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Community Announcements
NEK Day at the Statehouse
Nearly 100 community members from Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties traveled to the Statehouse on January 22nd to connect with lawmakers and advocate for the region. The annual event is coordinated by the NEK Collaborative. Speakers this year included U.S. Senator Peter Welch, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Lt. Governor John Rodgers, NEK Representatives Mike Marcotte & Leanne Harple, and Collaborative Interim Director, Abby Long. Throughout the day, community members met with legislators, attended committee meetings, and testified to draw attention to our regional challenges in housing, healthcare, affordability, flood resilience, and education reform. Senator Welch expressed, "There's no place better than the NEK to bring to the attention of Vermont and this nation the strength of rural communities and rural life."
Is Your Municipality Represented on NVDA's Board of Directors?
The NVDA Board of Directors is comprised of municipal representatives, at-large members, and legislators from Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties. In December 2025, the Board of Directors adopted updates to the Bylaws regarding board membership. The new Bylaws state that if a municipality does not appoint a representative within 60 days of the annual town meeting, the NVDA Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint a representative from that municipality to serve a two-year term. Interested parties may also petition their local Select Board for appointment. NVDA Bylaws
Municipal Ethics Training
Act 171 (H.875), effective June 2024, establishes a mandatory municipal ethics framework in Vermont, requiring specific local officials to complete training on a standardized Municipal Code of Ethics to be renewed every three years. The free training takes approximately 45 minutes and must be completed within 120 days for new officers. This applies to all members of legislative bodies and quasi judicial bodies: selectboard members, zoning board & DRB members, planning commissioners and chief administrative officers. For more information and to take the training click here.
Goodbye & Good Luck, Kyle!
After two years of outstanding work with NVDA, Kyle Dwyer announced that he was leaving our organization for a planning position in New Haven, CT. While we are sad to lose a valued team member, we appreciated that this move will allow him to be closer to family and to build his planning skills in a new environment. We thank Kyle for his efforts in assisting our rural communities and our regional partners - and we wish him well in his future endeavors.
NVDA 2026 Regional Plan in-progress
The HOME Act of 2023 and ACT 181 established state and regional housing targets. Vermont's Regional Planning Commissions (including NVDA) are setting local housing targets based on the VT Statewide Housing Needs Assessment a document that looks at the expected need for housing over the next 5-25 years. These housing targets will help guide where towns plan new development so they can meet the needs of residents today and tomorrow. Municipal plans are also required to plan for housing by including housing targets in their next town plan. While meeting these targets is not mandatory, your plan should analyze how you can meet them, whether it's through improved infrastructure or modernizing your bylaws. Questions? alow@nvda.net
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Future Land Use Map (draft)
NVDA has developed an interactive version of our region's future land use map that will be included in the 2026 Regional Plan. It uses the statutory categories as required by Act 181. The map identifies areas in the region's five largest towns (St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Derby, Newport City and Hardwick) that are eligible for permanent Act 250 exemptions. This map is a draft map and will only be final after approval from the NVDA Board of Directors in March, and Vermont's Land Use Review Board this summer. Note: The map does not change or supersede local regulations in any way. (draft) Land Use Map for 2026 Regional Plan NVDA is soliciting comments on this map through Feb 18th. For questions & comments, contact Cathlin Driscoll cdriscoll@nvda.net
NEK Legislative Breakfasts
The NEK Chamber of Commerce in St. Johnsbury and the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Newport, present a Legislative Breakfast each month. Business leaders, local officials, and residents come together with our NEK legislative representatives to discuss issues shaping Vermont and the region. It's a forum for respectful dialogue, civic engagement, and building stronger relationships between government and community. Coffee and refreshments are available. All are welcome.
Upcoming Breakfast dates:
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St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 8:00-9:00 am, Feb 23rd, Mar 30th, Apr 27th, May 18th
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Eastside Restaurant, Newport, 7:30-8:45 am, Feb 9th, March 16th, April 6th, April 20th, May 11th (The Newport events are in-person and on Zoom. Contact Daniel Pellerin for more information vice-president@vtnorthcountry.org
Get Counted! Calling Food Organizations...
Organizations across New England are invited to Get Counted in the 2025 Local Food Count, a regional effort to measure how much food is sourced locally by schools, hospitals, dining services and other organizations. Data collection is open through April 30th and the information gathered will help identify current purchasing patterns and opportunities to expand local procurement. Visit the website and take the survey.
NEK Regional Priority List
NVDA has released its 2026 Regional Project Prioritization List (RPP) identifying the region's top priority projects in each county. Developed jointly by NVDA and the NEK Collaborative, the List is submitted annually by Vermont's regional development corporations to the Agency of Commerce & Community Development to help guide state funding, technical assistance, and other resources. The List is available on ACCD's website Here (See the downloadable Excel file)
Vermont Planning Manual is Live!
