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Regional Notes | July 2022

Good afternoon,


Summer is in full swing, and we hope you're enjoying time outside with your friends and family! We have two items to bring to your attention this month: 


First, the draft West Central Vermont CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) is available for public feedback through August 12th. The CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development that will strengthen local economic partnerships within four Vermont counties and enable our region to meet current and anticipated economic challenges. Learn more and view the draft CEDS at https://westcentralvt.org.


Second, earlier this month, we released the 2021 ECOS Annual Report: The State of Chittenden County. The ECOS Annual Report summarizes progress toward the goals set in the Chittenden County ECOS Plan, the combined Regional Plan, Metropolitan Transportation Plan and CEDS for Chittenden County. The ECOS Plan includes 17 broad goals and 8 key strategies for achieving those goals. ECOS stands for Environment, Community, Opportunity, Sustainability.


The 2021 ECOS Annual Report is the eighth edition. A few notable highlights include:


  • Demographics | 99.7% of the population growth in Chittenden County over the last 10 years has been Hispanic (of any race), Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Native Hawaiian. This equates to 11,746 of the 11,778 people from 2010-2020. This trend in demographics brings additional importance to addressing our numerous equity challenges.
  • Annual Median Household Income | In Chittenden County, Black and African American households earn less than half of White households. If there were wage equity in Vermont, our residents would be making over $188 million dollars of more income, contributing that much more to the economy.
  • Homelessness | As of January 2021, homelessness increased to 700 individuals (626 households), compared to 261 individuals (217 households) in 2020. This is the stark reality of mental health services pushed to a breaking point and a severe lack of housing.


All data informing the Annual Report is found in the ECOS Scorecard, an interactive online platform that promotes easy access to the indicators that measure how Chittenden County is doing. To access the online platform and track how Chittenden County is doing year to year on a wide variety of topic areas, visit ecosproject.com.


Best regards,


Charlie Baker

Executive Director, CCRPC

OF NOTE

Vermont Primary Election: August 9

2022 is set to be a historic election year in Vermont. Two of the state's three members of Congress, four of its six executive officers, and roughly a third of all members in both legislative chambers are leaving their posts this year. Meanwhile, legislative district lines in many regions, including Chittenden County, have been redrawn for the first time in a decade. To learn more about the election and locate your polling place, visit the Secretary of State's website or check out VT Digger's 2022 election guide.

Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) Launches New Equity Resources for Vermont Municipalities

The VLCT launched two new initiatives today to help city, town and village leaders create and maintain welcoming opportunities: an online Municipal Equity Toolkit, and a call for applications from municipalities interested in participating in the VLCT Welcoming and Engaging Communities Cohort

TRANSPORTATION

VTrans Mobility and Transportation Innovation Grant Program

The Vermont Agency of Transportation is now accepting grant applications for the FY2023 Mobility and Transportation Innovation Grant Program. The program is designed to support innovative strategies and projects that improve mobility and access to services for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The application deadline is August 26 at 4:30pm. Learn More »

Call for Nominations: 2022 Highway Safety Awards

The Vermont Agency of Transportation State Highway Safety Office seeks awards nominations for individuals and/or organizations for the 2022 Highway Safety Awards, based on excellence in highway safety. Nominations are due Friday, September 2, 2022. Learn More »

2022 Chittenden County Traffic Alert

During construction season, the CCRPC provides a weekly traffic alert email service, the source for all roadway and construction work in Chittenden County. To review current and future alerts, subscribe to the weekly traffic alert email, or for more information, contact Taylor Dorn at (703) 955-3576 or trafficalert@ccrpcvt.org.

Vermont's Strategic Highway Safety Plan Available

The 2022-2026 Strategic Highway Safety Plan identifies Vermont's key safety needs and guides investment decisions toward strategies and countermeasures with the most potential to save lives and prevent injuries. Learn More »

Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express Train Offers Daily Burlington to NYC Service

Beginning July 29, Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express will leave every day at 10:10am from downtown Burlington and will arrive in New York City 7 hours and 34 minutes later. Local, state and federal officials have been working to reestablish this transportation link for decades. Learn More »

CATMA Inaugural Transportation Summit: October 18

This one-day event will include various sessions and keynote speakers focused on transportation in and around Chittenden County. This will be an opportunity for businesses, policy makers, transportation providers and community members to re-connect, re-engage and work "across the aisle" to re-imagine transportation demand management strategies in today's environment. Learn more about the event and sponsor prospectus here.

