REGIONAL NOTES
September 2020
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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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OCTOBER

10/6, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

10/6, 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

10/6, 12:30pm:
Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

10/7, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

10/21, 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.

 
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.

 
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 afternoon,

A lot of things are uncertain right now. Cold weather isn't one of them. Button Up season is here! Button Up Vermont's 2020 campaign offers many opportunities this year for Energy Committees to help Vermonters stay comfortable and safe: Livestreamed DIY trainings to help you get ready for winter, weekly webinars to help determine what home weatherization will work best for you, free virtual home energy visits (while appointments last), and opportunities to help your neighbors, such as contributing to the new Button Up Vermont Share the Warmth Campaign administered by the Vermont Community Foundation which will help pay for weatherization projects for low-income Vermonters.

To learn more about Button Up Vermont and help spread the word in your community: 
  • Sign up to become a community partner and help share resources.
  • View the Button Up Checklist, which walks you through home energy DIY projects and includes links to rebates that will cover some costs. 
  • View the list of upcoming events, including a CCRPC-hosted webinar on 10/27 that will answer your questions and share information about energy savings in your home.
  • Join the Button Up Vermont newsletter to stay informed. 
For more information, contact Melanie Needle: mneedle@ccrpcvt.org

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
Municipal Engagement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guide
To help municipalities and local leaders expand the vibrancy of their communities and ensure that recovery benefits all Vermonters, the Local Solutions and Community Action Team of the governor's Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force created the Municipal Engagement for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guide. The guide is designed to assist Vermont cities and towns to go further in their efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive spirit in their communities. Learn More »
General Election: November 3
Secretary Condos has issued the First Statewide Elections Directive, which puts in place several temporary procedures to ensure Vermonters can vote safely and confidently in the 2020 elections, including mailing every active registered voter a ballot for the General Election on November 3rd. Learn more on the Vermont Secretary of State website.
Snelling Center Graduates Vermont Leadership Institute Class of 2020
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner, is part of VLI's 25th graduating class and joins a professional network of over 1,000 Vermont Leadership Network alumni, including more than 600 VLI graduates who are positively influencing Vermont's future in business, public policy, education, community development and a wide range of volunteer and non-profit sector roles. 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. Learn More »
CCRPC FY21 Annual Work Program & Budget in Effect
The CCRPC Board adopted the FY21 UPWP and Budget at its meeting on May 20, 2020. The FY21 UPWP is effective July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
VT Freight and Rail Plan Updates: October 6 Virtual Town Hall & Newsletter Issue # 2
The Vermont Agency of Transportation invites the public to participate in a virtual Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. This is the first of two being held this year as part of updating the State's Freight and Rail Plans. The Town Hall will provide an overview of the plans; review rail trends, existing conditions, and system changes; and provide opportunity for members of the public to give feedback and ask questions. In advance, view the new second issue of the Vermont Freight & Rain Plan Updates Newsletter. Learn More »
CATMA Telework Program Guide
As more businesses begin to re-open and are adapting to the new workplace, many are planning for employees to continue working from home in some capacity. With the increase in telework interest, CATMA has made it a priority to be a resource for organizations who are navigating a new or enhanced telework policy and culture. As the regional Transportation Management Association serving Chittenden County, CATMA developed a Telework Program Guide to help facilitate internal discussions relative to telework policies and practices. This Guide offers a simple step-by-step format that will help develop, implement, and manage a telework program at your workplace. Learn More »
ACT/Vermont COVID-19 Commuter Survey Results
A coalition of Vermont transportation partners collaborated with the Association for Commuter Transportation to publicize ACT's "COVID-19's Impacts on Commuting" Survey in June 2020. Though this survey was conducted nationally, Vermonters' responses were able to be analyzed separately. Results from the survey provide important information to our members, transportation providers, policy makers, and employers on how to meet the needs of commuters and help ensure their return to the worksite is safe, reliable, and sustainable. 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 Department of Health Workplace Wellness Workshop Series
The Department of Health is hosting its first ever Worksite Wellness Virtual Workshop Series. Virtual workshops will run from from October 2020 through April 2021 on the theme of "Cultivating Connection-Supporting Employee Wellbeing." The first workshop will be October 15th and registration is open now. Visit the Department of Health website for full details.
Lake Champlain Chamber Job Search Resource
Looking for a job in Vermont? The Lake Champlain Chamber wants to help.  Fill out their form and follow the instructions to upload your resume. The Chamber will share it with HR professionals and recruiters looking to fill current and upcoming positions. Learn More »
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 »
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
Energy Action Network 2020 Network Summit: October 1 & 2
The annual summit is a time to: Get the latest data and analysis on where Vermont stands relative to our renewable energy and emissions reduction commitments; hear visionary, strategic proposals about how we can rapidly, cost-effectively, and equitably reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas pollution; and connect and network with other leaders working on and passionate about energy and climate issuesLearn More & Register »
Upcoming Burlington Electric Department Webinars: October 2 & 22, 12pm
On Friday, October 2, BED Energy Services Director Chris Burns and City of Burlington Sustainability Director Jennifer Green will discuss and take your questions on making the move to electric vehicles including the many rebates and advantages. Learn More »

