REGIONAL NOTES
January 2021
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

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

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JANUARY

1/13, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee

1/18: CCRPC Closed; Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

1/20, 6:00pm: Public Forum Re: FY2022 Annual Work Program

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FEBRUARY

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

2/2, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

2/2, 12:30: Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

2/3, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

2/15: CCRPC Closed; Presidents' Day

2/17, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

 
CCRPC logo small

CCRPC FY21 Annual Work Program

The CCRPC's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is our annual work program that describes our activities and specifies the deliverables for the next year. The UPWP is the mechanism to implement the strategies for our region outlined in the ECOS Plan and helps municipalities implement their local plans.

 

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.

 
CCRPC Board of Directors FY21 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: Vacant

Westford: Allison Hope

Williston: Erik Wells

Winooski: Mike O'Brien (Chair)

FY21 Membership is effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. 

For more information about the CCRPC Board of Directors, 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, Senior 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, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

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Please Note: As of March 16, 2020, CCRPC employees are working remotely and the office is closed to visitors. Please call or email and we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!

For bios and contact information, click here.
 

 
Good morning,
 
Last month, we held our annual Chittenden County Municipal Legislative Briefing to serve as a forum for municipal representatives and legislators to connect on a few important topics for the upcoming legislative session. This virtual event was well attended and yielded some useful discussion.
 
To recap, we addressed: Racial equity, Act 250 changes, housing policy and investment, broadband, regional dispatch start-up funding, energy/climate, transportation funding, water quality funding, cannabis, economy, and property tax implications of COVID. Following a presentation, the discussion focused on what can be done at the municipal, regional, and State level to make improvements to our systems and progress toward our goals. View the full presentation and corresponding data handout on our website here.
 
We also offered to help legislators with obtaining expert municipal testimony, data, or mapping on any of those topics or others that come before the legislature. As always, please let us know how we can help.
 
We look forward to working with our municipalities, the legislature, and all of our partners in the year ahead. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, we welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Please contact me (cbaker@ccrpcvt.org) or Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org).
  
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year from all of us at CCRPC!


Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
CCRPC FY22 Annual Work Program (UPWP) Request for Projects --Public Forum: January 20; Applications Due: January 22
The CCRPC is beginning the process of creating the FY2022 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), our annual work program that describes our activities and specifies the deliverables for the next year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). The deadline for receipt of completed submissions is Friday, January 22. A public forum will be held on Wednesday, January 20 as part of the CCRPC's January Board meetingThe public is invited to offer suggestions for both transportation and land use planning projects within Chittenden County. Learn More »
Share Your Thoughts on the Future of Vermont
The challenges facing Vermont call on us to unite to build a better future. The Vermont Council on Rural Development, a neutral facilitator of public process, is excited to share the first draft of The Vermont Proposition: An effort to set non-partisan priorities for statewide action. The Proposition draft, based on input from thousands of Vermonters, shares a set of ideas to drive common action and advance a successful future for our communities, environment and economyNow, VCRD is looking to you to help strengthen the Proposition. What's missing? What could be improved? What do we need to do to be successful for the next generation? To learn more about the initiative, see the current draft, and share your thoughts, visit futureofvermont.org.
Hinesburg Job Openings: Town Administrator/Manager; Zoning Administrator
The Town of Hinesburg is seeking candidates for the position of its first town manager pending a vote by Hinesburg voters in March of 2021. If the vote does not support a town manager, the position will remain a Town AdministratorThe Town of Hinesburg also seeks qualified applicants for the position of Zoning Administrator. This is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours/week. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
VTrans Small-Scale Bike/Ped Grants -- Applications Due February 19
VTrans is now soliciting applications for small-scale projects through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. The intent of the Program is to improve access and safety for people walking and/or bicycling through the construction of simple physical improvements. Grants are to reimburse construction costs only and will be awarded in the range of $5,000 to $75,000. The local share of projects is 50%. Local match may be cash, in-kind labor, donated materials, or any combination thereof. Learn More »
Share Your Ideas for Walking and Biking in Richmond
Help create safe and family-friendly spaces for walking and biking -- on streets and trails. Please help the Town of Richmond and Chittenden County RPC identify areas you want to walk and bike from your community to theirs, as well as popular destinations and barriers to getting there. Provide your recommendations on our interactive map for the Richmond Walk, Bike, and Trails Plan: https://wikimapping.com/Richmond-BikePed.html. Visit the project website for more information.
#802phonesdown!headsup! Video Challenge -- Submissions Due March 15
The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance is proud to announce an award contest for Vermont high school students designed to change driving habits.
The contest opened on January 11th, and runs through March 15. All Vermont high school students, including home schooled students (and cross border schools) grades 9 to 12 are eligible to participate by creating a 25 second YouTube video on the dangers of distracted driving. Visit the contest website for contest rules, award details, and more information. Learn More »

