CCRPC reports CUD startup role, signs $200K Act 172 energy resilience contract and schedules equity outreach

The CCRPC Joint Executive and Finance Committee heard several administrative updates, including staff support for the newly formed Chittenden County Communications Union District (CUD), the signing of an Act 172 Municipal Building Energy Resilience Grant Agreement, and an equity program update.

Charlie Baker, Executive Director, reported that five municipalities—Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, South Burlington and Williston—voted in favor of forming the Chittenden County CUD and that an organizational meeting for the CUD board would be held the next day. Baker said CCRPC staff (Charlie Baker and Ann Janda) will assist with the CUD start‑up but that CCRPC does not intend to provide ongoing staff services.

On the Act 172 grant, Baker said the CCRPC signed the grant agreement and that the arrangement represents about "$200K worth of work for us to lend support over the next three years." Committee members raised concerns about how the program's cost‑burden criteria are computed across the county. Bard Hill noted that county‑level averages can mask local cohorts of disadvantaged people and said the criteria may not describe conditions in some places within Chittenden County.

Anne Nelson Stoner, Equity Manager, gave a brief equity update, noting an internal equity statement in development, ongoing community outreach, and an on‑site community meeting scheduled for Jan. 5 at CCRPC offices. Charlie Baker also reviewed a list of 14 legislative policy participation topics that the board will consider in January, and members highlighted housing and permit reform and the possible role of a state planning office.

Next steps: CCRPC staff will participate in the CC CUD organizational meeting, implement Act 172 grant deliverables in coordination with municipal applicants, continue equity outreach, and present legislative participation recommendations to the full board.