How We Work
From community centered initiatives that build upon local, citizen based efforts, to policy councils that build collaboration between state, federal, non-profit, and private sector leaders, VCRD has designed and implemented highly effective programming to identify and address key issues that impact rural life. VCRD is a neutral, non-profit organization that brings Vermonters together across political lines and organizational boundaries to advance rural community and economic development throughout the state.
VCRD has developed a portfolio of community and policy action that includes:
- 15 years of town-by-town community development strategic planning;
- 7 Governor's Summits retreats, and 5 statewide Rural Summit conferences;
- Policy council initiatives on agricultural viability, value added forest products development, the creative economy, the structure of the planning system, in-state energy development, and the future of Vermont;
- Strategic planning guidance to initiate creative economy plans in 12 cities and towns; and
- Facilitating over 40 town-wide assessment and aggregation projects to acquire broadband access.
VCRD has built a reputation for integrity as a neutral, non-partisan mediator of public processes, setting the framework for decisions by communities and by policy leaders, that lead to direct and practical results in addressing fundamental challenges at the local and state level.
For information about how VCRD can work with your community, contact us at 802-223-6091.
