Policy Councils provide forums for in-depth study and concrete policy recommendations around issues of importance to rural Vermont.
This project is possible with generous support from the following: Ben & Jerry's Foundation Casella Waste Management Green Mountain Coffee Roasters High Meadows Fund Johnson Family Foundation J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation National Life Group Northfield Savings Bank NRG Systems Union Mutual of Vermont Vermont Community Foundation Vermont Mutual Insurance Vermont Public Television (community partner)
What does Vermont mean to you? Town Vermont is an oasis in my mind. I see and hear about the rest of country facing unprecedented turmoil, yet I see no traces here. Yes, the occasional abandonment of a building occurs, but do I see foreclosure signs to my left and to my right? No. I…
The Council on the Future of Vermont received written submission from Vermonters via this website. Online Survey For over a year we collected the opinions, ideas, and challenges of Vermonters through an online survey of five questions. Close to 200 Vermonters shared their opinions. See their responses by clicking the links below: What does Vermont…
You can find here all of the accompanying materials to the Council on the Future of Vermont process. You can also watch the short video which describes the process and its inputs below. In total the Council heard from around four thousand Vermonters through the following methods: PUBLIC FORUMS: From November 2007 to August 2008,…
With the goal of assisting government, environmental, and planning leaders in their attempts to meet the ongoing challenges of promoting a vibrant working landscape in Vermont, this report (written by Cheryl Morse of UVM and contracted by us as an input to the Working Landscape Partnership Council) surveys strategies undertaken in other parts of the…
The Vermont Agricultural Viability Council (VAVC) was formed with the goal of developing a strategic plan that would both further the prosperity of Vermont’s dairy industry and foster the growth of Vermont’s diversified agricultural enterprises. VCRD was encouraged to build a policy dialogue in this area by Vermont legislators, congressional staff, and federal agency staff.…
The Vermont Council on Culture and Innovation envisions a future in which two principles are widely understood. First, that our cultural expressions and heritage are central to the fabric of each and every Vermont community. Second, that they act as a powerful economic engine that inspires innovation, creates jobs, and produces revenue throughout the state.…
This toolbox provides a template for communities throughout Vermont to build new partnerships, identify common goals, and find projects that will make them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. I. Outreach Group The Creative Communities Program begins with a local Outreach Committee tasked with engaging a diverse group of local residents in the…
The Creative Economy reflects the intersection of innovation, commerce, heritage, and imagination. This international concept is well suited to Vermont and is already revitalizing communities around the state. Because these towns and regions are generating excitement, they attract visitors, capital improvements, and jobs, as well as renewed pride and involvement from local residents. The creative…
The Vermont Council on Planning (VCP) envisions a future in which coordinated municipal, regional, and state plans are implemented in line with statewide goals to guide development, conservation, and resource protection in the interests of all Vermonters. The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) founded, produced, and facilitated the Vermont Council on Planning to evaluate…