A way for communities to build and implement plans that model state-of-the-art rural development in an age of climate change.

VCRD job opening: Community Projects Associate

The application deadline has passed. VCRD is seeking a dedicated, energetic and hardworking Community Projects Associate to provide facilitation, technical assistance, coaching, resource connections, grant drafting, and other support to local leaders who are driving projects forward for community and economic recovery. We’re looking for someone who: demonstrates excellent project development and communication skills is…

RAMP Into the Future Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020

The Marshfield and Plainfield communities participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2019. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 150 residents participated in the “Revitalizing All of Marshfield and Plainfield:…

Randolph Region Re-Energized Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020

Randolph participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2018. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 300 Randolph residents participated in the “R3 – Randolph Region Re-Energized” process with support from…

The RAMP Task Force Working To Build A Farm And Food Network In Marshfield and Plainfield

Task Force Co-Chairs: Kagen Dewey and Elise Magnant Task Force Description: This task force will work to build a farm and food producer network. This network may work to facilitate sharing of resources, farm-based events, mentorship, land-matching/sharing, shared marketing, re-invigoration of the farmers’ market and other opportunities. Task Force Update: The task force worked actively…

The RAMP Task Force Working To Improve Transportation Options to Increase Mobility, Reduce Costs, and Reduce Emissions in Marshfield and Plainfield

Task Force Chair: Bob Atchinson Task Force Description: Transportation represents a major household expense and a major contributor to Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. This task force is working to develop new alternatives to increase flexibility while also decreasing costs and emissions. Task Force Update: This task force has worked with representatives from Go Vermont to…

Community News

The Task Force Working To Reduce and Transform Energy Use and Increase Renewable Energy Generation For Homes, Businesses, Twinfield School, the Towns, and Other Institutions

Task Force Co-Chairs: Diana Batzel and Nick Siefert Task Force Description: This task force will work with partners to assist home owners, renters, businesses and community institutions in reducing energy use, using renewable energy, and fuel switching. Task Force Update:  Energy Improvements At Twinfield School: Twinfield School is a treasured community institution and has already…

Community News

The RAMP Task Force Working To Support And Strengthen Both Village Centers and Improve the Route 2 Corridor Travelling Through Both Towns

Task Force Co-Chairs: Richard Baker (Marshfield) and Jamie Spector (Plainfield) Task Force description: Downtown Marshfield and downtown Plainfield are key hubs of economic, social, and cultural activity. The health and vitality of both communities depends in part on the vibrancy of these two places. Route 2 also plays a critical role in defining both communities,…

Greater Middlebury Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2019

Middlebury was the second community to participate in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP). CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Read the Greater Middlebury Report and Action Plan. Through the process, community members…

Marshfield/Plainfield Model Communities Program

Marshfield and Plainfield successfully submitted a joint application to participate in the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Climate Economy Model Communities Program in 2019. This program – a partnership of VCRD, Efficiency Vermont and local leaders – is designed to help communities identify and implement priority actions that increase economic vitality and affordability in…