REGIONAL NOTES
December 2015
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CCRPC
CCRPC Calendar of Events

December

[NOTE: NO CCRPC BOARD MEETING IN DECEMBER]

12/25: CCRPC office closed

January

1/1: CCRPC office closed

1/5, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

1/6, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting 

1/20, 5:30pm: CCRPC Board Training

1/20, 6:00pm: CCRPC Commission Meeting

 
CCRPC 
Commission Representatives

Bolton: Joss Besse

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll, Chair

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Marc Landry

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Lou Mossey

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Dave Tilton

Williston: Chris Roy, Vice Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
CCRPC Weekly Traffic Alert Will Resume Spring 2016

The final Traffic Alert for the 2015 season was sent on 12/11. Important updates will be sent during the winter months if needed, and regular Traffic Alert emails will resume in the spring. Have a safe winter!

 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.

Birdwatching at Charlotte Beach

Photo by Lee Krohn
 

United Way Volunteer Opportunities: Winter & Holiday

Looking for ways to volunteer this winter and holiday season? Check out short-term and special event volunteer opportunities with the United Way for the coming months.

 

Hunger Free Vermont is an education and advocacy organization with the mission to end the injustice of hunger and malnutrition for all Vermonters.

 

Volunteer with Neighbor Rides

Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Chittenden County supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. This partnership uses volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs and help more people by decreasing the cost per ride.

 

It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of 2015! As we gear up for a new year, we're working closely with our municipalities to prepare for the high priority issues that lie ahead.

On December 10th, we held our 2nd municipal legislative breakfast for Chittenden County municipal representatives and legislators to connect on a few key issues for the upcoming legislative session. This event was well attended and yielded some great discussion.

To recap, the meeting was framed around three primary topics: Smart Growth, Water Quality, and Municipal Shared Services. [View the full agenda here.] The discussion surrounding each topic focused on what can be done at the municipal, regional, and State level to make improvements to our systems. You can watch a recording of this event here.

With the start of a new year, we will work together to build upon our collaborative successes and address new challenges and opportunities. And as we look toward 2016 and reflect on the many ways we all work together to improve our communities, we'd like to thank each of you for staying in touch and involved with the CCRPC throughout the year.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director
 
Of Note
CCRPC FY17 UPWP Applications Due January 22
The CCRPC is accepting applications for its FY17 Unified Planning Work Program. The application and all related forms are available online. Deadline: 4:30pm, Friday, January 22, 2016. [Learn More]
Local Investment Proposals Sought by State Treasurer's Office Through May 13, 2016
Vermont local investment proposals are now being accepted by the State Treasurer's Office. The Local Investment Advisory Committee is soliciting financing proposals in the areas of housing and energy, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and financing post-secondary education. [Learn More]
State of Vermont Releases Outcomes and Indicator Report 2015
The State of Vermont's Agency of Administration has posted the second annual State of Vermont Outcomes and Indicator Report, highlighting nine outcomes relating to the economy, communities, health, vulnerable populations, families, government, environment, and infrastructure. [Learn More]
CCRPC Winter Blood Drive: February 26
The CCRPC will host a winter blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, February 26th from 11am-4pm in our main conference room. Stay tuned for more details.
 
Transportation News
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
NEW: Burlington Transportation Demand Management Action Plan
This plan presents short- and long-term transportation demand management recommendations for the City of Burlington--as an employer--to help staff reduce congestion, encourage healthy choices, reduce harmful vehicle emissions, and reduce downtown parking demand. [Learn More]
Vermont To Receive $1.1 Billion From Federal Transportation Bill
The House and Senate have agreed on a five-year, $305 billion transportation bill. It's the first long-term bill in over a decade; in the last 10 years, Congress has adopted 37 short-term fixes, largely because of funding disagreements. State officials say the money will be used to upgrade roads and bridges and expand public transit and rail programs. [Learn More]
VTrans Offers Signing Bonuses of Up to $1,000 for Plow Drivers and Mechanics
VTrans is offering incentives to help recruit frontline maintenance workers and mechanics this season. Through 12/31, newly hired plow drivers and mechanics who already have a commercial driver's license will receive a total of $1,000 in bonuses over the course of their first year of service. [Learn More]
CarShare VT Releases 2015 Annual Update
Most of us know that driving is the biggest offender of climate change in Vermont; driving less is one of the most impactful changes we can make to reduce our personal share of carbon pollution. View CarShare VT's 2015 Annual Update. [Learn More]

