May 2026

Summer is around the corner, and this month's VLCT Journal includes resources to help you prepare. Explore Learning to Slow Down and Think, the newest module in the Governing All with Skill course. Attend VLCT's special meeting of the membership on June 22 and vote on proposed incorporation and bylaws changes. Lastly, make sure your municipality completes the 2026 Compensation and Benefits Survey (one person in your municipality recently received the link).

News

Resources

Claims

Careers

Events

Legal Updates

Local Fireworks Regulation Authority

There are two main ways that municipalities may regulate fireworks: through sellers and through users. Learn how your municipality can exercise its authority and read more about how the law was clarified through a 2022 court case.

Expert Answers, When You Need Them: VLCT Member Inquiry Service

VLCT has four staff attorneys and four municipal operations specialists assisting members. All eight staff now work under the Municipal Assistance Center (MAC) staff attorneys' licenses, and non-legal operations questions are answered by the Municipal Operations Support (MOS) team.

Legal Support Services Expanded

The VLCT Board of Directors recently expanded the legal support services that we can offer to members. While VLCT generally does not intervene in specific lawsuits, the League occasionally provides legal support for cases which may include Amicus Curiae briefs or Memorandums. Requests may be submitted online.

Risk Management

Preventing Heat Stress

Employees are often not yet conditioned to the heat when it first hits in late spring and early summer, putting them at risk of heat-related injuries, especially if a very hot day hits early in the season. Use the information in this safety brief to discuss ways to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses with your employees.

Know Your Depth – Trenching and Excavation Safety

Most municipal public works staff need to make repairs to water or sewer lines, replace a culvert, or do other work that requires digging. Make sure your employees know the key safety considerations, including how and when to use a trench box and appointing a VOSHA-required "competent person" to determine site safety.

SPOTLIGHT: PACIF's Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations Manual

This manual is for municipalities that have employees who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as dump trucks, garbage/recycling vehicles, etc. Use the manual as a guide to help your municipality comply with federal drug and alcohol testing, hiring, and ongoing recordkeeping requirements.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Save the date for VLCT's annual conference, Town Fair, returning to the DoubleTree in South Burlington, Vermont. Stay tuned for information on trainings, activities, prizes, and more.

Save the Date

Featured Resources & Opportunities

Discover if Your Municipality is Ready for CHIP

Use this self-assessment to help your community understand where it stands in preparing to participate in the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). The assessment reviews several foundational elements that contribute to a strong CHIP application and successful long-term implementation.

Is Your Town Hiring Summer Lifeguards or Day Camp Staff?

If so, use this set of resources to help guide your process from recruitment, to hiring, to retention efforts for next year.

Where to Start: Early Questions to Ask Housing Developers

When a housing developer comes to a town with a new idea, it can feel exciting but also overwhelming. This is especially true when a developer asks about using CHIP financing. Use this list of simple, important questions to help guide early conversations with developers and feel more confident and prepared.

ICYMI: Latest News

Local Officials Golf Outing – Nearly Sold Out!

PACIF Grants & Scholarships

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Send yours in today! Reimbursement amounts vary.

Delta Dental Open Enrollment

Groups with fiscal year coverage need to complete enrollment by June 6.

Special Member Meeting on June 22

Consider incorporating and amending the bylaws to allow VLCT to offer an association health plan.

PACIF Board Openings

The PACIF Board of Directors has openings for Director and Alternate Director. .

Mark Your Municipal Calendars!
Please note the two newest additions to June on your 2026 wall calendars.

City Summit Registration is Open

City Summit is where local leaders connect, learn, and engage with experts and their peers. Build your leadership skills and gain proven strategies to support the work you are doing in your community. Join NLC for City Summit 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, November 19–21, 2026.

Member Showcase: Westminster, winner of PACIF’s Plow Rally grand prize, is putting their new cutting edges to use and giving the second set to Putney. Congratulations to both towns!

Why and How to Increase Your HR Bandwidth

If there are too many tasks for your organization’s Human Resources staff to complete, hiring an external specialist can provide much needed assistance and relief.

Store

On Demand Training: What You Need, When You Need It

We know life is busy and you may not always be able to attend a live training. Did you know all of VLCT's trainings are available to view on demand? Visit the store to see the latest offerings. All on demand trainings are FREE!

Buy Now for $0.00

About VLCT Journal

Find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.

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Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.

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