Let us state this unequivocally: Black lives matter. Achieving a healthy, inclusive, and prosperous future for Chittenden County is the vision of our Regional ECOS Plan. However, we know we cannot achieve that future without addressing the systemic racism and inequities in our community. Addressing inequity in our community is one of the eight key strategies in our ECOS Plan to achieve our vision, and there is much work to be done.

 

When we developed the first ECOS Plan in 2011 and 2012, I was struck at the racial and economic disparities in our community. These disparities point out the systemic racism and classism that we must work hard together to overcome. From my position of white privilege, it is easy when we are discussing these issues to feel defensive and hope that someone else is working on addressing them. We at CCRPC are committed to working through these issues together with our member municipalities, partner organizations, employers and residents.

 

We believe that sustainable and healthy communities feature a tapestry of people, cultures and economies supported by a thriving built environment and healthy natural environment. We must celebrate and foster ethnic, cultural, economic and biological diversity and encourage innovative, inclusive approaches to accomplish our goals. We believe deeply that resources and opportunities -- affordable and plentiful housing, accessible transportation, quality education and health care, environmental justice, and overall quality of life -- must be allocated fairly so that all people can thrive. We must actively eliminate barriers to full, meaningful participation in community life and work tirelessly to correct past injustices.

 

The CCRPC stands strongly against racism. Change is needed at every level of our society, and there is much work to be done -- but words alone are not enough. We must and will do more. As we continue our work in all Chittenden County communities and beyond, here is our commitment:

As we reflect on the work we have done, we acknowledge it hasn't been enough -- and we are committed to doing our part to identify and tackle inequities in all facets of our work, learning from those whose stories need to be elevated, and acknowledging, confronting and seeking to dismantle the systemic racism that damages our communities. If you have thoughts or resources you'd like to share, or other ideas for how we and others can take meaningful action, please be in touch. We are listening, learning, and committed. We won't always get it right, but please know that we are open to feedback when we get it wrong or have an opportunity to do it better. Feel free to contact me about this at [email protected] or on my cell, 735-3500.