|
NVDA News
NVDA 2026 Regional Plan Update - Register for the Public Hearings
Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) will hold two public hearings regarding the NVDA 2026 Regional Plan. The first hearing is scheduled for July 29, 2026, at 6:00 pm and will be a hybrid meeting: online and in-person at Do North (930 Broad St, 2nd floor, Lyndonville, VT). Consider registering online for this first hearing.. All are welcome to attend and provide input on the NVDA Regional Plan, which includes local housing targets and the Regional Future Land Use (FLU) map, but excludes the defunct Tier 3 and Road Rule provisions. The final hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2026 at 4:00 pm and will be a hybrid meeting: online and in-person at the Gateway Center (84 Fyfe Dr, 1st floor, Newport, VT). This hearing is also open to the public, but it will be past the deadline for NVDA to accept feedback. Consider registering online for this final hearing. Questions? Contact Liam Abbate.
Big Thanks and Best of Luck! Regional Planner Cathlin Lord Driscoll (aka Cat), has been a calm and competent member of the NVDA planning team since January 2025. Her first week on the job entailed attendance at an Act 181 roundtable meeting -- talk about initiation by fire! She logged countless miles and hours to meet with communities to peel away the many layers of the Act 181 onion. She's also provided direct technical assistance in hazard mitigation projects and writing of town plans, and she's been a valued member of our online training team for municipalities. Cat is skilled at GIS and a whiz at graphic design. She made our online interface for the proposed regional plan and map possible. She also makes some really amazing oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies! While we are happy for Cat in her new job in marketing, we are sad for us! Fortunately, she's staying in the NEK, where we know she'll continue to do great things!
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy DRAFT - Feedback due July 8
The Northern Vermont Economic Development District (NVEDD), a district designated by the Economic Development Administration of the US Department of Commerce, has released the draft 2026–2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for public review and comment. This important regional plan helps guide resources and funding for economic development priorities across Northern Vermont. Public input is critical to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our region. Please email Abby Long with feedback by July 8.
Community Events & Announcements
Update on Act 152. An act relating to regional planning and Act 250 Tier jurisdiction.
Act 152 (S.325) was signed by Governor Scott on June 16. This legislation repeals the Tier 2 "Road Rule" and Tier 3 rulemaking, and also extends the expiration date for municipal plans set to expire in 2026. So, if your municipal plan is expiring or has expired sometime in 2026, you now have until the end of December 2027 to catch up! The Agency of Commerce and Community Development typically publishes a legislative summary of acts that affect planning and zoning. NVDA will keep you posted when it becomes available. Please note that if the NVDA Regional Plan is not adopted by December 31, 2026 all legacy village and downtown designations will expire.
Act 250 Projects Application Fee Checks Must Be Sent by USPS
Effective June 1, 2026, application fee checks for Act 250 projects located in District 7 (Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex Counties) must be sent by US Postal Service to: Land Use Review Board, 10 Baldwin Street,
Montpelier, VT 05633-3201. For application submissions, records requests, or other general inquiries for District 7, please continue to use the following contact information: https://act250.vermont.gov/contact-us.
CHIP: Generating Community Buy-In for Public-Private Partnerships - July 8 Webinar
Successful CHIP projects depend not only on sound financing structures, but also on strong community understanding and buy-in. This webinar will explore how municipal leaders can build community trust, communicate project benefits clearly, and navigate public concerns throughout the development process. This session is designed for elected and appointed municipal officials and economic development and planning staff participating in the Vermont Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Register Here.
CHIP and Housing in Vermont - July 9 Event in St. Johnsbury
Come learn about the CHIP program and how you can utilize this new financing tool in your community to unlock new housing opportunities. This event takes place on July 9, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center. Lunch provided by NVDA. Register to ensure sufficient food is available.
802 Homes Age-Friendly Housing Workshops - July 9, 16, & 20
Please join an upcoming public workshop to gather feedback from older Vermonters and community members on the 802 Homes catalog. Please spread the word to those who may be interested! These workshops, made possible with help from AARP’s Flagship Community Challenge grant, will focus on refining the draft designs to better support aging in place and long-term livability. Participants will be invited to share perspectives on safety, accessibility, usability, and affordability, among other feedback. RSVP to receive full details.