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

Vermont Announces $47.8M in Rural Broadband Spending

64,000 Vermont homes do not have access to a reliable wireline connection, and the State aims to connect them to fiber-optic cable by 2026. Connecting Vermonters to a fiber-optic network is critical for ensuring equal access to educational, work, health and community opportunities. Learn More »

Vermont to Receive $57.9M in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Governor Scott, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Vermont Economic Development Authority announced that Vermont will receive $57.9 million in ARPA funding to provide more access to capital for Vermont entrepreneurs and small business start-ups. Learn More »

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Efficiency Vermont: DIY Weatherization Cash Back Available

Get cash back on materials for DIY projects including weather-stripping, insulation and air sealing. Learn More »

Help Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Vermont's Lakes

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is asking lake visitors to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and water chestnuts that have been spread or introduced beyond their native range. These organisms can harm the environment, economy, and human health. Learn More »

Vermont Awards $1M in Grants for Electric Vehicle Chargers

A new grant program will help affordable and nonprofit housing providers install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 37 locations around the state. The pilot program is meant to ensure that renters have just as much access to the state's growing EV charging infrastructure as homeowners. Learn More »

Climate Change and Land Use Guide Available

This guide is intended to provide municipalities with guidance on how to amend land use regulations to limit low density sprawl, enable compact walkable neighborhoods, and protect the working and natural landscape to ensure climate change resilience. Learn More »

QUALITY OF PLACE

Vermont Community Leadership Summit, August 10

The third Vermont Community Leadership Summit will include skills workshops, networking opportunities, community project panels, and forum discussions. This event will be an all-inclusive summit aiming to bring new and established voices together from across Vermont. Anyone who is serving on local commissions, taking the lead or taking a stand in their community, or who is engaged in advancing a positive future for their town, city or state is encouraged to join the conversation. Learn More & Register »

Vermont Housing Finance Agency Releases First Vermont Housing Investment Fund (VHIF) Annual Report

VHFA established the fund in 2020 in recognition of a growing need for more flexible financing opportunities for affordable housing development. VHIF investments are intended to fill gaps in project budgets, allowing worthwhile housing projects to move forward despite complex and changing development conditions. Learn More »

Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program Awards $11M in Grants During First Six Months

Over $11 million of a $50 million program to pay overdue housing costs for homeowners impacted by the pandemic has been disbursed within the first six months of the program. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency launched the Homeowner Assistance Program in January 2022 with funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. It provides grants of up to $30,000 for income-eligible Vermonters. Learn More »

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Burlington City Arts Festival of Fools: August 5-7

Join BCA for the 15th annual Festival of Fools in downtown Burlington from August 5-7. The event brings more than 100 free busking and musical performances to Burlington's historic Church Street. Learn More »

The Heart of Winooski Foundation Receives $25K Gift

The Vermont Community Foundation is recognizing a gift to the Heart of Winooski's "Uplifting the Winooski School District BIPOC Educator Workforce Program" from an anonymous fund. This initiative will enable current Winooski School District professionals and members of the Winooski community to translate their certification and/or work experiences from their country of origin to the Vermont Teaching Licensure standards so they're able to teach in Vermont schools. Learn More »

Winooski Church to be Recognized on Vermont African American Heritage Trail

The Winooski United Methodist Church is in the process of becoming a registered historic landmark for its role in serving buffalo soldiers and their families from 1909 to 1913. Learn More »

Vermont Adopts 9-8-8 Phone Number for Mental Health Support and Crisis

Starting July 16, Vermont launched the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Callers will be immediately connected to compassionate, caring counselors who are trained to provide support for individuals experiencing everything from emotional distress to a mental health crisis. Learn More »

Quick Links


CCRPC Website »


CCRPC Calendar »


Vermont League of Cities & Towns Resources »


Vt. Dept. of Health COVID-19 Updates »


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Calendar


Please Note: All meetings are currently virtual unless otherwise specified. Information needed to join remotely is included in every meeting agenda, which is posted in advance to each committee webpage.


Find all CCRPC committee webpages here..


AUGUST


8/2, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting


[CANCELED] 8/2, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting


8/2, 12:30pm: MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting


8/3, 5:45pm: Executive Committee Meeting


8/9: Vermont Primary Election


8/9, 7:00pm: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting


8/30, 5:30pm: CCRPC & The Creative Discourse Group Equity Workshop #2 of 4


SEPTEMBER


9/6, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting


9/6, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting


9/6, 12:30pm: MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting


9/7, 5:45pm: Executive Committee Meeting


9/14, 2:30pm: Planning Advisory Committee Meeting


9/21, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting


9/29, 5:30pm: CCRPC & The Creative Discourse Group Equity Workshop #3 of 4


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CCRPC Board of Directors FY23 Membership


FY23 Membership is effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.


Bolton: Vacant


Buel's Gore: Garret Mott


Burlington: Andy Montroll


Charlotte: Dana Hanley


Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy


Essex: Vacant


Essex Junction: Dan Kerin


Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette


Huntington: Barbara Elliott


Jericho: Catherine McMains


Milton: Tony Micklus


Richmond: Bard Hill


Shelburne: John Zicconi


St. George: Jeff Pillsbury


So. Burlington: Chris Shaw


Underhill: Vacant


Westford: Vacant


Williston: Andrew Watts


Winooski: Mike O'Brien


For more information about the Board of Directors, click here.


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Our Communities

Click the map below to access links to each municipality, where you can find current projects, data reports, key statistics, and more.

CC Map from Website.jpg

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Efficiency Vermont: New Weatherization Rebates Are Here


Get up to 75% of your project cost back when you weatherize with an Efficiency Excellence Network member. There has never been a better time to invest in your home and your comfort. Learn More »

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CONTACT


If you have questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x121.