The Next 50 Years of Act 250
Questions about where and what kinds of development projects ought to trigger Act 250 review are now under consideration in the legislature as part of the effort to modernize the 50-year old statewide environmental review process. One proposal attracting broad support, is to exempt projects in state designated centers from Act 250 review, provided the municipality has strong environmental protections, and adequate staffing to regulate development. For a balanced approach, certain important natural resources outside these areas would receive additional protection through Act 250.
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Downtowns Celebrate 20 Years
Please join us June 5th in Montpelier, when the capital city will showcase its progress building vitality with new housing, creating a more walkable downtown, and celebrating its culture through public art and historic preservation projects. The conference kicks off with Ethan Kent from Project for Public Spaces, whose inspirational stories show how ‘placemaking’ projects can improve the quality of life and grow the economy in communities large and small. Following the conference, the New England Foundation for the Arts is hosting its annual Creative Communities Exchange on June 6th and 7th in Montpelier.
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Municipal Planning Grants Help Stimulate Local Problem Solving
The MPG program has a track record of jump-starting community conversations, helping citizens solve local problems, and getting things done in communities. This year, $460,000 in available funding was awarded to 29 of the 69 eligible projects, including developing a multi-town strategy for a cycling route centered in New Haven, a downtown master plan for Brattleboro, and a recreational trail project in Concord that aims to draw more visitors to village businesses.
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Northern Border Regional Commission Expands Statewide
Vermont municipalities and nonprofit organizations may apply to NBRC for federal grants for up to $500,000 for infrastructure projects and up to $250,000 for other economic development projects. The grant application will be available in early March and letters of notification to apply are due on March 30th. Recently, they also launched the new Regional Forest Economy Partnership with $7 million dollars in funds available to help communities make strategic investments to overcome the decline of the forest industry. Learn more about both grant opportunities at the NBRC website or attend one of the regional information workshops.
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Historic Landmarks Receive Grants
This year, over $212,000 in grant funds will support 14 historic preservation projects and leverage more than $730,000 in additional investment. Grants will support slate roof repairs at the Ahavath Gerim Synagogue in Burlington and the mansard roof of the Grand Isle Lake House. Other funded projects include the Enosburg Masonic Hall, Old Church Theater in Bradford, and Memorial Hall in Calais. For a complete list of projects awarded, visit the website or contact Catilin Corkins.
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New Funding Sparks Electric Vehicle Charging
To encourage more Vermonters to drive electric, DHCD awarded $400,000 in grant funds to support nine electric vehicle charging stations across the state. Funded projects include level 2 charging stations in: Chester, Highgate, Norwich, Warren, Montpelier, Marlboro College, Vermont Law School, and City Place in Burlington -- as well as a DC fast charger at Healthy Living Market in South Burlington ready to accommodate a variety of electric vehicles. The state will offer a second round of grants next month with grant applications due April 30. For more information visit the website or contact Gary Holloway.
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Training Opportunities
Upcoming training and events
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Funding Opportunities
Upcoming grants and incentives
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Planning Creates New Opportunities in a Rural Vermont
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With help from Vermont’s Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) program, Concord identified outdoor recreation as a key strategy to building long-term economic development and community identity. MPGs helped the town identify key action steps to improve access to trails and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Concord and its neighboring towns are now focused on implementation, working together to market and expand trail connections between the outdoors and village centers, attracting more visitors to town, and boosting sales at local restaurants and stores.
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