This Commentary is by Denise Smith, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Vermont (VCRD). VCRD has been serving the needs of Vermont’s rural communities for over 30 years, facilitating community-led, place based conversations to help communities envision their collective future. I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Statewide Civics Bee hosted…
Vermont has lost 12 colleges in recent years, many in rural communities already facing economic strain, housing challenges, and the impact of recent flooding. What happens next to these campuses is not simply a real estate question — it is a matter of regional vitality, economic resilience, and community sustainability. The Creative Campus at Goddard…
The Brandon: A Hub & Our Home Community Visit is a 3-month process bringing the community together in spring 2026 to identify and prioritize common goals, develop action plans, and connect to resources for long term success. Thanks to the funders for making this work possible: Northern Border Regional Commission, Vermont Agency of Commerce and…
This Commentary is by Denise Smith, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on Rural Vermont (VCRD). VCRD has been serving the needs of Vermont’s rural communities for over 30 years, facilitating community-led, place based conversations to help communities envision their collective future. Ask anyone how many towns there are in Vermont and you’ll hear a…
