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CCRPC readies topics for Legislative Breakfast, shares interim priority economic development list
Summary
Committee members reviewed a proposed agenda for a Dec. legislative breakfast—covering ARPA, housing, water, transit, permitting, broadband, equity and climate—and discussed an interim priority economic development project list from GBIC to be refined through CEDS and presented to the full Board.
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s Joint Executive & Finance Committee on Nov. 3 reviewed topics to present at a regional Legislative Breakfast and discussed an interim priority economic development project list compiled with the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation (GBIC).
Executive Director Charlie Baker ran through the items he expects for the Legislative Breakfast agenda, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, affordable housing, water and wastewater needs, transit financing, permitting reform, broadband expansion beyond Communications Union Districts, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Climate Action Plan, and regional and municipal planning grants.
On climate policy timing, Charlie said the Initial Climate Action Plan must be presented by Dec. 1, and he expects substantive feedback during the early part of the legislative session. He also noted a partnership with Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTRANS) on a transit study that may reduce municipal financial pressure and help assess the costs of 'fare-free' transit.
The committee reviewed an interim Priority Economic Development Projects list from GBIC that includes transportation and infrastructure proposals such as the Crescent Connector in Essex Junction, Winooski Main Street improvements, water supply and sewer extensions in several towns, the HULA Transit Center, a Railyard Enterprise Project in Burlington and other municipal projects. Charlie described the list as a living document to be vetted through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process; members asked that staff prepare an informational memo for the Board rather than bring the raw list forward prematurely.
Charlie also briefed the committee on the Equity Summit scheduled Nov. 6: about seven board members planned to attend and, together with staff, legislators and municipal representatives, there were roughly 90 participants expected. He named legislators Kesha Ram and Taylor Small among those signed up. The summit format will begin with 15 minutes of introductions, include an icebreaker, and move participants into breakout groups to develop actionable equity items.
Looking ahead, Charlie said he will provide a more developed presentation of Legislative Breakfast topics at the committee’s next meeting prior to the Dec. 7 remote Legislative Breakfast and will present the priority projects and process to the full CCRPC Board at the Nov. 17 meeting.
