Vermont Supreme Court considers Burlington lawsuit impacting all resident voting

The South Burlington City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, covered several significant topics, including updates on local legislation, housing initiatives, and community tributes.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the Burlington lawsuit, which was dismissed by the Vermont Superior Court but is currently under appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court. This case pertains to all resident voting, and further updates are anticipated. Additionally, the Secretary of State provided insights on the federal SAVE Act, which may impact the three municipalities in Vermont that currently allow all resident voting, although its specifics regarding local elections remain unclear.

The housing committee reported on a recent group discussion co-sponsored with the library, focusing on the ongoing housing crisis. Participants expressed interest in addressing affordable housing, noting that approximately 11,000 homes statewide are currently uninhabitable and require rehabilitation. The committee plans to discuss Act 181 in future meetings, which presents opportunities for incremental housing development.

In education-related matters, the council member shared updates from a legislative forum on education. A bill has progressed from the House to the Senate, with discussions highlighting differences between the two chambers' proposals. Key topics included the potential consolidation of school districts and supervisory unions to improve efficiency and reduce costs while enhancing educational outcomes. However, specific details on implementation and effectiveness remain to be clarified.

The meeting also included a personal tribute to Rich Cassidy, a respected community member and former school board colleague, who recently passed away. His contributions to South Burlington were acknowledged, marking a significant loss for the community.

Lastly, updates from other meetings were shared, including a Chittenden County Communications Union District meeting and a pension advisory committee meeting, which reported positive asset performance for the first quarter of the year.

Overall, the meeting addressed critical issues affecting South Burlington, with a focus on housing, education, and community engagement, setting the stage for future discussions and actions.