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OCTOBER
10/4, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
10/4, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting
10/4, 12:15pm: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory MS-4 Subcommittee Meeting
10/5, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting
10/10: CCRPC Office Closed
10/12, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
10/19, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting
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Around the County: Photo of the Month
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Click photo to enlarge.
A student rests on the UVM campus.
Photo by Lee Krohn
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What's Happening in Your Town?
DID YOU KNOW: The CCRPC website is home to a custom page for every municipality in Chittenden County. Each page includes a snapshot of demographics, a link to the official municipal website, and a comprehensive list of current and past projects the CCRPC is/has been involved in.
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Traffic Alerts
Stay informed about roadway construction and other traffic alerts in Chittenden County by signing up for the Chittenden County Traffic Alert, a weekly email service.
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Have you joined Front Porch Forum?
Front Porch Forum is a free community-building service in Vermont. Your neighborhood's forum is only open to the people who live there. It's all about helping neighbors connect.
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CCRPC
Commission Representatives
Bolton: Joss Besse
Buel's Gore: Garret Mott
Burlington: Andy Montroll
Charlotte: Jim Donovan
Colchester: Marc Landry
Essex: Jeff Carr
Essex Junction: Dan Kerin
Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante
Huntington: Barbara Elliott
Jericho: Catherine McMains
Milton: TBD
Richmond: Bard Hill
Shelburne: John Zicconi
South Burlington: Chris Shaw
St. George: Jeff Pillsbury
Underhill: Brian Bigelow
Westford: Dave Tilton
Williston: Chris Roy, Chair
Winooski: Michael O'Brien, Vice Chair
For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here. |
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Charlie Baker, Executive Director
Cathy Aikman, CCOA Project Director
Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner
Pam Brangan, GIS Data & IT Manager
Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager
Forest Cohen, Business Manager
Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner
Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner
Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner
Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager
Sam Francis-Fath, CCOA Data Manager
Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner
Andrea Gunther, Finance Assistant
Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner
Regina Mahony, Planning Program Manager
Melanie Needle, Senior Planner
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Planner
Sai Sarepalli, Transportation Planning Engineer
Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager
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Volunteer with Neighbor Rides
Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont 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.
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United Way Volunteer Opportunities: Fall 2016
Looking for ways to volunteer this fall? Check out short-term and special event volunteer opportunities with the United Way for the coming months.
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Good morning,
As we head into the busy fall season, I'd like to highlight one of our new regional efforts: The CCRPC has started the process of developing a Regional Energy Plan to advance the State's Comprehensive Energy Plan's climate and energy goals while also remaining consistent with municipal and regional land use plans. The Regional Energy Plan will also help to implement the recent legislation (Act 174) to improve the siting of renewable energy projects by giving towns and regions a greater voice in the Section 248 process.
Act 174 requires all regional energy plans to have a "Determination of Energy Compliance" from the Department of Public Service (DPS). With this determination, the Public Service Board will give "substantial deference" to the plan - meaning that the regional plan will be considered through the Public Service Board's approval process for certificates of public good for electric generation projects. The DPS is working on the standards by which a regional plan would be evaluated in order to be compliant. These standards will be finalized by November 1, 2016 and posted to the Regional Energy Plan webpage.
CCRPC is in the process of gathering input from municipalities on where renewable energy generation should be encouraged and where it should be avoided. View the upcoming presentation schedule here. This input, along with guidance from the CCRPC's Long-Range Planning Committee and its Energy Sub-Committee, will inform the development of regional renewable energy resource maps. The Regional Energy Plan will also discuss targets for energy use and renewable energy generation, tied to the Vermont energy goal of obtaining 90% of Vermont's energy from renewable sources by 2050. It will also include specific regional land use and transportation strategies for energy efficiency and fuel switching.
Enjoy the first days of fall!
Best regards,
Charlie Baker Executive Director |
 SIGN UP FOR WAY TO GO! SEPT. 26-OCT. 7!
WHAT IS IT? Way To Go! is a 2-week challenge that starts September 26th and goes through October 7th. During that time you just sign up and pledge to walk, run, bike, bus, carpool or telecommute as much as you'd like.
WHY DOES IT MATTER? Your participation sends a signal to our local and state leaders that alternative transportation and reducing carbon pollution matters to Vermonters.
WILL IT BE FUN? Of course it will be! Just watch this!
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Sign up is easy, free and takes seconds! Just go here.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? Besides good karma and helping the environment, you'll be eligible for awesome prizes like an iPad and Darn Tough socks.
I WANT TO BEAT EVEN MORE CARBON POLLUTION! HOW CAN I DO THAT? Challenge another business or organization to a one-on-one CARBON THROWDOWN! The business that reduces the most carbon pollution wins a special trophy.
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TRAVEL SMARTER & Win an iPad Mini!
