19
11 AM - 12 PM
Join Karen Horn and Gwynn Zakov as they prepare for the 2023 legislative session. Mark your calendars. Regular Advocacy Chats begin on Monday, January 9 and continue until the end of the legislative session. Register here.

Friday, January 6 & January 13
Time Varies
Especially important for front line staff who are likely to greet visitors first and for those who might be called on to provide assistance, this webinar will help you and your staff understand how to respond to these situations in ways that will reduce your risk. Sign up.

Wednesday, January 11
10 AM - 11 AM
Save the date!

Wednesday, January 18
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Save the date!.

VLCT will be closed on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays. The office will also be closed on Monday, January 2 in observance of the New Years Day holiday.

Members with claims emergencies during this time should call (802) 272-5331. This number is for emergencies only. You can also report your claim online.

Find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.

As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.

Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
Despite it's name, phishing has nothing to do with phish the animal or phish the band. Cyber criminals who are phishing want your personal information for malicious purposes. VLCT PACIF's KnowBe4 program reimburses you for training that helps employees learn to spot phishing and other types of cybercrime. Learn more and sign up.