The Vermont Planning Manual is presented in three "modules": the Municipal Plan; State Designations; and Bylaw Reform. Each module was developed in accordance with Sec.4304 of Title 24 in the Municipal and Regional Planning & Development Act. This series seeks to inform and empower municipal officials and citizen planners to promote vibrant communities through best practices in planning and land use. NVDA led the VAPDA initiative to update all three modules to meet important changes to statute, including the HOME Act and Act 181. A big thank you to DuBois & King, Inc., who worked arduously on these updates! Municipal Planning Manual Modules
Mobile Home Infill Program (MHIP)
To help address the housing affordability crisis, the State of Vermont and State Housing Authority launched MHIP. Participating mobile home park owners and manufactured home communities are improving vacant lots and fast-tracking the placement of quality, affordable manufactured homes to expand opportunities for attainable homeownership. Many lenders have partnered with the State to support MHIP by offering favorable loan terms. Learn more at affordablehomes.vermont.gov.
Homes for All Project
The VT Department of Housing & Community Development, along with partnership support, is launching the 802 Homes project and the rollout of the new Small-Scale Developer Training Program. Both efforts are focused on addressing Vermont's housing needs through collaboration, creativity, and shared problem solving. 802 Homes is a catalog of 10 ready-to-build, code-compliant home designs that will be pre-approved for use in Vermont communities. The plans will be available at no cost to homeowners, builders, and municipalities to help cut red tape, save time, and lower home costs. The developer training program is for small-scale housing developers with workshops, a six-week online course, and coaching. The workshops are scheduled and open for registration by completing the Homes for All Intake Form. There is no cost for Vermont residents to register. The training is designed to support new and emerging developers and to complement tools like 802 Homes by lowering barriers to entry.
Lunenburg Receives Better Connections Grant!
The Better Connections grant from VTrans and the VT Agency of Commerce & Community Development will be used to develop a comprehensive, multi-faceted revitalization plan for the Village of Gilman. Lunenburg has issued a Request for Proposals by Feb 25th. For more information contact Gary Briggs, Town Clerk & Treasurer (802) 892-5959 townclerk@lunenburg-gilmanvt.gov
McIndoes Academy Community Center is Seeking Executive Director
The Community Center in the historic McIndoes Academy building serves to enrich the region with events and activities that inspire an appreciation of local history. Review the complete job description Here Email resume and cover letter to Wallace Thrall w.thrall@mcindoesacademy.org
Business Announcements
The VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) is Sponsoring February Contests for Students Commemorating Entrepreneurship Month
Vermont students are celebrating a full month of creativity, innovation, and inspiration under the theme "Dream It. Build It." It's all about imagining bold ideas and learning from Vermonters who turned their own dreams into real businesses. Students are invited to participate in four competitions: Bumper Sticker Contest; Video Contest; Sock Design Challenge (sponsored by Darn Tough); and a Business Model Canvas Contest. Entries are due Mar 13th. Visit the VtSBDC website for details: Dream It. Build It.
Starting Your Own Business with VtSBDC Assistance, Feb 4th and 18th, 10:00-11:15 am
This free bi-monthly online training is for first-time business owners. The 75-minute workshop will cover the first steps to starting your own business and offer practical skills to move in the right direction. Register Here
Efficiency Vermont Doubles Incentives for Businesses
For a limited time, Efficiency Vermont will double rebates for energy efficiency upgrades up to $25,000. Free energy consultation, a customized project plan, and ongoing support for energy-saving projects to be completed by Nov 2026. Is your business eligible for this enhanced incentive program? Call 888-921-5990 to start a conversation!
VT Outdoor Rec Day at the Vermont Statehouse, Feb 5th, 8:00 am-3:30 pm
Join outdoor recreation businesses and organizations for the Third Annual Outdoor Recreation Day hosted by the VT Outdoor Business Alliance, VT Trails and Greenways Council, Ski Vermont and others. Attend the free event and meet lawmakers to advocate for support of our local outdoor recreation economy. Register
Federal Employer Child Care Tax Credit Expansion Goes Into Effect in January
Attention Employers: Tax credits are available for investment in childcare facilities and contracts for on-site childcare space for employees. If employers want to connect with childcare operators who might want to partner on this initiative, contact Erin Roche, Vermont Director of First Children's Finance (802) 341-0368 erinr@firstchildrensfinance.org
Do North Coworking Launches 2026 Business Accelerator Program
Kickstart NEK is a business accelerator program open to entrepreneurs at all stages and across all industries. Do North Coworking is launching two simultaneous cohorts designed to help small businesses explore, test and grow ideas into sustainable, profitable ventures. The accelerator will run for ten weeks: Feb 3 - Apr 14,
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Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 pm at Do North Coworking in Lyndon, or
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Wednesdays 6:00-8:30 pm in Newport at a location TBD.
To learn more, visit www.donorthcoworking.com. Apply at bit.ly/kicknek26 Questions? email Owen Davie at team@donorthcoworking.com
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force
The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
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