ACRPC JULY NEWSLETTER

The ACRPC Newsletter contains Addison County announcements, events, grants, and training for the upcoming month. Click below to see this newsletter and other resources on our website. Please contact Maddison Shropshire with questions, [email protected] 

ACRPC Update

Addison County Regional Planning Commission Launches Initiatives Aimed to Address the Lack of Appropriate Housing in the Region. 

The current housing shortage is a complex problem. The age, size and condition of existing stock, the cost of construction, materials and land, a lack of infrastructure in rural villages, incompatible zoning regulations and expensive regulatory processes impact the ability to create the needed housing for our communities. Despite an active network of housing support organizations and funding opportunities, many households in the region do not have access to the housing they need, often because it doesn’t exist. ACRPC has pursued several projects to better understand and address the local housing crisis.

Regional Housing Survey

ACRPC’s Housing Committee has developed a Regional Housing Survey with the goal of gaining a better understanding of individual communities’ issues. This survey is intended to solicit feedback about individuals’ current housing status, their housing plans for the future as well as their perception of the housing situation in their town. These responses will help us better understand the scope and scale of current housing issues in our region’s municipalities, such as availability, affordability (cost) and choice. With this information, we can better identify appropriate resources and programs for individual communities and work towards solutions that best address their specific housing issues. We hope to distribute this survey in July. 

ACRPC ADU Guide

This past June ACRPC finalized work on a Guide to Creating Accessory Dwelling Units, a comprehensive tool for home owners interested in developing additional housing units in the home or on their property. This guide walks you through the process of planning for and managing an ADU with additional resources provided throughout. In addition, ACRPC is working to build capacity to provide individual support for homeowners considering an ADU. Contact Adam Lougee ([email protected]) for more information. 

These projects are just two local examples of the many efforts around the state to alleviate housing issues in VT. In particular, we would like to thank our legislators for their support of the HOME act, which addresses critical housing policy reform as a mechanism to help ease Vermont’s housing crisis. ACRPC’s Executive Director, Adam Lougee, will be presenting a summary of the Act and what it means for communities in the Addison Region at the next ACRPC full commission meeting on July 12th. All are welcome to attend.  

July Calendar

Date	Time	Meeting
July 12th	5:30 PM	ACRPC Housing Committee
July 12th	7:00 PM	ACRPC Full Commission Meeting
July 17th	5:00 PM	Energy Committee Meeting
July 18th	2:00 PM	E&D Committee Meeting
July 20th	7:00 PM	ACSWMD meeting
July 26th	2:00 PM	Otter Creek BWQC Meeting
July 26th	6:30 PM	ACRPC Executive Committee Meeting

Announcements

The Town of Monkton is seeking a zoning administrator.  

Monkton estimates that the job will be somewhere between 1/3rd and 1/2 a full time equivalent.  People interested in applying should call the Monkton Town Clerk at 802-453-3800.  Additionally, if any other municipalities within the Addison Region also need to hire a zoning administrator, Monkton would be willing to share expenses and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission would be willing to work with Communities to create a position to support those services and facilitate cooperation between its municipal members. If any communities are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please call Adam Lougee, Executive Director at (802) 233-5420. 

Municipal Technical Assistance Program

As part of the State’s ongoing efforts to make the most of state and federal funding and expand funding to communities who need additional assistance, the Agency of Administration in coordination with local Regional Planning Commissions is granting funds to municipalities throughout the state for Municipal Technical Assistance. These funds are intended to assist those communities with a high need for state and federal grants but lower capacity for accessing and applying for those sources. The towns of Goshen, Granville, Hancock, Panton, Waltham, and Whiting have all been pre-approved for this program based on need. Other towns will be able to apply for this opportunity separately. The program is expected to launch this May. Learn more: Here.

Free School Meals Bill Becomes Law

Under H.165, public schools will now be required to provide free breakfast and lunch for Vermont students, regardless of their family’s income. The new law sets aside state money to reimburse schools for the costs of those meals. Learn More: Here

Age Well Vermont Expands Community Meal Services

Age Well provides Community Luncheons in Vergennes, Bristol, and Middlebury as well as Meals on Wheels services. Tri-Valley Transit offers support in accessing these events. Please check their website for more information and share. 

