Regional Notes | March 2022

Good afternoon,

As March comes to an end, we hope you're enjoying the slightly warmer temperatures and longer days. Looking ahead to April, it's Fair Housing Month -- a time to reflect on and celebrate the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act with a series of public education and art events coordinated by the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO, in collaboration with many other partners. Fair Housing Month events and activities raise awareness about housing discrimination in Vermont and the positive role that inclusive, affordable housing plays in thriving communities. Visit the Fair Housing Month website for upcoming events and information on how to participate. These events are great education opportunities, and may be particularly helpful for municipalities facing opposition to more equitable housing.

The Building Homes Together 2.0 campaign, a collaborative effort between the CCRPC, Champlain Housing Trust and Evernorth, was launched this fall with the goal of building 5,000 homes by 2025 for people of all incomes, including at least 1,250 affordable homes. View the Building Homes Together website and summary infographic for more information.

CCRPC appreciates the work the legislature has put in on bills to support more housing such as reforming Act 250 and establishing new programs and funding for mobile homes, missing middle housing, accessory dwelling units, etc. In particular, CCRPC appreciates S.226, the omnibus housing bill, and looks forward to its passage. By working together, we can move toward a regional housing market that serves people of all backgrounds and incomes.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker

Executive Director, CCRPC

OF NOTE

Draft 2022 Chittenden County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan Available for Review & Comment Through April 7

In June 2021, Chittenden County municipalities initiated a collaborative planning effort to develop the 2022 update of the Chittenden County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan. The benefits derived from the planning process, and the recommended mitigation actions that will be implemented, will significantly improve community resilience and sustainability. View the draft plan, corresponding press release, and details on how to participate by April 7 on the CCRPC website.

CCRPC Summer Internships Available; Applications Due April 15

The CCRPC seeks to hire three interns for the summer months (June-August). This position is mainly field data collection and supporting computer work. To apply, email cover letter and resume to Chris Dubin, Senior Transportation Planner, at: cdubin@ccrpcvt.org. View the full job description and advertisement »

TRANSPORTATION

GMT Permanent Service Changes Public Hearings: April 5 & 6

Green Mountain Transit (GMT) is hosting a series of public hearings to discuss permanent service changes to the #6 Shelburne Road, #7 North Avenue, and #86 Montpelier LINK Express. The public is encouraged to attend to offer comments. Comments can also be provided in writing. These changes would go into effect in June 2022. Learn More & Provide Comments »

Older Driver Webinar Series from Vermont Department of Health

The Vermont Department of Health partnered with many organizations to launch a new webinar series focused on older driver safety in Vermont, to be held on the last Wednesday of every month from April-June, from 12-1pm. The events are free. Learn More »

Registration Open for the 2022 Walk Bike Summit on May 6

In partnership with VTrans, and along with a number of other participating organizations and sponsors, the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, in concert with the Walk-Bike Council of Addison County, will host the statewide Vermont Walk/Bike Summit on May 6, 2022 in various outdoor venues in Middlebury, VT. The 2022 Vermont Walk Bike Committee also invites you to share your expertise and creative endeavors with colleagues at the upcoming conference. Learn More & Register »

"Park Your Carbon" Week: May 16-20

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 carbon change. Park Your Carbon is a week-long initiative to help change Vermonters' transportation and commuting habits by encouraging green ways of travel. Do it for a day, a week, or make it a habit. Bike. Walk. Share Your Ride. Bus. Work from Home. Learn More »

Transportation Projects & Updates

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

ECONOMY

Leadership Champlain Application Available

Applications are open for Leadership Champlain, a professional development and community engagement program of the Lake Champlain Chamber. The program's mission is to foster growth and leadership in professionals who will serve our community now and in the future. Applications are due by April 18. Learn More »

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Public Feedback Sought for Building Energy Codes

