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CCRPC staff propose updated stipend policy to boost participation; committee to seek feedback
Summary
Staff presented a draft stipend policy drawn from national best practices that would formalize stipends for community engagement (current $50 practice, with $75 in Winooski as reference), introduce multiple payment methods to lower barriers, and allow opt-in for members; staff will gather feedback and bring a revised policy to the full board.
CCRPC outreach staff presented a draft stipend policy intended to increase participation in community advisory processes and reduce access barriers.
Anne Nelson Stoner said the policy was informed by year-long research and evidence that stipends increase engagement; CCRPC has been offering $50 stipends for its Community Engagement Advisory Committee and noted Winooski currently offers $75. Stoner proposed three payment methods—checks, gift cards, or cash—to remove barriers for non-English-speaking and older participants. She said cultural liaisons might be addressed in a separate, stand-alone policy.
Members asked implementation and budget questions. Joe Segale asked whether stipends would apply to the CCRPC board and other committees; Stoner said participation would be opt-in and ineligible for members already compensated by employers. Bard Hill said he thought setting an income threshold would be overly complicated; Jacki Murphy asked whether budget implications were considered. Chris Shaw supported the higher stipend as a way to broaden perspectives. Committee members asked staff to solicit feedback from the Community Engagement Advisory Committee and return a refined policy to the full board in November.
Stoner also noted the Community Engagement Advisory Committee meeting on Oct. 22 will include a stipend-policy review and an update from GMT.