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Chris Cole, Secretary of Transportation, Vermont Agency of Transportation
Chris joined the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) in March 2011 and has served on the CCRPC since 2015. VTrans manages a statewide transportation program and has significant investments in Chittenden County that support the State's economy. It is through this statewide lens and recognition of the economic role Chittenden County plays in the statewide economy that VTrans jointly plans projects for the county. Chris has also served on the South Burlington Planning Commission and the Car Share Vermont Board of Directors. Chittenden County has a strong presence in the success of the economy in Vermont and transportation plays an important role both in the region and in the State. Despite funding challenges, the State has to maintain all of this infrastructure in a state of good repair. Chris finds it extremely rewarding to work collaboratively with regional and local organizations to prioritize these investments for our collective benefit. In his free time, Chris enjoys skiing, boating, hiking, hunting and generally appreciating all that Vermont has to offer.
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Andrea Morgante, CCRPC Hinesburg Representative (1998-Present)
Andrea has a robust history with public service. She has been a member of the Hinesburg Selectboard since 1992, co-founded and served on the Hinesburg Land Trust since 1989, and founded and served on the Lewis Creek Foundation since 1992. She was appointed to the CCRPO in 1998 and was part of combining the CCRPO with the CCMPO that same year. Years later in 2011, Andrea was also a part of the CCRPC/CCMPO merger. Andrea's primary interest in transportation and the reason for her initial interest in appointment to the CCRPO in 1998 was recognition that traditional transportation planning was focused on building highways, was car-centric, and leading Chittenden County toward the typical suburban pattern of development that had negatively impacted other parts of New England. In her work, Andrea advocates for better land use that reduces sprawl, encourages walkability, and increases the use of public transportation. Her approach to planning is one that recognizes systems and places with the protection of natural systems as the highest priority. As a resident of Vermont for the past 39 years, Andrea has been designing, building, exploring, and learning about the natural and built landscape and finding ways to connect people with the beauty of trees, shrubs, perennials, soils, rocks, water, birds, animals and each other through her business, Andrea Morgante Landscapes. She has been designing, planting and constructing landscapes since 1976.
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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North Avenue Pilot Project Survey
To understand the opinions of New North Enders and the larger community surrounding the North Avenue Pilot Project that's been in place since July, surveys will be distributed in different formats over the next several months. The first survey is online and is available now through October 2. This will provide the first round of public opinion data for the Burlington City Council at their meeting on October 17. Learn More »
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Take Local Motion's Survey & Be Entered to Win $250
Local Motion is in the process of setting its goals for the next five years and wants to hear from people across Chittenden County about their priorities and how their community could become a better place to walk and bike. As an incentive to take the survey, Local Motion is raffling off a $250 gift certificate to a local outdoor or bike shop. Everyone who completes Part 1 will be entered once to win; completion of Part 2 earns 3 more raffle entries. Learn More »
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VTrans Transportation Alternatives Grant Program: Applications Due October 20
VTrans is accepting applications for the Transportation Alternatives program. This year, roughly 50% of the TA funding (roughly $1.1 million) is reserved for environmental mitigation projects relating to stormwater and highways. Learn More »
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Vermont Highway Safety Alliance 4th Annual Conference: October 26
Join the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance for the 4th Annual Meeting and Conference to be held at the Mt. Snow Resort, West Dover, VT on October 26th from 9am-3pm. Learn More »
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A Part of the Burlington Bike Path to Close for Construction
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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 »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
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Champlain College Retains "Most Innovative School" Title
Champlain College has again been named among the "Most Innovative Schools" in the North in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2017 publication released on 9/13. A major change for Champlain College happened in the annual rankings as it moved up from consideration as a "Regional College" to "Regional Universities" classification. The category shift represents Champlain's evolution as an institution that provides a full range of graduate programs in addition to traditional undergraduate education. Learn More »
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2016 Vermont Young Professionals Summit: October 15
The Young Professionals Summit of Vermont is an annual, one-day event for young Vermonters to network, share ideas, and confront issues faced by the state's young workforce. Equal parts professional development and community action, the summit aims to empower young people to create positive change by connecting them with business leaders, policymakers, and, most importantly, each other. Learn More »
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Inspiring the Next Generation: Connecting Students & Manufacturing to Make Vermont's Future: October 20
Associated Industry of Vermont's annual meeting is a forum for addressing critical manufacturing and economic issues facing Vermont, bringing together leaders from across business and public sectors. Learn More »
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Vermont Development Conference: November 2, 2016
The third annual White + Burke Vermont Development Conference will feature discussions of economic trends, PFOAs, the Building Homes Together initiative, development impacts of marijuana legalization, creative financing, the Change the Story initiative, and much more! Join more than 275 development and real estate professionals for a full day of networking, seminars, and workshops. Learn More »
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Energy & Natural Resources
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
