REGIONAL NOTES
September 2021
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

UPDATE:
All meetings below will be hybrid. Someone will be in the CCRPC Office (110 West Canal St., Suite 202, Winooski) for anyone who wishes to participate in person, and information about joining remotely is provided with every meeting agenda.

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OCTOBER

10/5, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

10/5, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

10/5, 12:15pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

10/6, 5:30pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

10/6, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

10/11: Indigenous Peoples' Day - CCRPC Office Closed

10/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

NOVEMBER

11/6, 9:00am: CCRPC Planning for Equity Summit

 
CCRPC logo small

CCRPC FY22 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 Volunteer Opportunities

Visit the United Way of Northwest Vermont's online volunteering dashboard where you can browse opportunities to volunteer remotely or in-person.

 

Happy Fall! Energy Efficiency Meets the Best of Vermont

There is so much to enjoy in this beautiful fall season here in Vermont. Did you know that many of Vermont's most scenic businesses are also among the most efficient? If you're staying local this fall, check out this list for an efficient "staycation" through the best Vermont has to offer!

 
CCRPC Board of Directors FY22 Membership

FY22 Membership is effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. 

Bolton: Vacant

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Dana Hanley

Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains (Chair)

Milton: Tony Micklus

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

So. Burlington: Chris Shaw

Underhill: Vacant

Westford: Allison Hope

Williston: Andrew Watts

Winooski: Mike O'Brien

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, Senior Transportation Planner

Chris Dubin, Senior Transportation Planner

Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Manager

Ann Janda, Senior Energy Project Manager

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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For bios and contact information, click here.
 
Good afternoon,
 
Earlier this week, CCRPC, Champlain Housing Trust, and Evernorth announced the conclusion of the first Building Homes Together campaign, a five-year outreach, education, and advocacy effort focused on the production of much-needed housing in Chittenden County. The Building Homes Together campaign set a goal of 3,500 new homes between 2016 and 2020, with 700 of them permanently affordable to low-income households. The campaign was supported by over 100 leaders and advocates for housing.
 
Over the five years, 3,659 net new homes were built, which eclipsed the target, but only 536 of them are permanently affordable, achieving only 77% of our affordable housing goals -- even with the State's $37 million Housing for All Revenue Bond helping to boost production slightly in 2018 and 2019.
 
The campaign's final year ran headlong into the pandemic and its wide-ranging impact on housing affordability and availability ranging from supply chain and labor disruptions, an undercounted number of people living in precarious housing arrangements, and a wave of out-of-state buyers driving up housing prices. Coupled with the need to address the systemic inequity for Black, Indigenous and People of Color caused by housing and lending policies and ongoing impacts of the coronavirus, BHT leaders are signaling a redoubling of efforts to create a more balanced, equitable, and affordable housing market that invests in our communities and people.
 
To review the latest housing data, infographics and press release, visit the Building Homes Together website and stay tuned for future updates.