Transportation Project News & Updates

For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. [View the latest TAC agenda]
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
Vermont's Minimum Wage to Increase January 1
Vermont's minimum wage will increase to $9.60/hour on January 1, 2016. The current minimum wage is $9.15/hour. To see how Vermont's minimum wage compares to other states, click here.
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
Chittenden County Water Quality Outreach Program Underway
Through a grant provided from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission has launched a multi-pronged outreach effort focused on improving water quality in compliance with the Vermont Clean Water Act. [Learn More]
Vermont Clean Water Initiative Brown Bag Lecture: January 28
The Vermont Clean Water Initiative is hosting an Act 64 Brown Bag Lecture Series through April. The topic for January's lecture is "Managing Stormwater Impacts from New Development." Participants can attend in person or watch the webinar online. [Learn More]
Workplace EV Charging Station Incentive Program
Vermont Clean Cities, with support from the Vermont Public Service Department, is now offering two levels of incentives for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at workplaces across the state. The incentives range from $525 to $1575 depending on the type of charging station. [Learn More]
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Municipal Planning Grant Program Announces FY16 Awards
The VT Department of Housing and Community Development announced FY16 Municipal Planning Grants (MPGs), including three Chittenden County recipients: Bolton, Jericho, and Westford. MPGs support local planning and community revitalization initiatives that build strong communities and improve Vermont's quality of life. [Learn More]
Richmond Community Vision Survey Results
The Richmond Town Plan Steering Committee offered a community vision survey during the summer of 2015 to find out what community members love about Richmond, what they want to see enhanced and protected in the future, and what they would like to change. [View the Results]
BTV Mall Redevelopment Project Progress Report: January 5
The City of Burlington and its partners in the Burlington Town Center redevelopment project invite you, your colleagues and constituents to a Progress Report on the mall's redevelopment on January 5th at 5:30pm at the BTV Mall (49 Church St.). Updated plans for the mall's redevelopment will be shared along with an outline of the key elements of the City's prospective development agreement. [Learn More]
Citizens' Institute on Rural Design Program Accepting Applications
Rural communities are invited to apply to the CIRD program, which offers a $10,00 cash stipend, two-and-a-half day workshop, and access to a wide range of rural design resources. Applications due 1/12/16. [Learn More]
"Spirit of Bolton" Art Contest for All Ages & Abilities
The Bolton Planning Commission is holding an art contest! If you live in Bolton, submit your artwork that captures "The Spirit of Bolton" to compete for gift certificates and cash prizes. Your artwork might also appear in the 2017 Bolton Town Plan. All entries will be displayed at Town Meeting Day. The contest is open to all 2-dimensional media and every age and ability. Artwork must be submitted by January 28. Click here for more information or call Carol Devlin, Assistant Town Clerk, at 434-3064 ex. 221.
Agreement Reached for Former Burlington College Property
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger announced that his administration, developer Eric Farrell, Champlain Housing Trust and the Vermont Land Trust have agreed how to divvy up the former Burlington College property. [Learn More]
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
Women's Leadership Council Networking Event: January 11
Join a group of women committed to improving the financial stability of women in our community. Learn how this issue affects our friends and neighbors and how you can give, advocate and volunteer in meaningful ways, and meet others who want to make a difference. [Learn More]
Notes Available from Let's Grow Kids Community Forums
These notes contain the unedited feedback provided by community participants in the Oct-Nov forums across the state. Participants were asked to first brainstorm the challenges in their community, and then solutions. [Notes] [Infographic]
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 5
Would You Need Help in a Disaster?
Would you or someone you know need help in an emergency or evacuation? If so, the CARE Program (Citizen Assistance Registration for Emergencies) can help. The program is administered by the United Ways of Vermont, VT-211 and E-911. [Learn More]
Tools for Weathering the Storm
The Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative team developed '101' guidance, checklists and more advanced tools that communities and businesses can use to weather the next storm. [Learn More]
Contact
For questions regarding emergency preparedness, including LEPC 1, please contact Lee Krohn in the CCRPC office.
 
Save the Date
Upcoming events in Chittenden County and beyond
Vermont Climate Economy Summit: February 22, 2016
Join the Vermont Council on Rural Development to review a platform of action developed by the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council and consider action to create jobs, build national reputation, and attract young people to our rural communities. [Learn More]
2016 Vermont Walk/Bike Summit: April 1-2, 2016
The second statewide Walk/Bike Summit will be held in Rutland, Vermont on April 1-2, 2016. [Learn More]
Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day: March 11, 2016
All nonprofit staff, board members volunteers and friends are invited to attend this yearly event. Come network with colleagues and legislators, learn about important issues that have direct bearing on your work and experience the legislative process. [Learn More]
National Rural Transportation Conference: June 13-15
This annual event provides peer-to-peer learning for regional transportation planners, state DOT representatives, and their partners. [Learn More]
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.