REGIONAL NOTES
April 2020
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

PLEASE NOTE:
All upcoming meetings will be held REMOTELY until further notice. Information about joining remotely will be provided with every meeting agenda.


MAY

5/5, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

5/5, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

5/5, 12:30pm:
Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

5/6, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

5/12, 9:00am: CCRPC Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

5/20, 6:00pm: Public Hearing Re: CCRPC Draft FY21 Unified Planning Work Program

5/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

 

United Way of Northwest Vermont COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

United Way is dedicated to supporting our community members through the COVID-19 pandemic and the social and economic fallout that may result from it. To support all of our neighbors, United Way is working with its existing network of partnerships and the community at large to develop a comprehensive list of community-based services and volunteer opportunities updated on a daily basis.

 
ECOS logo

2019 ECOS Annual Report: The State of Chittenden County

In an effort to track progress made on all ECOS goals, the ECOS Partnership monitors 90+ indicators over the year and compiles the ECOS Annual Report: The State of Chittenden County, a summary that highlights a number of regional trends and accomplishments.

The 2019 Annual Report is the sixth edition. For the fifth year in a row, highlighted trends and data are displayed visually in an infographic.

 
CCRPC  Board of Directors FY20 Membership

Bolton: Sharon Murray

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy

Essex: Jeff Carr

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: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Allison Hope

Williston: Chris Roy

Winooski: Mike O'Brien (Chair)

For more information,  click here.
 
CCRPC Staff

Charlie Baker, Executive Director

Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner

Pam Brangan, GISP, GIS Data & IT Manager

Jason Charest, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager

Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager

Bryan Davis, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner

Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner

Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Associate

Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager

Melanie Needle, Senior Planner

Taylor Newton, Senior Planner

Sai Sarepalli, PE, Transportation Planning Engineer

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

For bios and contact information,  click here.
 
Good afternoon,
 
As we continue to navigate and adapt to the changing landscape during these difficult times, we are looking ahead and working to support our communities and keep our current projects and programs moving forward as best we can.
 
In the short term, the legislature's vote to allow us to conduct business and public meetings remotely has been very helpful. Like many of you, we have been testing several virtual meeting platforms, striving to keep on top of best practices, and working to get creative with how to most effectively engage the public. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns Remote Public Meeting Toolkit is one of many resources available that is useful when navigating effective virtual communications.
 
Looking ahead, in an effort to get people back to work over the coming months, Vermont's 11 Regional Planning Commissions, along with our partners in the State and municipalities, have asked our congressional delegation for infrastructure stimulus funds, and we look forward to hearing more information in the weeks ahead.
 
Lastly, if you have not already done so, please take 10 minutes today to fill out the 2020 Census and encourage others to do the same. As of today, only 59% of Chittenden County residents and 42% of Vermont overall have completed the Census. You can track the response at this website created by the Vermont Center for Geographic Information. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services, as well as help our communities prepare to meet transportation and emergency readiness needs. For the first time ever, you can complete the Census online (with over 50 languages translated); you can also respond via mail or phone. Please visit 2020census.gov today to complete the Census.
 
Wishing you and your families a safe and healthy spring.
 
Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
Public Hearing: CCRPC Draft FY21 Annual Work Program: May 20
The CCRPC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via GoToMeeting to review and hear public comments on its proposed FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and budget. The UPWP includes the transportation, land use planning and other tasks the CCRPC proposes to have completed by staff and/or consultants during our fiscal year (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021) Learn More »  
Municipal Response to COVID-19
The CCRPC is working with member municipalities to compile one list of municipal government response to COVID-19. As things continue to change rapidly, this list is updated regularly. Learn More »
Take the 2020 Census Today
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. The Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five US Territories. The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
May is (Still) National Bike Month
While Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day have been moved to September, May will be celebrated as National Bike Month. Now more than ever people are biking for mental and physical health, as well as for essential trips. Visit Local Motion's Facebook page in May for virtual and other Bike Month opportunities. And with vehicle traffic down and more people walking and biking these days, Local Motion has developed a resource for communities considering "rebalancing streets" to address safe, socially distanced, walking and biking during the COVID-19 crisis.
2020 VT Walk/Bike Summit Postponed to October 16
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the VT Walk/Bike Summit is postponed until October 16, 2020. The event website will be updated when more details are available.
CATMA Telecommuting Resources
CATMA is developing telework guidance for their members, as well as a list of resources for employers and employeesLearn More »
Shared Parking Tool Available
The CCRPC worked with the Town of Williston and RSG to create a shared parking analysis tool, which models shared parking demand for specific geographic areas based on land use and adjustment factors by month, day of week, and time of day. The easy-to-use tool can help communities analyze whether shared parking between land uses is possible, and potentially reduce the amount of land used for parking vehicles. Contact Bryan Davis for more information.
Transportation Project News & Updates
For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. View the latest TAC agenda »
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
US Chamber Announces Grants for Small Businesses
The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save Small Business Fund. The fund will offer grants of $5,000 to businesses that employ between 3 and 20 people; are located in economically vulnerable communities; and have been harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and the application process is open now. Many towns in Vermont are eligible. Businesses can check for eligibility by entering their ZIP Code on the website. Learn More »
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Guide
The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce developed a resource guide for the business community and beyond, and it is regularly updated with new informationLearn More »
Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form. Learn More »
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
Rain Barrel Workshop Rescheduled to August 15
Join us this August for a Build-Your-Own Rain Barrel Workshop in Essex with the Rethink Runoff Stream Team. Rain barrels  to "slow the flow" of stormwater to help keep Lake Champlain clean and provide you with water for washing tools or irrigating flower beds. Registration is $40. Learn More »
Keep Wipes Out of Pipes
A public service announcement from Lake Champlain Sea Grant: As we work to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 spread, many people have turned to using disposable disinfectant wipes. Whether your home is connected to a community wastewater system or to a septic system, these wipes are NOT made to be flushed (nor are baby wipes or toilet paper alternatives). When these items are flushed, they cause clogged sewer pipes. This can result in sewage system back ups, sewage in your home, and damage to community wastewater or home septic systems that can be costly to repair. This is true even for products that claim to be "flushable." To protect your home septic system or community wastewater system, dispose of ALL disinfectant wipes in your trash. Please spread the word to help keep wipes out of pipes.
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
April Fair Housing Month
Fair Housing is the right to equal opportunity in housing choice and the right to rent or buy a dwelling free from discrimination. The federal Fair Housing Act passed into law in April 1968, and every year we celebrate its anniversary to underscore its continued importance to our communities and neighbors. This year, April Fair Housing Month events and activities are being held online .   Learn More »
 
Emergency Management
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Vermont Emergency Management Website
The Vermont Emergency Management website is a useful resource during this time. View the Governor's latest Executive Orders, a variety of public and health resources, and more at https://vem.vermont.gov/.
Vermont Alert
VT-ALERT is the state system that notifies Vermonters of emergency situations, weather alerts, road information, and more. Register for a free account at  www.vtalert.gov .
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
United Way Launches COVID-19 United Response
United Way of Northwest Vermont has established the COVID-19 United Response Fund to rapidly mobilize resources to support organizations on the front lines of supporting communities and families most impacted by COVID-19. All dollars given through this fund will be used to support organizations and people in our communities throughout Northwest Vermont. Learn More » 
Opportunities to Volunteer & Donate
If you want to find a way to help, there are many opportunities. At the state level, there is now a central website where Vermonters can volunteer: https://vermont.gov/volunteer.
Burlington City Arts Artist Relief Fund
The BCA Artist Relief Fund provides grants of up to $500 to Burlington-based individual artists who are in need of additional financial assistance now and have lost income due to the cancellation of a specific, scheduled arts opportunity between March 16 and June 30 due to COVID-19. Funded artists are asked to provide community benefit through the arts in the future in the City of Burlington.  Grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funds run out and we will continue to fundraise to increase our impact.
Learn More »
The Department of Public Service is collecting information and resources on the availability of Internet and telecommunications services during the COVID-19 emergency. This webpage will include information about what cabletelephone, and mobile carriers are doing to assist consumers and places where consumers can find internet access and be updated as new information becomes available. For example, Comcast is committed to serving people even if they cannot pay their bill, mobile phone companies are helping out, hotspots will have free access, and more. Learn More » 
Members of the Richmond Police Department are trying to bring some joy to socially distanced youngsters. Last week, officers started a party patrol: Parents can contact the department and request a visit for a kid who's celebrating a birthday. Learn More »
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager: [email protected] or (802) 846-4490 x *21.