On Thursday, October 22, BED General Manager Darren Springer, Energy Services Director Chris Burns, and City of Burlington Sustainability Director Jennifer Green will discuss and take your questions on the City of Burlington's efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate fossil fuel usage in heating and ground transportation. Learn More »
Grant Opportunity: 2021 Supporting Municipalities Through Ash Tree Management: Applications Due October 30
The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program is accepting applications from municipalities seeking financial assistance for municipal ash tree management. With funding from the US Forest Service, this is a competitive grant opportunity that supports local planning and implementation of management to slow the spread of the invasive, non-native emerald ash borer (EAB) and mitigate the effects of ash tree decline and mortality in municipalitiesLearn More »
Vermont DEC Announces Funding Opportunity for Electrification Projects; Applications Due November 3
Funds from Vermont's allocation of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust are being allocated to assess the feasibility of all-electric technologies and begin to catalyze market transformation in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking proposals for electric replacement or repower (engine replacement) projects for all eligible mitigation actions under the Trust to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and co-pollutants in the stateLearn More »
CCRPC Energy Data Webinar Recording Available
CCRPC staff held a webinar on August 31st to share the data available for understanding how energy use is trending in your municipality. Presentation topics included status of energy planning, an overview of data measures available to you for quantifying energy usage and project types, and a look at regional energy usage over time. Learn More »
Button Up Vermont 2020
Help your neighbors use less energy to heat and cool their homes! You can bring Button Up Vermont to your community in 2020. Community leaders like you are the heart of Button Up Vermont, helping your neighbors keep their dollars in your community, have more comfortable, healthy homes, and reduce emissions. Read about this year's campaign, running from mid-September to mid-November. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Huntington RFQ for Engineering Services: Responses Due October 9
The Town of Huntington is obtaining Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms detailing the firms' qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, and related prior wastewater engineering experience. Required professional services will include but are not limited to preliminary engineering services, design and construction-related services, preparation of bidding and contract documents, participation in the evaluation of bids received, and monitoring and inspection of construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and specifications associated with the Town of Huntington Lower Village Wastewater Project. Learn More »
AARP Third Annual Placemaking Workshop: October 29-30
Join AARP and their partners to learn about Creative Placemaking, a hands-on approach to enhancing public spaces. The free virtual workshop will focus on how communities can reopen public spaces safely and make them welcoming and comfortable year-round for people of all ages, backgrounds and races. Learn 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
Earthquake Risks in Vermont: How to Prepare
Vermont is considered by the United States Geological Survey to be of moderate risk for seismic hazards. Earthquake risk is highest in northwest Vermont, but since these events are not common in our state, we may not readily recognize an earthquake or know how to react.
 
What should you do during and after an earthquake? The simple answer is "Drop, Cover and Hold On," but the answer is different if you are in a car, in a wheelchair, in a high rise or in a store. The main danger is from broken glass, falling objects, or from tripping and falling due to the swaying ground or building.
 
Ready for more information? Read more about earthquake hazards and how you can prepare at the Vermont Geological Survey's webpage. Check out ready.gov/earthquakes and practice during the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on October 15, 2020.
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
Howard Center Presents October Events for World Mental Health Day
Howard Center will be connecting to the global world mental health movement and hosting its first annual community-wide recognition and celebration of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on October 10 with a free and open to the public weekly speaker series throughout October. Learn More »
Statewide 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.
 
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.