It's always great to see planning projects come to fruition -- in this case the launch of Go! Chittenden County, a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiative. For this effort, the goal is to provide commuters and businesses with transportation alternatives, that both save money and reduce the environmental footprint of doing business in the County. TDM is a key implementation strategy in the ECOS Plan for managing growth in a sustainable way.

The Go! Chittenden County website (www.gochittendencounty.org) and toll free number (800-685-RIDE (7433)) offer resources for both individuals and businesses to learn about transit, car share, bike commuting, car and van pooling and other ride sharing. See the story below, and learn how your commute can be more FUN!

Adopted Town Plan Now Required to Access Community Development Block Grant Funding

The Vermont Community Development Program, which manages Vermont's allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, has recently changed the application requirements for communities that apply for funding.  It is now mandatory that any community seeking CDBG funding have a locally adopted Town Plan.  Any municipality that seeks CDBG funding for economic development, public works, housing, etc. should pay careful attention to the status of their Town Plan. If your Plan has expired, you will not be eligible for these funds until it is formally readopted. For info in our office, contact Regina Mahony at rmahony@ccrpcvt.org.  

Maps are Cool! And can help you plan 

Check out the new Chittenden County ECOS Map Viewer
http://www.ccrpcvt.org/database/ 

It was created with data collected for the ECOS Plan, and includes layers with information on the   

Built Environment,
Social Community,
Economic Infrastructure,
Natural Systems, and 

Transportation Infrastructure.

Make Money by Saving Energy

Have you been thinking about looking into energy efficiency improvements in your home but just haven't gotten around to it? With the Home Energy Efficiency Challenge going on, now's the time!     

There's LOTS of things you can do, with different financial investments and outcomes.  

Click here to take the pledge to do something to improve the energy efficiency of your home!  

Transportation Research Expo 2013

Wednesday, March 27th, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Billings Library, UVM

The Transportation Research Expo is a great opportunity to learn about innovative research, programs, and projects in the field of transportation, while building support for sustainable communities in Vermont and throughout the world.

A Keynote Address entitled "Transportation at a Cross Roads - MAP 21 and Beyond" will be given by Michael P. Lewis, Director of Rhode Island Department of Transportation and President of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

More information can be found here. 

Vermont Safe Routes to Schools Annual Meeting

March 27, Randolph, Vermont, 9:00am-3:30pm    

Please join us for a day to celebrate inspiring walking and biking programs, share strategies with peers, gain insights from experts on teaching the Walk Smart/Bike Smart curriculum, and meet colleagues from around Vermont. All partners, champions, friends, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about Safe Routes to Schools are encouraged to attend this free event.  For details and to register visit http://saferoutes.vermont.gov/whats_happening.

Town Officers Education Conference

Wednesday, April 3rd, Hilton Burlington, 8:00am - 3:30pm 

Over 20 breakout sessions,  and a panel discussion on "Great Communication: Whose Job Is It, Anyway? Leaders, Citizens and Inclusive Democracy."  $70 fee includes lunch and AM and PM refreshments. 

Mark your Calendars!  

Way to Go! Commuter Challenge will be May 13-18    

This annual event encourages Vermonters to try a new way of getting to work. Save some cash, have some fun! Each year more and more businesses, towns, and neighborhoods create teams to out-do their counterparts. Will Shelburne beat out Essex? Will VT Teddy Bear beat out IBM? Who will win the Carbon Cup?  For details and to sign-up, visit www.waytogovt.org.  

2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement  
Through this award, EPA recognizes and supports communities that use innovative policies and strategies to strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation choices, develop in ways that bring benefits to a wide range of residents, and protect the environment. This year's awards will recognize outstanding projects in four categories:

(1) Built Projects
(2) Corridor and Neighborhood Revitalization
(3) Plazas, Parks, and Public Places
(4) Policies, Programs, and Plans

Download the 2013 application at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth. All entries are due by April 12, 2013.

Public-sector and private-sector entities are eligible to apply, but all applications must include a public-sector partner.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires, to the fullest extent possible, that the policies, regulations, and laws of the Federal Government be interpreted and administered in accordance with Federal environmental protection goals. NEPA also requires Federal agencies to use an interdisciplinary approach in planning and decisionmaking for any action that adversely impacts the environment.

Mobilizing for the Park It Pledge 

As part of the Go! Chittenden County program, CarShare Vermont is hiring two temporary full-time Outreach Assistants for the upcoming Park It Pledge campaign in April and May. Interviews are being scheduled for the week of March 25 and with positions would start at the beginning of April. The job description is available at http://www.carsharevt.org/jobs/.