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.
By Mike Frett, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-builds-its-bones-initiative-hones-in-on-infrastructure-needs/ MONTGOMERY – A community initiative dubbed Montgomery Thrives entered a new phase this Thursday as residents organized into specialized committees and drafted the first steps of their plans that, if realized, could lead to substantial developments for the small mountain town. In a series…
In 2017, VCRD brought our Community Visit process to Lyndon where residents identified a number of opportunities for future progress in town. “Develop a Business Incubator and Co-Working Space” was one of the ideas the community identified. It’s happening! Read on… By Amy Ash Nixon as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/features/business/do-north-coworking-opens-in-bag-balm-building/article_e2f5c996-2fd7-5420-9664-30606ef85ff3.html#utm_source=caledonianrecord.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1543064438&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more LYNDONVILLE — The…
As seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-thrives-infrastructure-broadband-emerge-as-priorities/?fbclid=IwAR35itY7UPZ8tEC60K5PHtzn92uWFZufwO81YuuI4pE4kf5FenPLv2vdxgs MONTGOMERY – Working with the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Community Visit program, Montgomery residents have identified projects and goals to guide and promote growth in the community including pedestrian and traffic infrastructure, cell phone access and wastewater treatment. The effort has been dubbed Montgomery Thrives, and…
By Amy Ash Nixon, as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/grant-received-for-burke-infrastructure-project/article_43785238-68bc-5260-a62b-b8b50b4ebfb6.html BURKE — Hoped-for infrastructure improvements to East and West Burke Villages took a recent step forward. Town officials were recently informed by representatives of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development that Burke will receive a…
By Steve Costello, as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/rutland-s-growing-sense-of-pride/article_891a9956-b057-5838-bdac-50108c82cc14.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share Your Sept. 27 editorial and this week’s Vermont Council on Rural Development conference at Castleton University, featuring a panel discussion on Rutland’s ongoing revitalization, were wonderful reminders of the importance of celebrating victories along the way. Rutland has a lot to celebrate. While some of…
By Keith Whitcomb Jr. as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/wallingford-woman-wants-to-bring-odd-fellows-building-back-to/article_4d2fd0e4-c939-575b-ac51-0106c6a1963d.html WALLINGFORD — A local woman wants to return the historic Odd Fellows building to its former glory. The three-story, 13,400-square-foot building sits at Wallingford’s four corners at 15 South Main St. It’s been the home of Sal’s Italian restaurant for the past 16 years…
In 2010, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to Marlboro where residents identified a number of action ideas for future progress in town. “Develop a Marlboro Community Center Building” was one of the ideas the community identified. This article shares the great work going forward on that effort! ——————– By Wendy M. Levy as seen…
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Wallingford. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Support Business and Economic Development Build Multi-Use Trails and River Access and Boost Recreation Capacity Improve Community Communications and Engagement and Expand Wallingford Events Read the Report and Action Plan
Through the Proctor’s Future process, community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to resources and develop and realize achievable action plans. Through 2 public meetings, community members chose three community priorities for action and signed up for task force groups to move them forward. The new task force groups…
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Newport. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Enhance and Market the Newport Tourism Experience Support and Attract Businesses and Entrepreneurs Expand Community Events and Celebrations Improve and Coordinate Health and Wellness Services and Early Childhood Care and Education Read the Report and Action Plan.