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Board Seeks Input on Next Year's Proposed Clean Water Fund Budget by September 28
The Clean Water Fund Board is soliciting comments on next year's draft Clean Water Fund allocations (updated based on prior public comments) through September 28th. Learn More »
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Backyard Woods Program
Do you own less than 25 acres? Are you interested in learning more about your woods? Then you may be interested in the Backyard Woods Program, a six-week online course that uses a combination of videos, webinars, discussion forums and weekly activities to guide you in the exploration of your backyard woods. Learn More & Register by September 28 »
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Vermont Clean Water Initiative Brown Bag Lectures
These lectures on the Vermont Clean Water Act and its implementation occur monthly and can be attended in person or via Skype. View the full schedule »
Next Lecture: Local Implementation Teams for Clean Water: October 13, 2016, 11am-12pm | Learn More » |
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Free Vermont Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network Seminar & Tabletop Exercise: October 20
The event will consist of morning seminar presentations covering topics related to VTWARN, as well as water and wastewater preparedness and response. Learn More »
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Proposed 2017 Vermont Stormwater Management Manual Rule Available for Review & Comment through November 1
The DEV has scheduled a public meeting to solicit comments on the proposed rule on Tuesday, October 25th, 2016 from 9:00am-12:00pm in Montpelier. The DEV began accepting public comment on the proposed 2017 VSMM Rule on September 16, and the comment period will extend through 4:30pm on November 1. Comments may be provided in person at the public meeting or in writing. Learn More »
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Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Loan Fund
The Vermont Wastewater and Potable Water Revolving Loan Fund, also known as the On-site Loan Program, is available to certain Vermont residents for the repair or replacement of failed on-site wastewater and water supply systems. Learn More »
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Burlington Electric Department to Help Burlington Become "Zero Net Energy City"
Having successfully achieved its 100% renewable electricity goal in September 2014, the Burlington Electric Department recently announced its next challenge: To help Burlington transition to become a "zero net energy city" across electric, thermal, and transportation sectors, by reducing demand, realizing efficiency gains, and expanding local renewable generation, while increasing system reliance. Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Municipal Planning Grants Due October 31st
DHCD is pleased to announce approximately $457,000 in state funding to help Vermont's cities and towns realize their visions for building more livable and vibrant communities. View the FY17 MPG Program Description for details on eligibility, application process and funding priorities. Grant applications are due October 31st with funding decisions announced in December. Learn More »
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Burlington Geographic Fall 2016 Presentation Series
Burlington Geographic promotes healthy, sustainable communities by providing Burlington residents with opportunities to deepen their understanding of our shared city. This presentation series is an exploration of Burlington using weekly themes bringing us to the heart of Burlington's place-based identity. Each week showcases Burlington experts whose work and passions are deeply rooted at the intersection of our physical, cultural, and environmental landscapes. Learn More »
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Fall Planning & Zoning Forum: November 2
Presented by Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association, this workshop provides a dynamic mix of legal information, practical solutions, and policy information as well as the opportunity to discuss pressing issues in municipal planning and zoning with knowledgeable officials from across the state. Learn More »
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Vermont Statewide Housing Conference: November 15, 2016
This conference brings together a unique mix of housing financers, advocates, developers, planners, tenants and more. Learn More »
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Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
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Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference: November 4 & 5
The 9th annual Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held November 4 & 5, 2016 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. Learn More & Register »
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Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
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Early Voting in VT for the General Election Begins September 23
Beginning this Friday, September 23rd, any registered voter will be able to request a ballot from their town clerk by phone, mail, or online and cast their vote for the November 8th election. Learn More »
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Candidates for Governor Forum on Vermont Youth: September 25
The focus of the forum will be issues related to school-aged Vermont youth and their families. Youth issues to be addressed include: youth activities; risky behaviors; school attendance & education; volunteerism & youth leadership; and work-readiness & civic engagement as adults. Learn More »
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Howard Center's Fall Community Education Series
The Howard Center is presenting a series of community education sessions this fall. The three remaining sessions include: Suicide Risk and Prevention, Slow Psychiatry, and "Resilience" - A Film Screening. All sessions are free and open to the public. Full information can be found on the Howard Center's website »
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Hunger Free VT Offers Free Basic Training on 3SquaresVT in October
This free training, open to new and seasoned advocates and service providers, and anyone interested in helping more Vermonters access important nutrition benefits, will cover 3SquaresVT eligibility rules, important deductions to increase benefits, the application process, and tips for helping people apply. Full information can be found on Learn More »
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2016 Vermont Collective Impact Conference: November 2-3, 2016
Registration is now open for this statewide, two-day conference that will build on the momentum of the 2015 Collective Impact Conference and provide opportunities for teams of stakeholders to learn and work together in furthering emerging or existing Collective Impact efforts. Learn More »
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