Events

Green Energy Fest – July 15th

The municipal Energy Committees of Vergennes and Ferrisburgh will sponsor a Green Energy Fest on the Vergennes City Green on Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The free event will offer energy-saving ideas and solutions from vendors, organizations, utility representatives and guest speakers. Everyone is invited to come, meet, participate and learn. It’s a festival, so expect some fun, including raffles and refreshments. Contact:  [email protected]. Location: City Park, 179 Main St, Vergennes, VT 05491, USA

Save the Date: 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: August 15

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has announced their 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Strengthening Skills, Capacity, and Opportunity for the Future! The event will take place on Tuesday, August 15 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph. Learn more at vtrural.org/summit.

Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference- September 20^th – 21^st at Burke Mountain Hotel and Conference Center. You can register here: 2023 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference Registration

ACORN’s Tour De Farms – September 17th

This year’s Tour is Sunday, September 17 in Shoreham. We are limiting tickets to 500 riders, and we did sell out last year! Ride and enjoy the best that Vermont has to offer, from glorious scenery to delicious samples of foods that are grown or produced here in Addison County, Vermont. Choose the longer 30-mile ride or a family-friendly 10-mile route each with farm stops along the way and meet the wonderful people who produce the food and goods you enjoy throughout the year. This is ACORN’s largest fundraiser and supports our programs such as the ACORN Food Hub and Farmacy: Food is Medicine program. Register early to save money! Ticket prices increase August 19.

Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference- September 20^th – 21^st at Burke Mountain Hotel and Conference Center. You can register here: 2023 Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference Registration

Save the Date: United Way of Addison County Days of Caring 2023

The annual two days of “extreme volunteering” will be back this fall on September 21 and 23. During Days of Caring, we connect hundreds of volunteers with dozens of nonprofits for two days of hard work, laughter, and making a change in our community. If you’d like to volunteer – individually or as a group – please reach out to Amy Hoekstra.

Save the Date: Vermont Works for Women Women Can Do Conference: October 5

Women Can Do is a one-day career exploration fair for high school girls and gender-expansive youth to learn about STEM and trades fields. Students participate in dozens of hands-on activities, meet Vermont professionals and employers, and explore a variety of education and career pathways. Learn More: Here

EAN’s 2023 Network Summit on September 28 

Connect with other Network members and public sector partners, learn more about where Vermont stands relative to our energy and emissions reduction commitments, and help choose Network priorities to make breakthrough energy progress, while creating a more just, thriving, and sustainable future for Vermonters. This year we will also be hosting a second half-day on September 29 for Network Action Teams to collaborate, learn from one another, and problem solve together. Accommodation at Sugarbush the night of September 28 is also an option for those who would enjoy a chance for more informal networking. Learn more about the summit and register today.

Vermont Solar Fest

Two days of great music, workshops, food, exhibits, and demonstrations with headline performances by Dar Williams and Etana & The Raw Soul Rebels. Click for full details, tickets, and volunteer registration

Grants

Emergency Management

Last Call for Flood Resilience Projects!https://vem.vermont.gov/flood-resilient-communities-fundThe Flood Resilient Communities Fund is an ARPA-funded program that provides up to 100% funding for projects that increase public safety and reduce water quality impacts of climate-related flood hazards. The funding is application based, with priorities for home and vacant lot purchases (along with appraisals and associated costs), floodplain restoration, dam removal, green infrastructure, and likely anything else that will reduce future flooding. This is a great chance to get projects done that otherwise couldn’t- don’t let it slip away! The fund has about $8 million in remaining funds to be spent through 2026, but the window for applications is closing soon: The final application deadline is July 31, 2023.Please contact ACRPC’s Andrew L’Roe ([email protected], 802-388-3141 x3) if you have any questions or ideas.

Community

Building Communities Grants This program, administered by BGS, includes the following:1) $300,000.00 – Recreational Facilities Grant Program2) $300,000,00 – Regional Economic Development Grant Program3) $150,000.00 – Human Services Facilities Grant Program4) $150,000.00 – Educational Facilities Grant ProgramThese grants are for construction and capital improvements to support and strengthen Vermont towns and regions. Due: September 10, 2023 |  Learn More: Here

New Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair Program LaunchedVermont State Housing Authority has launched the Manufactured Home Improvement & Repair Program. The program will provide financial assistance for park improvements, home repair and foundation installation. Learn More: Here.

