Shelburne committee formalizes partnership with Experience Shelburne and approves by-laws

The Shelburne Community and Economic Development Committee on May 27 unanimously approved by-laws to formalize a partnership with Experience Shelburne and to require both organizations to include downtown oversight in their missions. The changes also shift the group’s structure from standing working groups to project-based working committees and subcommittees that would convene as projects arise.

The committee’s vote to approve the by-laws came after a discussion led by the Chair; Aaron DeNamur moved the motion and Town Manager Matt Lawless seconded it. Committee members described the amendments as a way to formalize the advisory board and to create clearer lines of collaboration between municipal staff and the Experience Shelburne organization.

Experience Shelburne’s formal nonprofit status was noted later in the meeting: Jeffrey Carr reported that the organization received IRS notification of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status effective May 6, 2025. Committee members discussed implications for downtown projects and potential adjustments to roles and staffing to meet any added responsibilities tied to the designation.

The vote and the nonprofit notification follow the committee’s broader efforts to create coordinated marketing and governance tools for downtown oversight. Committee members said they will next assign working group members to implement the new structure and to integrate Experience Shelburne’s role into upcoming town plan and event planning efforts.

The committee approved the meeting agenda and April 22, 2026 minutes at the start of the session and adjourned at approximately 1:27 PM.