September launches Vermont into the transition from summer to autumn and warm days to cooler ones. This transition also means Town Fair is just around the corner, and the general election is not far behind! In this issue, you'll find a variety of articles to support your work. You'll also find two entries from the Advocacy Team inviting you to host a legislative candidates forum and to read the Municipal Action Papers as we release them this fall.
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As we head into fall and the budgeting season, now is a great time to review your equity related work. Whether you're just starting out or have been developing it for a while, and whether you're looking to commit funds or exploring free/low cost options, VLCT's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Belonging Toolkit can help. Read more.
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Provide feedback and express interest for a subsidized and highly flexible loan program.
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LAST CHANCE! Apply for the Welcoming and Engaging Communities Cohort by 9/15.
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Nominate a dedicated local official or legislator for one of VLCT's awards.
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More than a dozen types of mitigation projects are eligible for this funding. Apply by 10/7.
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Funds a wide variety of municipal planning projects. Connect with your RPC by 10/31
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Delegates represent their municipality at the VLCT, PACIF and/or VERB Annual Meetings.
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Town Fair 2022 is filled with training, networking, exhibitors, awards, and – new this year – an evening variety show featuring comedians Josie Leavitt, Tim Kavanagh, and Jason Lorber. They'll shine some light on what every elected and appointed local official knows too well: If you don't laugh, you'll cry. Be sure to peruse the schedule of events and trainings, as we've recently added new sessions and speakers you won't want to miss. Did you miss the early bird registration rates? You can still get a discount! Look for a special code hidden in plain sight in this email. Learn more.
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Help maximize the accountability of the legislators who represent you in the State House. A good place to start is to host a candidates forum between now and late October. Nearly 40% of state legislators retired at the end of the last biennium, which means many of the candidates vying for your vote have never worked with local government before. Make sure your representatives will know who to call with questions about the impacts of legislation.
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The existence of executive session reflects a balancing by the Legislature of the need for transparency – which is an essential element of an open and democratic government at any level – with the rights of individuals and the interests of their community. While there is no explicit statutory requirement for these conversations to remain confidential, disclosing them could pose a very real harm.
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This year at the VLCT Annual Meeting, members will have the opportunity to discuss the 2023-24 Municipal Policy. The Proposed policy will be posted soon. Keep an eye on your inbox or bookmark our Annual Meetings webpage. There you'll find the meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting documents for the PACIF, VERB, and VLCT Annual Meetings. Still need to register your voting delegate? You can sign them up at vlct.org/TownFair.
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In the fall of even numbered years, legislative candidates and VLCT members learn about the current top municipal concerns from VLCT's Municipal Action papers. The first of this year's series focuses on transportation issues. Reading it and understanding the priorities listed at the end is a great way to inform your conversations with soon-to-be legislators, which helps your advocates promote municipal interests when the General Assembly is in session.
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Practicing a wealth creation approach to economic development can help small, rural communities become more resilient, according to Melissa Levy, Principal of Community Roots. In this article, Melissa reviews the process and provides a case study for how it works. Taking an inventory of your community's assets, noting where there are gaps, and discovering where the market demand is are key components of this approach.
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The top 10 most populous cities in each state are automatically eligible for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) formula funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Much of the program remains the same as when it was first funded over a decade ago, but communities are now able to use EECBG funding for projects on renewable energy, zero-emission transportation, and energy efficiency, giving local governments even more flexibility and creativity when deciding how to take on energy and environment-related projects. The EECBG requires no matching funds, and additional technical and financial assistance programs are available. Read about project examples.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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Who should you contact with EyeMed questions?
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Stacey Borchers, EyeMed Account Manager
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Kelley Avery, Benefit Programs Administrator
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EyeWantToSave - Town Fair discount code
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Energy is a major expense for Vermont cities and towns. But it’s tough to know where to start to reduce costs. That’s why Efficiency Vermont offers free municipal consultations. The conversation will start with a call or an email. From there, they’ll direct you to the resources to get the job done or set up a walk through with one of their experienced energy consultants. Work with an efficiency expert to understand the low hanging fruit, connect to available resources, and answer your questions.
You don’t need to be the expert on energy! Let Efficiency Vermont help you save money and resources for your town. Fill out this form to get started: efficiencyvermont.com/towns.
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You’ve probably spotted one while walking or driving down a residential street – a miniature cottage-like box containing an assortment of books and sitting atop a post. Each one is a small part of a surprisingly large network. Check out what we found.
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Thursday, September 22
Learn about budgeting and financial management challenges, how to comply with legal requirements, and best practices for long-term planning and managing debt. Sign up.
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Thursday and Friday, October 6-7
Join us for VLCT’s largest conference, featuring two full days of roundtables, networking, municipal policy, awards, comedy, exhibitors, raffles, and of course - nearly 20 different training sessions on a variety of topics you need to know about. Register.
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Monday, October 10
Vermont municipal leaders and downtown advocates invite you to celebrate Senator Patrick Leahy’s 48-year career revitalizing our historic city, town, and village centers. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are appreciated and will sign you up for event updates and inclement weather plans. A taste of Waterbury’s downtown will be complimentary, and there will be a cash bar. RSVP.
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Friday, October 28
Local officials and interested volunteers are invited to become enlightened and empowered by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Gain the most up-to-date information and resources about federal funding opportunities, land use planning, environmental justice, navigating Act 250, noxious weed management, and much more. Register.
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The Stutz Award is given in honor of John Stutz, who convened representatives of ten state municipal leagues for the first meeting of what was to become the American Municipal Association and subsequently the National League of Cities. This year's VLCT recipients both work astutely and skillfully behind the scenes to help VLCT deliver the goods to members. Get the inside scoop, along with a special tribute.
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With the US transitioning to more electric vehicle use and funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for progress, some forward thinkers see potential for a convergence of the energy and transportation sectors. This article from Governing.com dives into the topic and discusses the possibilities it holds. Read more.
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Only Bevan Quinn of Guilford knew that (a) Washington County measures 34 north-to-south miles by 31 east-to-west miles; (b) the historical markers located at 44° 0.842' N, 73° 9.992' W; 43° 59.316' N, 72° 35.64' W; and 43° 27.106' N, 72° 47.191' W are for Emma Willard (who gave the earliest collegiate instruction for women in America at a seminary in her home from 1814 to 1819); the ... Read the rest — and the last.
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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.
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