CCRPC director reports $1.5M FY24 funding increase in House and Senate budgets; notes Farm Bill opportunity and staffing actions

Executive Director Charlie Baker told the CCRPC Joint Executive and Finance Committee May 3 that the Vermont House and Senate budget proposals include a $1.5 million increase for Regional Planning Commission statutory formula funding for FY24, a priority requested earlier in the legislative session.

Baker cautioned the appropriation still faces a conference committee and possible veto by Governor Scott. He said Housing Bill S.100 — which incorporates H.5, a study on improving consistency of land‑use maps and championed in committee by Representative Seth Bongartz — remains a high priority and could require additional staff work if enacted. Baker noted Regina Mahony had been working on related items prior to leaving CCRPC and that Taylor Newton has taken over those responsibilities.

On administrative matters, staff said a Request for Proposals for a new auditor was issued last week, with a selection hoped for at the June meeting. Baker and Taylor Newton reported approximately a dozen strong candidates for the open planner position. Baker also said he was appointed as an officer of the National Association of Development Organizations and highlighted an opportunity in the 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization to have Northern Border Regional Commission funding count as local match for federal grants.

Baker announced that State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale will be the guest speaker at the annual meeting at Maquam Barn in Milton and that the event will charge $20 per guest to encourage commitment to attending.