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
CCRPC Hires Ann Janda as Senior Energy Project Manager
Ann has been working inside Chittenden County municipalities on a wide range of projects and regional issues since 2014. Ann's work is focused primarily on addressing climate change and Vermont's clean energy goals by helping municipalities implement projects from their adopted Energy Plans. Prior to joining CCRPC, Ann worked for the Town of Milton, Town of Shelburne, Town of Essex, and Village of Essex Junction. She has also managed projects in Williston, Colchester, Hinesburg, and Middlebury. Welcome, Ann!
CCRPC FY21 Annual Report Available
The CCRPC appreciates the continued opportunity to work with its municipal members to plan appropriately for the region's future to protect and improve the special quality of life that is shared throughout Chittenden County. In FY21, the CCRPC invested more than $4.8 million in regional land use, transportation, emergency management, energy, natural resources, public engagement, training, and technical assistance. The program leverages more than $4.3 million in Federal and State investment with $250,400 in municipal dues and another $242,500 in local match for specific projects -- a 10:1 return on local investment. Learn More »
CCRPC Office Open
As of June 21, 2021, some CCRPC employees are back in the office and the office is open to visitors. Visitors are asked to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Survey Opportunity: Queen City Park Road and Austin Drive Bike and Pedestrian Connections Study
The CCRPC, the City of South Burlington, and the City of Burlington are partnering with Toole Design Group to study ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections along Queen City Park Road and Austin Drive, from the Hannaford Plaza on Route 7 (Shelburne Rd) in South Burlington to the Burlington Bike Path at Oakledge Park. We are pursuing this study to improve this critical section of the Chittenden County bike network. Learn more about the study area and the project hereYour input is critical to the success of this project! Please share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns via the online survey, which will be open until October 15.
SFY 2022 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant Opportunity - Applications Due November 24
VTrans is now accepting grant applications for the SFY 2022 Transportation Alternatives Program. This year, Transportation Alternatives Program funding (roughly $2.2 million) is available for all eligible activities as described in the Vermont Transportation Alternatives Fall 2021 Application GuideApplications are due by e-mail by Wednesday, November 24, 2021. 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
Vermont Works for Women Employment & Career Services Fall 2021 Workshop Series
Vermont Works for Women is excited to launch a fall series of interactive virtual workshops, to support women, non-binary and gender non-conforming folks ages 16+ to reach their goals, wherever they are in their career journey. Join us for any and all of these free online workshops! Each workshop focuses on a different stage of the career journey: career exploration and finding a job, identifying and developing job skills, self-advocacy through communication in the workplace, and setting goals for professional growth and career advancement. Learn More »
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) Educational and Professional Development Opportunities
VBSR is offering a number of workshops and webinars this fall. These workshops are open to both VBSR members, including all employees of member companies, as well as non-members. Learn More »
White + Burke Vermont Development Conference: November 4
Join White + Burke, live and in-person, for a full day of programming featuring timely discussions of economic trends, permitting, growth, and designing for the future. Participants will have the unique opportunity to network and connect with 300 commercial real estate and development professionals with a vested interest in growing VermontLearn More »
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
2021 Lamoille Tactical Basin Plan Public Meeting: October 14
Join the Lamoille River Watershed Planner and watershed partners for a presentation and discussion on the 5-year update to the State of Vermont Lamoille River Tactical Basin Plan. The public comment period will run October 13-November 12, and other opportunities for review and comment are available on the DEC website. Learn More »
REV2021: October 18, 19 and 26
Join REV online October 18, 19 and 26 for in-depth conversations about what it will take to grow our clean energy economy and advance renewable energy through policy innovation, increased equity, and strategic electrificationLearn More »
Clean Water Design/Implementation Block Grant - Applications Due October 18
The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) is pleased to announce a fifth round of grant funding under the Design/Implementation Block Grant (DIBG) Program. Funding is provided by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and shall be used to support state-wide improvement of surface water quality. MARC seeks proposals from eligible applicants throughout the State of Vermont to support preliminary (30%) engineering design, final (100%) engineering design, and implementation of projects with a primary purpose of sediment and nutrient pollution reduction to surface watersLearn More »
Funding Available to Grow Urban Forests in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer; Applications Due October 29
The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity that will support more resilient urban and community forests, with a focus on Vermont's most populated areas. Learn More »
Vermont Climate Council Survey and Public Participation Opportunities
The Vermont Climate Council is holding a series of public events to discuss the upcoming Climate Action Plan and they want to hear from you. Help shape the focus of and priorities in the Vermont Climate Action Plan by sharing your concerns about climate change and ideas for solutions in a confidential survey, or participate in one of the upcoming events. Learn More »
Webinar: Getting Started with Electric Vehicles
State RPCs and Green Mountain Power hosted a webinar earlier this month to offer an overview on electric vehicles and the rebates available to make switching to EV driving easier. Learn More »
State Fiscal Year 2022 Spending Plan Released
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP) funds projects that improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution. The CWIP State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022 Spending Plan serves as a communication tool to clean water project proponents and prospective/current grant/contract recipients outlining current year (SFY 2022) funds available and anticipated funding opportunities. CWIP's spending plan also serves as an internal planning tool to track annual progress implementing funding programs and initiatives. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
2021 Town Fair: October 4-8
From practical advice to visionary insight, Town Fair 2021 is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn about new products and services from virtual exhibitors, win prizes, and hear from topic experts about the issues most important to municipalities right now. Join the Vermont League of Cities & Towns for a hybrid conference, starting with a full day of in-person training, networking, and annual meetings (all of which took place on September 29), followed by an entire week of virtual trainings and exhibitors. Learn More »
RFP Reissued for Equity in Housing Initiative; Proposals Due October 20
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board updated and re-issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) last week regarding the design and launch of a statewide initiative to address racial justice and equity in housing. The initiative will be guided by a steering committee comprised of representatives from NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont, NeighborWorks America, VHFA, and other to-be-identified stakeholders. The goal of the initiative is to examine how racial inequities impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color living in Vermont and identify actions, on both policy and programmatic levels, which expand access to affordable housing for all Vermonters. Learn More »
Advancing Equity Through Placemaking Workshops: October 28 & 29
Join AARP at its upcoming free placemaking workshops on October 28 and 29 to learn how public space improvements strengthen local efforts to build community and create welcoming places to gather. Register for the AARP-led placemaking workshop, it is free and open to the public. Learn more about AARP's winter placemaking grants here.
Housing Webinar Series
This 3-part webinar series is designed for communities interested in learning more about what they can do to attract housing investment. The webinars will take place on October 27, November 10, and December 1 and are presented by the Windham Regional Commission, Windham Windsor Housing Trust, and Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission. Learn More »
New Quarry Hill Apartments in South Burlington
South Burlington Planning and Zoning recently issued a zoning permit for construction to begin on a 52-unit multi-family building at 440 Quarry Hill Road. This is the second phase of development for the project which has three phases. This next building will be a 4-story building with a mix of underground and surface parking. It will also have 8 inclusionary units which furthers the City's goal of providing housing for people of all incomes, lifestyles and stages of life.
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
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
World Mental Health Day: October 10
Howard Center will be connecting to the global world mental health movement and hosting its second annual community-wide recognition and celebration of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) throughout the month of October 2021. This year WMHD is on October 10 and is an opportunity for community education and engagement to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and to connect to the global movement to ensure our communities have access to mental health supports when they are needed. Learn More » 
Vermont's Department of Public Safety has Hired its First Ever Director of Mental Health Programs
Modern-day policing and public safety is changing, as the country re-thinks the way scarce resources are allocated to police budgets, mental health and addiction workers, and other social services. Vermont's Department of Public Safety is responding to that change by hiring its first ever-director of mental health programs. 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 121.