A way for towns to engage and bring together their residents, set common goals and directions in a neutral and facilitated structure, and access resources that will help them take action on those goals.

Steve Costello Commentary: Rutland’s growing sense of pride

By Steve Costello, as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/rutland-s-growing-sense-of-pride/article_891a9956-b057-5838-bdac-50108c82cc14.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share Your Sept. 27 editorial and this week’s Vermont Council on Rural Development conference at Castleton University, featuring a panel discussion on Rutland’s ongoing revitalization, were wonderful reminders of the importance of celebrating victories along the way. Rutland has a lot to celebrate. While some of…

Wallingford woman wants to bring Odd Fellows building back to life

By Keith Whitcomb Jr. as seen in the Rutland Herald: https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/wallingford-woman-wants-to-bring-odd-fellows-building-back-to/article_4d2fd0e4-c939-575b-ac51-0106c6a1963d.html WALLINGFORD — A local woman wants to return the historic Odd Fellows building to its former glory. The three-story, 13,400-square-foot building sits at Wallingford’s four corners at 15 South Main St. It’s been the home of Sal’s Italian restaurant for the past 16 years…

Marlboro gets space to create community: Library and long-awaited community center set to open in meeting house

In 2010, VCRD brought its Community Visit process to Marlboro where residents identified a number of action ideas for future progress in town. “Develop a Marlboro Community Center Building” was one of the ideas the community identified. This article shares the great work going forward on that effort! ——————– By Wendy M. Levy as seen…

Wallingford Community Visit Report – 2018

We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Wallingford. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Support Business and Economic Development Build Multi-Use Trails and River Access and Boost Recreation Capacity Improve Community Communications and Engagement and Expand Wallingford Events Read the Report and Action Plan

Proctor’s Future Report and Action Plan – May 2018

Through the Proctor’s Future process, community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to resources and develop and realize achievable action plans. Through 2 public meetings, community members chose three community priorities for action and signed up for task force groups to move them forward. The new task force groups…

ReNewport Community Visit Report – 2018

We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Newport. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Enhance and Market the Newport Tourism Experience Support and Attract Businesses and Entrepreneurs Expand Community Events and Celebrations Improve and Coordinate Health and Wellness Services and Early Childhood Care and Education Read the Report and Action Plan.

Burke Community Visit Report – 2017

We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Burke. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Revitalize Village Infrastructure Expand Educational Facilities Improve Village Traffic & Pedestrian Safety & Build a Trail Connecting East and West Burke Read the Report and Action Plan

Lyndon Community Visit Report – 2017

We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Lyndon. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Support business growth and economic development Establish a unified recreation program and build a Lyndon community and recreation center Build a formal school, college, and community partnership Revitalize downtown businesses and storefronts. Read the Report and Action…

Brighton Community Visit Report – 2017

We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Brighton. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Advance a Brighton Recreation Program Revitalize and Beautify the Downtown Make Brighton an ATV Destination Support Business Growth and Economic Development Read the Report and Action Plan To learn more about Brighton, read the 2016 Brighton Community…