CAE Seeks a Farm & Food Business Resources Program Manager - Apply by July 13
The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) seeks a Farm and Food Business Resources program manager to join their team in providing hands-on technical and business support to farms and food producers across Vermont. If you have strong business management skills, an interest in strengthening the viability of Vermont's farms and food producers, and a drive to build a more resilient food system, Apply now! 40 hours per week in Hardwick, VT | Salary range: $65,000 - $70,000, based on experience | Generous benefits.
VT CHIP (Community Housing Infrastructure Program) Office Hours - July 14
Get practical, real-time support as you move your CHIP work forward. Drop in at your convenience to ask questions, workshop ideas and challenges, or stay to listen and learn in a collaborative space designed to help you advance CHIP work with confidence. Register here for July 14. More CHIP Office Hours coming up: Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8.
Local Option Tax - How to Adopt It & What Towns Are Doing with It - Aug 5 Webinar
Rebecca Sameroff, Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Taxes, will walk through how municipalities can adopt the local option tax. She will highlight key steps and considerations in the process. In this session, attendees will learn the statutory framework and basic process for adopting a local option tax in Vermont; key steps, timelines, and decision points for proposing a local option tax to voters; legal requirements and best practices for drafting town meeting warning articles related to local option taxes.
NEK Broadband Network Technician Training - Sept 9-12, 16-19, 23-25
Ready to launch a career in broadband and telecommunications? The Broadband Network Technician Pre-Apprentice Training Program offers free, hands-on training to help participants build the skills needed for entry-level careers in a growing industry. Participants who complete the course will also receive a $500 stipend. Space is limited, so don’t wait to register!
Leadership NEK 2026–2027 is now accepting applications!
Leadership NEK is designed to support rising community leaders and strengthen connections that inspire collaborative, system-level approaches to creating meaningful and lasting change across businesses, organizations, and communities throughout the Northeast Kingdom. This 9-month program (starting Sept 17) provides participants with opportunities to grow as leaders, expand their perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the region they call home. Learn more and apply.
Efficiency Vermont 2026 Best Practices Exchange Event - Sept 23 & 24
EVT is pleased to announce that the 2026 Best Practices Exchange (BPX) will once again be held in-person on September 23 & 24, 2026 at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington, Vermont. At BPX, C&I facility managers, decision makers, the most experienced mechanical contractors and relevant product manufacturers join Efficiency Vermont’s Account Management and Energy Consultant teams to share industry Best Practices. Registration is free for attendees from non-sponsoring organizations, but advance RSVP is required. Learn more Here.
Vermont Community Leadership Summit - Save the Date - Oct 6
Join hundreds of community builders from across the state for VCRD's annual Leadership Summit -- a full day of connection, learning, and inspiration for anyone working to strengthen their town. This year's Summit is grounded in the newly updated Vermont Community Leadership in Action Guide. Registration will open in mid-August. Interested in sponsoring the Summit or have questions? Contact Denise Smith / 802-355-0694. Learn more Here.
$7.62 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Grants for Vermont Communities
“The federally-funded NBRC is essential to ensuring the success of projects that invest in rural economies and communities. This year’s funding will support projects that help protect clean water, modernize healthcare facilities, revitalize downtowns, and improve our transportation system,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. NEK awardees include the Canaan Fire District #2, City of Newport, Town of Danville, and other projects across Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties. Read the full announcement.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Launches Seek & Savor!
This new statewide agritourism marketing campaign is designed to help connect visitors with Vermont farms, food producers, and on-farm experiences. The campaign will promote Vermont agritourism through social media outreach, influencer visits, travel shows, welcome center promotions, and more. Vermont farms and food businesses are encouraged to ensure their offerings are listed on VermontVacation.com and to incorporate Seek & Savor into their own marketing efforts. FREE campaign resources, including logos, branding guidelines, a marketing toolkit, and a stock photo library, are available online Here.
Help Welcome LVRT Users - Become an Ambassador!
With spring approaching and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) now open in St. Johnsbury, it will be more important than ever to be ready to welcome rail trail users to town. If you or someone you know would like to become an LVRT Rail Trail Ambassador, even for just a few hours a month, your support will make a big difference. Please sign up Here.
