Select Board approves Better Bennington Corporation work plan and releases $100,446 in DID funds

The Bennington Select Board voted June 22 to accept the Better Bennington Corporation’s (BBC) 2026–27 work plan and to release $100,446 in Downtown Improvement District (DID) funding for the organization’s downtown promotion, events and revitalization activities.

BBC President Keith Carey told the board the organization has hired a new executive director, Allie ("Ali") Zayas, and outlined committee work for design, promotions, economic vitality and organization. Carey said the BBC will use the upcoming year to expand email outreach, hire dedicated photographers and videographers for events, and pursue more sponsorships and grants to reduce reliance on DID assessments.

"We are going to get her started early July," Carey said of Ali Zayas, and added the board has been "very conservative" in budgeting while restoring staff capacity after months without an executive director.

The BBC’s budget presentation, led by Jim Martinez and Treasurer Shelley Colvin, showed the group expects modest expense increases in 2026–27 as salary and programming funds resume following a period of vacancy. Martinez told the Select Board he was asking for the same DID allocation as the previous year and that sponsorship and grant income had improved.

Board members and members of the public asked detailed questions about the geographic boundaries of the DID; Keith Carey and BBC staff explained the district covers the commercial portions of the downtown core and side streets, and that businesses outside the DID may join the BBC as paid members. Audience members also pressed the BBC on vendor fees, event revenue projections and how the organization plans to increase business and visitor traffic.

Select Board members praised the BBC’s volunteers and recent events, noting that the organization runs a range of free downtown activities that attract visitors and contribute to local commerce. In a voice vote taken after the presentation and public Q&A, the board approved the BBC’s work plan and authorized release of the requested $100,446 in DID funding.

The vote came after a public comment period that included residents urging attention to PFOA/PFAS concerns, clarifying changes at the Bennington County Multicultural Community Center, and asking for details about July 4th events and other local matters. The BBC noted its event calendar includes Mayfest, Hemmings Cruise-In, Arts Fest, Harvest Fest and Small Business Saturday, and said it will provide more details as Ali Zayas begins in July.

What’s next: The BBC will proceed with the approved budget and work plan, begin onboarding the new executive director and continue outreach about downtown programs and events. The Select Board’s agenda also called for follow-up on vacant properties and other downtown priorities in coming meetings.