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.

The Lamberts ‘Building on good things’

VCRD awarded Hank and Molly Lambert its “Community Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award” in September 2018. Together, they are a force for good in their community and in Vermont. Thanks to Hank and Molly for all they do! —————- By TOM BENTON, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/the-lamberts-building-on-good-things/ SWANTON — The Vermont Council on…

Montgomery builds its ‘bones’: Initiative hones in on infrastructure needs

By Mike Frett, as seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-builds-its-bones-initiative-hones-in-on-infrastructure-needs/ MONTGOMERY – A community initiative dubbed Montgomery Thrives entered a new phase this Thursday as residents organized into specialized committees and drafted the first steps of their plans that, if realized, could lead to substantial developments for the small mountain town. In a series…

Do North Coworking Opens In Bag Balm Building

In 2017, VCRD brought our Community Visit process to Lyndon where residents identified a number of opportunities for future progress in town. “Develop a Business Incubator and Co-Working Space” was one of the ideas the community identified. It’s happening! Read on… By Amy Ash Nixon as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/features/business/do-north-coworking-opens-in-bag-balm-building/article_e2f5c996-2fd7-5420-9664-30606ef85ff3.html#utm_source=caledonianrecord.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3F-dc%3D1543064438&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more LYNDONVILLE — The…

Montgomery Thrives: Infrastructure, broadband emerge as priorities

As seen in the St. Albans Messenger: https://www.samessenger.com/montgomery-thrives-infrastructure-broadband-emerge-as-priorities/?fbclid=IwAR35itY7UPZ8tEC60K5PHtzn92uWFZufwO81YuuI4pE4kf5FenPLv2vdxgs MONTGOMERY – Working with the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Community Visit program, Montgomery residents have identified projects and goals to guide and promote growth in the community including pedestrian and traffic infrastructure, cell phone access and wastewater treatment. The effort has been dubbed Montgomery Thrives, and…

Grant Received For Burke Infrastructure Project

By Amy Ash Nixon, as seen in the Caledonian Record: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/grant-received-for-burke-infrastructure-project/article_43785238-68bc-5260-a62b-b8b50b4ebfb6.html BURKE — Hoped-for infrastructure improvements to East and West Burke Villages took a recent step forward. Town officials were recently informed by representatives of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development that Burke will receive a…

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