Save the Date: I-89 2050 Study Public Meeting: March 18, 7-9pm
Save the date for the second public meeting for the I-89 2050 Study, a collaborative effort of the CCRPC and VTrans to develop a comprehensive investment program for the 37 mile I-89 corridor in Chittenden County, Vermont through 2050Learn More »
US DOT Releases First Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
The US Department of Transportation released its first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries on America's roads. The Plan is overseen by the Federal Highway Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn More »
More Transportation Projects & 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
Paycheck Protection Program Updates & ACCD Resources; Webinar TODAY, January 13 at 3pm
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program will re-open for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development is hosting weekly webinars to help businesses navigate the latest round of COVID-19 relief including PPP, EIDL, as well as changes to the employee retention tax credit and FFCRA leave. On January 13th at 3:00pmjoin a webinar focused on health and commerce pandemic updates for the business community. Learn More »
Vermont Chamber of Commerce Business Impact Survey
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has launched their annual state-wide survey of small- to medium-sized businesses. This year COVID-related business questions have been added that will hopefully result in some valuable insights for policymakers. The survey will remain open until Friday, January 29th. Learn More »
Small Scale Development Seminar: February 23
This seminar on small scale real estate development is all about project formation. We take a big picture view of neighborhood-based development to help attendees analyze what makes a good project, how a building makes money, and how small developers interact with the broader ecosystem of professionals in the built environment. By the end of the seminar, aspiring developers will feel more prepared to take the first steps on their own projectLearn More & Register »
COVID-19 Business Impacts in Vermont
ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help assess the full impact as we work toward solutions. Learn More »
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
New Guide for Vermonters on Residential Heating & Cooling
The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit coalition of public agencies working together to advance clean energy, has published A Vermonter's Guide to Residential Clean Heating and Cooling to inform Vermont residents about the benefits of clean heating and cooling technologies. The guide, prepared for the Vermont Public Service Department's Clean Energy Development Fund, provides information on CH&C technologies to help Vermonters make informed decisions regarding heating and cooling their homes with clean and renewable energy. Learn More »
Better Buildings By Design Conference: February 2-4
Better Buildings by Design, hosted by Efficiency Vermont, is the region's premier design and construction conference, which features interactive learning about building durability, efficiency, and value for both residential and commercial projects. This annual not-for-profit conference brings together top talent in building technology and design from across the country, and helps keep Vermont-area professionals at the forefront of their fields. Learn More »
State of Vermont Relaunches Incentive Program
The State of Vermont has relaunched its plug-in electric vehicle (EV) incentive program with an additional $950,000 for eligible new EV purchases made on November 5, 2020 or later. While funds remain, you can receive up to $4,000 toward an EV purchase or lease, in addition to other incentives you may qualify for. Visit our incentives page to learn about the state, federal, and utility incentives available to youLearn More »
Efficiency Vermont: How to Improve Your Business's Indoor Air Quality
Well-maintained HVAC systems are important to a building's indoor air quality. They make the space more comfortable and can improve productivity levels. They also help reduce the risk of virus transmission. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Town Meeting Day 2021 - VLCT Training & Resources
Town Meeting Day is fast approaching, meaning towns are busy developing budgets and drafting articles and warnings for residents to vote on. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) is hosting a training TODAY, January 13, 2021 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the proper wording of town meeting articles and warningsLearn More & Register »
Funding to Create Better Places -- Applications Due: January 22
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Vermont Community Foundation along with funding partners, the Vermont Arts Council, Preservation Trust of Vermont, and the National Life Group Foundation announced $90,000 in grant funding to launch Better Places, a statewide partnership that will help communities reimagine and reopen public spaces for safe dining, shopping, and recreation, while showcasing the unique sense of place their community offers. Applications are due January 22, 2021. Learn More & Apply »
Community Leadership In Action: A Vermont Guide to Community Engagement, Project Development, & Resources
The Vermont Council on Rural Development's Community Leadership in Action Guide is designed as a starting point with tips and strategies to help new, emerging, and veteran leaders frame local issues and move community and economic development projects forwardLearn More »
ACCD COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center
To aid Vermonters as we all respond to and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, ACCD has developed a Recovery Resource Center of available tools including financial assistance programs, unemployment information, and a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help businesses and individuals navigate the resources available in this time of need. Learn More »
 
Emergency Management
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Tier II Reports Due March 1
If your business or municipality stores hazardous materials on site, including sand and salt, then you may be required to submit a Tier II report by March 1, 2021. This program stems from the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), a complex federal law with a simple purpose to protect lives and property by enabling all segments of the community to have access to timely detailed information about hazardous material in their community and use that information to plan for potential chemical emergencies. Vermont requests facilities to submit this information electronically using Tier2 Submit. A new version of Tier2 Submit is created around November of each year. The most recent version can be found here. For Vermont-specific information, please click here.
Mandatory Mask Wearing in Vermont
As of August 1, Vermonters are required to wear masks in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where physical distancing is not possible. There are some exceptions, including for children under 2 years old and for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. The VT Department of Health offers guidance on when it's important to wear a masks. Learn More »
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
Vermont Children's Trust Foundation Grants: Applications Due March 17
The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation Grants are for primary prevention programs, serving children ages 0-18. These programs strive to reduce the likelihood of juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance use, child abuse and other socially destructive behaviors before intervention by authorities, through strength-based activities in a community-based setting. Learn More »
Save the Date: Spectrum's Sleep Out: March 26
Spectrum Youth & Family Services' 2021 Sleep Out, an event to raise awareness of homelessness, will be virtual. Join Spectrum on Friday, March 26 as they bring ALL Sleep Out participants together: adult and student teams, families, and individuals. More details to come. Learn More »
Save the Date: Howard Center Annual Conference: March 30
Howard Center's annual conference brings together national and international speakers and attendees from the United States and Canada. The conference is designed for a broad audience, including mental health and healthcare providers, educators, clients and families, representatives of state and local government, law enforcement, the judiciary, and the general public. Learn More »
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.