A way for towns to engage and bring together their residents, set common goals and directions in a neutral and facilitated structure, and access resources that will help them take action on those goals.
When VCRD brought a Community Visit process to Guilford in 2013, it quickly became apparent that there was an abundance of excitement and energy to build upon the town’s assets and set trajectory for the future. Through the Community Visit process, residents of Guilford discussed the town’s identity and opportunities for the future, and then…
In 2018, VCRD brought its Community Visit program to Montgomery. Residents prioritized “improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety” as key to improving the town.
Over 200 residents came together to think about the impacts of the closing of Green Mountain College on their community and the actions community members could take to advance community and economic development projects that could improve the prospects ahead. Five key directions have been established and task force groups have been formed to: Expand…
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in the 4-Town region of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and Tunbridge. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Develop Area Housing and Build a Senior Housing Community Support Economic Development in the Region Conserve Natural Resources and the Working Landscape and Create a Regional Agricultural Network Read…
By Jo Levasseur, as seen in the Randolph Herald: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/four-towns-make-plans-for-a-vibrant-future/ At the most recent “Our Four- Town Future” gathering, residents of Sharon, Strafford, Royalton, and Tunbridge discussed possible action steps in an effort to reach community-planning goals they’d set at earlier meetings. That meeting was held at the Sharon Academy on May 21. Hosted by…
In 2017, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to Brighton/Island Pond where residents identified a number of action ideas for future progress in town. Since then, the community has been working to revitalize their town – and creating events is one way they doing it! BY KRISTEN FOUNTAIN, as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/features/business/community-events-are-serious-fun-and-economic-drivers/article_efe8f995-fad9-56ec-8bb3-2522c05f0fbc.html…
As seen in vtdigger: https://vtdigger.org/2019/05/22/woodstock-looks-ahead-launch-woodstock-future/ Woodstock, VT— What do you love about Woodstock? What do you want for its future? This summer, community members will have the chance to weigh in on those critical questions – and then make them happen. Our Woodstock, Our Future is a community planning process that will bring people together…
Eighteen Vermont working lands businesses and service providers were recognized today at an event celebrating the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), created by the Legislature in 2012 to stimulate economic development in the agricultural and forestry sectors.
Paul Costello, executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, said colleges bring multiple benefits to rural areas, and government support such as the USDA loans is important.
The towns of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and Tunbridge are working together with the Vermont Council of Rural Development (VCRD) to develop a plan to help shape the future of the towns and region.