Funding Opportunities
2026 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Program - Apply by July 1
In FY2027, roughly $3.5 million in state income tax credits are available. Credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Projects must be within a state-designated downtown or village center. Funding supports general rehabilitation and code compliance work. The program also funds flood mitigation upgrades and exterior façade improvements. Learn more: 2026 Tax Credit Guidelines and apply now.
Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) - Apply by July 15
CEAP is a competitive grant program from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. This program funds up to 90% of the purchasing cost of field equipment for water quality improvements on farms. For example, the program often funds equipment for cover cropping, conservation tillage, or innovative manure or wastewater management. This year, CEAP applications are due July 15. This deadline is several months earlier than prior years. Apply now!
Vermont Pay for Performance Program (VPFP) - Apply by July 15
VPFP provides performance‑based payments to Vermont farms that reduce phosphorus losses using the FarmPREP planning tool. Eligible applicants include farms operating in Vermont that manage crop, hay, or pasture land and maintain an up‑to‑date Nutrient Management Plan. Accepted farms will enter Phase 1: Planning in 2026, with eligible participants advancing to Phase 2: Implementation in 2027. New Phase 1 applications reopen in January 2027. Apply now!
Vermont Community Foundation NEK Fund Grant Opportunity - Apply by July 21
The Vermont Community Foundation’s Northeast Kingdom Fund was established in 2011 to supports projects that strengthen the Northeast Kingdom and reflect the region’s spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Since then, more than 90 nonprofits, municipalities, and schools have received grants through a locally led review process that prioritizes projects developed by and for Kingdom residents. Learn more and apply Here.
Dairy Processor Modernization Grant - Pre-Application Period Open until Aug 15
Successful pre-applicants will be invited to submit full applications. Grants may range from $15,000 to $250,000, with a 25% match required. Approximately $1,000,000 is available for grants. Funds will support dairy processors and dairy brands in modernizing their production to allow for increased processing of regional dairy, long-term business viability, and ability to meet consumer demands. Learn more Here.
Equity and Justice Grant Program - Apply by Aug 19
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has announced the opening of its 2026 Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program, with $300,000 available to support Vermont-based nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to organizations with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Applications are due August 19.
Village Trust Initiative to Open Third Round of Applications - Sept 8 Deadline
A new round of funding and support will soon be available to help a third cohort of small Vermont towns breathe new life into the historic buildings and shared spaces at the heart of their communities.
The Village Trust Initiative (VTI) — a partnership of Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont Community Foundation — is a multi-year program that is currently supporting 12 towns across Vermont in creating or bolstering a community focused local non-profit organization to advance a transformational redevelopment project in their village. Participating communities receive financial and technical support, as well as hands-on technical assistance to ensure projects are succesful. Learn more and apply by September 8, 5pm.
Municipal Energy Revolving Fund (MERF)
The State of Vermont's MERF loan program offers $1.1 million in zero-interest loan financing to Vermont municipalities to fund energy efficiency upgrades and improvements to publicly owned buildings. MERF is a revolving loan fund capitalized with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EERLF) programs. It is designed to finance energy audits and energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings across Vermont through providing loans. Learn more Here.
Business Announcements
Join the Monthly E-Sync Call - Keep a Handle on All Things Entrepreneurial in the NEK!
This is the monthly virtual convening of organizations directly supporting entrepreneurship and community-driven economic activity throughout the Northeast Kingdom. The next meeting is Monday, July 6, 1-2 pm. Register Here. Check your inbox for your Zoom confirmation with your individual link and updated calendar invite. Questions? Email amclean@nvda.net.
NEK Regional Employer Survey
Local employers are invited to provide input in a survey to help the Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs at Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy. The purpose of the Local Needs Assessment Survey is to help collect information from local employers to assess how well the CTE programming and student outcomes align with workforce needs in the region.
Dam Owner Academy - Free Self-paced Training
Two free training options from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) are oriented toward private and municipal dam owners. The self-paced courses for non-engineers can be completed at your convenience over time. Learn more
Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force Website
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 potential impact, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.
| 