Room For Me GrantFunded by the Vermont Department for Children and Families’ Child Development Division, the Room For Me Grant: Expands the amount of child care capacity throughout the state of Vermont; Increases school-age slots in year-round child care programs; Increases the number of programs that accept Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) thereby expanding opportunities for Vermont children and youth; and Supports the child care needs of Vermont families, especially in underserved communities. Learn More: Here | Due: July 25, 2023, 4 PM EST | Apply: Here

Community Recovery and Revitalization Program The Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) will provide recovery funding for projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 in communities across the state. Program guidelines have now been posted on the ACCD website and the application will become available in the coming weeks.  Learn more: Here

Vermont Community Development GrantsThe Vermont Community Development Program (VCDP) assists communities on a competitive basis by providing financial and technical assistance to identify and address local needs in the areas of housing, economic development, public facilities, public services, handicapped accessibility and modification planning. Learn more: Here | Due: Rolling basis

Accessibility, Equity, & Inclusion

Vermont Healthy CommunitiesVDH and DHCD invite eligible Vermont communities* and residents over 18 years of age to apply for the Health Equity and Community Design Technical Assistance (TA) Pilot which provides extra capacity and resources and helps prepare communities that are interested in the DHCD’s Better Places placemaking grants. Closes in October | Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected]

VCF Equitable and Inclusive Communities grant The Vermont Community Foundation is seeking proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities that close the opportunity gap by supporting local efforts to foster inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. The Foundation offers grants of up to $10,000 to fund projects that generate a greater sense of community and equity education in town.Learn more: Here | Due: rolling basis until funds are used

Energy

Municipal Energy Resilience Program*ASSESSMENT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN*Established by Act 172,the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) will provide $45M in funding to help reduce municipal building energy usage, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. No local match is required for this funding. The ACRPC Energy Webpage will provide updated information on this program moving forward. Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected]

Weatherization Repayment Assistance ProgramWRAP will allow Vermont households to pay for qualifying weatherization projects like insulation and air sealing as well as heat pumps and advanced wood heating systems through a monthly charge on their utility bill that can be paid back over time. The program is open to Vermonters of all incomes and both homeowners and renters can participate in the program. Learn more: Here

New Funding for EV Charging Available!The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has contracted with Green Mountain Power (GMP) to administer a new round of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grant Program. Preapplications for the new round of funding are now available! This new round will allocate $3 million to charging at multi-unit properties (priority given to properties with less 20 units), $2 million to workplace charging (priority given to employerswith fewer than 100 employees), and $2 million to EV charging at public attractions. Click here to complete the preapplication form. Municipalities that are interested in supporting EV charging in their community can do so through the adoption of EVSE-friendly development regulations. Businesses, nonprofits, and public entities that are interested in hosting EV charging at their location, as well as EV service providers, are encouraged to complete a survey to help the state gauge interest and capacity for EV charging. Individuals who are interested in purchasing an EV or plug-in hybrid can find information about various models, as well as federal and state incentives at https://www.driveelectricvt.com/. Drive Electric VT has also created an interactive map of statewide public EV charging.

Solar for All GrantsVermont’s congressional delegation, along with the head of the U.S. EPA, launched a $7 billion grant program this week that is meant to increase access to affordable solar energy. Solar for All aims to help with two issues: transitioning away from fossil fuels and ensuring working families can afford solar energy. States, tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible non-profits can apply for the grants by September 26, 2023. Learn More: Here

Natural Resource

NBRC Forest Economy Program (FEP) Now Open The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has opened its 2023 Forest Economy Program (FEP) competition. The Commission will make up to $7 million in grants available, with a maximum award of $1 million. Potential applicants must express interest through Letters of Interest. Due: Sept 15 by 5pm | Learn More: Here.

Upcoming 2024 VT Urban & Community Forestry Grant ProgramsThe Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program will be administering nearly $500,000 through three separate categories of grants.  The program will also be supporting two additional grant programs through other organizations.Applications Open: Late Summer | Due: January 2024 | Learn More: Here

Transportation

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program The program supports the development of a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan) that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community and the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues. Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement a comprehensive safety action plan. Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address a roadway safety problem.  Learn More: Here | Due: July 10th | Contact: Mike Winslow, [email protected]

Intersections Initiative The initiative helps build capacity to apply for infrastructure funding to support active and public transportation projects and identify the policies and practices that make this a reality. In addition to the technical assistance offered by this program, the initiative has also developed an extremely useful funding sheet for bike/ ped infrastructure. Contact: Maddison Shropshire, [email protected]

Wildlife Crossings Program A competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Construction Projects include engineering, design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, and other activities related to the construction of infrastructure improvements. Non-Construction projects include planning, research, and educational activities that are not directly related to construction of infrastructure improvements.Learn More: Here | Due: August 1, 2023 | Contact: Mike Winslow, [email protected]