The Vermont Department of Public Service will soon begin updating Vermont's building energy codes, with the target effective date of fall or winter 2023. The code update process will include multiple opportunities for stakeholders to provide input and feedback. The first set of public meetings will take place on April 6 and 8. Learn More & Register »

Climate Council Engagement Events: April 12 & 13

The Vermont Climate Council is holding public forums on April 12 and 13 to share information about its ongoing work and to hear from Vermonters across the state. Come learn about Vermont's Climate Action Plan, the legislative initiatives it has inspired, and the Council's plans for this year. Register »

Vermont Green Building Celebration: April 13

Join the Vermont Green Building Network for this special lunch-time celebration on Wednesday, April 13 from 12-1:30pm. This year's Vermont Green Building Celebration will feature keynote speaker Sue Minter, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action. Learn More »

Energy Storage and Weatherization Webinar Recordings Available

The CCRPC co-hosted two webinars in February, which are now available online. The first webinar, co-hosted with Green Mountain Power, focused on GMP's battery storage programs. The second, co-hosted with Efficiency Vermont, focused on weatherization and windows. Watch the Recordings »

Amphibians on the Move

With the warmer weather, Vermont's amphibians and reptiles are on the move -- as are a large group of volunteers documenting and categorizing different species for the Vermont Amphibian/Reptile Atlas. Results are presented by town and species in the Atlas. Learn More »

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to Re-Open for Free in May

The museum will be open from May 21-October 16 with outside and indoor exhibits, summer camps and expeditions, historic replica boats, new public programs, and more. The 2022 season at the museum is focused on continuing to bring the community together. Learn More »

QUALITY OF PLACE

Art Contest and Exhibit: What Does a Thriving, Inclusive Community Look Like?

To celebrate Fair Housing Month, Arts So Wonderful and the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO invite you to submit work that answers the question: What makes a thriving, inclusive community? The exhibition is open to all ages, with cash prizes for youth and adults. Submission dates are April 18 and April 24. Learn More »

Funding Available for Farmworker Housing Repair

Champlain Housing Trust is now accepting applications for the Vermont Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program. The program allows farm owners to make repairs and improvements to their farmworker housing to help improve the health and welfare of the farm workforce. The application deadline is April 29. Learn More »

VCRD Event: Engaging With Municipal Leadership in Your Community, April 29, 10-11:30am

In this Vermont Council on Rural Development workshop, community and municipal leaders will discuss effective ways to communicate and coordinate with municipal leadership and work together for the future of your community. Register »

Save the Date: Vermont Community Leadership Summit, August 10

Save the date for the third Vermont Community Leadership Summit, where leaders will come back together to renew, connect, and continue to lead positive progress in Vermont.

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Howard Center Presents Annual Conference: Vision, Visionaries and Voices - April 7

Howard Center will present its fifth annual conference, Vision, Visionaries and Voices, virtually on April 7 from 9am-4pm, featuring international speakers, Mary Bassett, Anita Hill, Byron Katie, Ethan Nadelmann, and Tara Westover. Learn More »

The 2022 Vermont Young Adult Survey is Now Open

Are you a Vermonter between the ages of 18 and 25? Take the Vermont Young Adult Survey and you could win a gift card worth up to $500! This survey is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health, takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and is completely anonymous. Take the Survey »

Ben & Jerry's Foundation Equity & Justice Grant

The Ben & Jerry's Foundation announced the opening of its 2022 Equity & Justice Grant (formerly the Vermont Economic 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 economic, social, and environmental disparities in the state. Applications are due May 2. Learn More »

Vermont Everyone Eats Funds Extended Through July 1

Vermont Everyone Eats (VEE), the unique COVID-19 recovery program that provides Vermonters impacted by COVID with prepared meals made by Vermont restaurants using locally grown and produced ingredients, will continue through July 1. The program had previously been set to end March 31 but will now continue due to FEMA's 100% cost share being extended for existing COVID-19 relief programs. Learn More »