COVID-19 Paid Leave Update, First Amendment Audit Training, Engage in Equity, Transportation Planning Support, and more

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Municipalities NOT Eligible for COVID-19-Related Paid Leave Grants

VLCT was disappointed to learn that municipalities are currently excluded from reimbursement for COVID-19-related paid time off.

Help VLCT Create Welcoming and Engaging Communities

VLCT seeks nominations for the VLCT Equity Committee to help us implement our three-year justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging action plan. Nominations are due Friday, 1/6/23.

VFD Assigned Risk Contacts Have Their 2022 WC Rosters

Volunteer fire department roster and payroll information for workers' compensation coverage is due in early January. Contacts should have already received an email with instructions which are also available online.

Plan Transportation Growth with Support from Better Connections

Better Connections provides technical assistance and funds to help local communities plan for growth that increases multi-modal transportation options and improves land use, water quality, public health, and economic vitality. Pre-apply in Dec-Jan.

Pilot to Support Placemaking and Health Equity in Vermont

The Vermont Departments of Health (VDH) and Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently launched a pilot program to provide extra capacity and resources to communities to develop healthy community design and placemaking plans, ideas, and projects that center on equity.

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Finance Friday

Fri, 12/9, 11 AM – 12 PM

Municipal Finance Staff, led by VLCT’s Sarah Macy, will collaborate on strategies for finding and tracking fixed assets.

How to Prepare for a First Amendment Audit

Mon, 12/12, 10 AM – 11:15 AM

Front-line staff and those who might be called on to provide assistance are encouraged to attend to learn appropriate ways to respond. This training is also available on 1/6 and 1/13.

Reasonable Suspicion Training

Tue, 12/13, 9:30 AM – 12 PM

A federal requirement for supervisors of commercial motor vehicle operators, learn the effects of alcohol on the body, the importance of documentation, and more.

Basics for Delinquent Tax Collectors

Wed, 12/14, 9 AM – 10:30 AM

Understand the role and responsibilities of the delinquent tax collector and the municipal property tax process. Attendees get our updated Handbook for Vermont Collectors of Delinquent Taxes.

Advocacy Chat – The Legislative Preview

Mon, 12/19, 11 AM – 12 PM

Hear from Karen Horn and Gwynn Zakov as they prepare for the 2023 legislative session. Join in and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns.

Biweekly Chat with Advocacy Staff

Mon, 1/9/23, 11 AM – 12 PM

Share your thoughts, whether they are on topics being discussed in the State House or a different legislative concern.

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OTHER NEWS & EVENTS

Don’t Get Left in the Dark

Changes to local and national lighting standards means that Efficiency Vermont’s point-of-sale discounts on efficient lighting expire starting July 1, 2023. Until then, you can still get the highest-ever discounts at the point of sale for up to 500 lighting products per project. Learn more!

Helping Keep VLCT Dues Low

What do Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Blue Advantage, NEMRC, M&T Bank, Green Mountain Power, and Casella have in common? They are all VLCT Corporate Sponsors, and their support benefits members by contributing to our non-dues revenue.

Block Grants Management Compliance Symposium/Workshop

In Montpelier on 12/9 you can learn how to comply with Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which provide planning and implementation funds for projects involving housing, economic development, public facilities, public services, and handicapped accessibility modifications.

NLC’s Grant Application Bootcamp Registration Is STILL Open!

The Local Infrastructure Hub’s Grant Application Bootcamp series helps small communities submit strong applications for federal infrastructure money. Register by 12/9.

CISA's Convenient List of Cybersecurity Tools

This "living repository" from the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) lists free cybersecurity tools and services to help organizations enhance their security capabilities.

AmeriCorps as a Potential Resource

Are you seeking extra people power to tackle needs in your community? AmeriCorps NCCC partners with a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies to design project that address identified community needs and send teams of 8-12 young adults to be the people power behind the project.