Tools & Training

Emergency Management

Vermont Local Emergency Management Director CourseThis course will familiarize Local Emergency Management Directors (EMD) and Coordinators (EMC) with major roles, responsibilities, and “how to do it” guidance, across all four phases of Emergency Management. NOTE: for virtual trainings, attendees will receive an email with connection instructions the day before the training.LOCATION: HYBRID- Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad- Londonderry, VTDATE/TIME: August 17, 2023, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.REGISTRATION: via State Learning Management System: https://vermont.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/e35883cd-148f-415c-a554-4107b7533679

MGT 417: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents for Key Decision Makers The purpose of this 2 day management/planning level course is to provide the operational-level details to support many of the topics covered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved AWR 148: Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents – Partnering Rural Law Enforcement and the Local School Systems awareness-level course. Rural schools, law enforcement, other emergency responders, and community stakeholders are often limited in their access to resources, so it is imperative that all potentially affected parties collaborate in planning, preparation, communication, response, and recovery in the event of a school-based incident. Moreover, these affected parties must come together to practice their interoperable skills through drills and exercises to ensure the strategies in place provide for an effective crisis response and collaborative recovery. With the intent of building upon the foundation of the AWR 148 course and utilizing an all-hazards approach, this two-day course will provide content instruction, develop concept-specific skills, and provide opportunities for law enforcement, school personnel, and community stakeholders to collaboratively apply the course objectives in scenario-based applications.  LOCATION: Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School, Swanton, VTDATE/TIME: September 11, 2023, 8:00 a.m. –  4:00 p.m. & September 12, 2023 8:00 a.m. –  3:30 p.m.REGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8972          LOCATION: VT National Guard Training Facility-RRTC- Norwich University,  Northfield, VTDATE/TIME: October 9, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 10, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pmREGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=9030  LOCATION: Brattleboro Fire Department, Brattleboro, VTDATE/TIME: October 19, 2023, 8:00am- 4:00pm & October 20, 2023, 8:00am- 3:30pmREGISTRATION: https://ruraltraining.org/course/MGT-417/?scheduled=true&id=8993

Community

VLCT Training OpportunitiesGetting Started with PACIF Learn Date: July 11, 2023 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMTown Fair 2023 Date: September 26, 2023 8:00 AM – September 27, 2023 3:30 PM @ DoubleTree by Hilton

Preservation Trust of Vermont Retreat ScheduleUse this link to view the upcoming Preservation Trust retreats scheduled for the 2023 summer.

Equity

VLCT Equity Resources for MunicipalitiesThe VLCT Municipal Equity Toolkit is a ten-part online resource that covers everything from creating a municipal equity committee to building a framework and action plan to listing equity-related books, podcasts, and videos.

Vermont Health Equity Planning ToolkitMunicipalities, Regional Planning Commissions, State agency partners, non-profit/for-profit organizations, and Vermonters who are curious should find this document beneficial in determining how and why to take steps toward creating a healthier and more inclusive Vermont. These steps could include but are not limited to, improvements to policy, bylaws, community engagement, and infrastructure to promote healthy and inclusive communities. Learn More

Vermont Professionals of Color Network Financial Literacy SeriesVT POC is excited to offer a free year-long series on financial literacy. Each month, they will have a curated topic led by experts in the field from across the state. This event is for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members as an affinity space for the purpose of bringing together Vermonters of color from across the state to build community. Learn More »

Energy

Efficiency Vermont 2023 Rebates – Explore 2023 rebates here.

Green Saving Smart Program – GreenSavingSmart connects financial coaching with energy savings for low- and moderate-income Vermonters.

Natural Resources

Vermont Coverts Woodlands for Wildlife Cooperator Training This program connects you with resource professionals, landowners and others while learning how you can improve your woodlands. There are 2 opportunities to attend: – – – September 8-10 at Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton. Learn More: www.vtcoverts.org | Contact: Lisa Sausville at 802-877-2777 or e-mail [email protected]. This Training is* FREE *(a $100 deposit, refundable upon completion, is required to hold your spot).

We Are Entering the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Flight Season The EAB flight season starts on June 1st and goes through September 30th. During this time of year, EAB will be emerging from infested ash trees, logs, and firewood and seeking new host trees and mates. Moving ash materials during the flight season could spread EAB to currentlyuninfested areas. Therefore, there are more stringent recommendations for moving visibly infested ash materials in Vermont’s Slow the Spread Recommendations to protect these areas, including delaying harvesting and not moving untreated ash until after the flight season (October 1st).