Lunenburg-Gilman: One Community Working Together – Report and Action Plan – February 2025
Through the Lunenburg-Gilman: One Community Working Together process, the community came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, ...
Re-Imagine Johnson Report and Action Plan – February 2025
In the wake of the 2023 and 2024 flooding events, the Town of Johnson invited VCRD to facilitate a process ...
Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund – 2023-24 Report of Awardees
The Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund supports local innovative climate projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact ...
Westmore’s Path Forward – Report and Action Plan – October 2024
Through the Westmore's Path Forward process, Westmore community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Bridport Comes Together – Report and Action Plan – August 2024
Through the Bridport Community Voices process, Bridport community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Franklin Community Voices – Report and Action Plan – June 2024
Through the Franklin Community Voices process, Franklin community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Vermont Vision for Youth Success – a report of the Youth Opportunity Initiative, June 2024
“Vermont Vision for Youth Success” is the culmination of a deep engagement process that included the voices and insights of ...
Albany Together – Report and Action Plan – February 2024
Through the Albany Together process, Albany community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to ...
Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund – 2022-23 Report of Awardees
The Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund supports local innovative climate projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact ...
Shelburne Forward Together – Report and Action Plan – December 2023
Through the Shelburne Forward Together process, Shelburne community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Barre Up Flood Recovery Report – October 2023
In the wake of the July 2023 flooding event, the newly formed Barre Up (Long-Term Flood Recovery Committee) and the ...
White River Valley Region Report and Action Plan – September 2023
The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Climate Economy Resilient Communities Program helps communities build and implement priority actions that ...
“Sharon Connects” Report and Action Plan – July 2023
The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s (VCRD) Climate Economy Resilient Communities Program helps communities build and implement priority actions that ...
2022 Annual Report
Read VCRD's 2022 Annual Report for an overview of our work in Community, Policy, Climate, and Leadership. Our work in ...
Northfield: Our Common Future – Report and Action Plan – July 2023
Through the Northfield: Our Common Future Community Visit process, Northfield community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster ...
Our Future Putney – Report and Action Plan – February 2023
Through the Our Future Putney Community Visit process, Putney community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local ...
Let’s Grow Concord – Report and Action Plan – October 2022
Through the Let's Grow Concord process, Concord community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Working Communities Challenge Initial Report – October 2022
This Initial Policy report provides an overview of the WCC program and keys to the initial success of 8 regional ...
Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund – 2021-22 Report of Awardees
The Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund supports innovative local projects for which a small grant could have a meaningful impact at ...
2022 Vermont Community Leadership Report
The Vermont Council on Rural Development welcomed 500 leaders from across the State to the August 10, 2022 Vermont Community ...
Brownington Connects – Report and Action Plan – August 2022
Through the Brownington Connects process, Brownington community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to ...
2021 Annual Report
Read VCRD's 2021 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2021, and what we're looking forward to ...
Highgate Reaching New Heights – Report and Action Plan – July 2022
Through the Highgate Reaching New Heights process, Highgate community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, ...
Milton on the Move – Report and Action Plan – March 2022
Through the Milton on the Move process, Milton community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, ...
Rochester Area Climate Initiative Report and Action Plan – February 2022
The greater Rochester area participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2021. CEMCP is community-driven process with ...
All In For Barre – Barre Report and Action Plan – December 2021
Through the All In For Barre process, Barre City community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local ...
Moving Forward Together – Bradford Report and Action Plan – October 2021
Through the Moving Forward Together process, Bradford community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
Mendon on the Move Report and Action Plan – June 2021
Through the Mendon on the Move process, community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect ...
2020 Annual Report
Read VCRD's 2020 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2020, and what we're looking forward to ...
2021 Summit on the Future of Vermont Report: Ideas For Action
On May 26 and 27 2021, the Vermont Council on Rural Development welcomed 700 participants from all backgrounds and corners ...
One Londonderry Community Visit Report and Action Plan – May 2021
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Londonderry. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Expand Affordable ...
Dorset Tomorrow Report and Action Plan – December 2020
Dorset participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2020. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, ...
Community Leadership In Action: A Vermont Guide to Community Engagement, Project Development, & Resources
In democracy, all citizens are called upon to lead. Where leaders step up, towns achieve great things. Motivated by a ...
2019 Annual Report
Read VCRD's 2019 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2019, and what we're looking forward to ...
RAMP Into the Future Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020
The Marshfield and Plainfield communities participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2019. CEMCP is community-driven process ...
Let’s Take Action: Rockingham Community Visit Report and Action Plan – March 2020
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Rockingham. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Build a ...
Wheelock’s Future Report and Action Plan – March 2020
Through the Wheelock's Future process, community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to resources ...
Poultney Comes Together – Update and Implementation Plan
In March 2019, over 200 Poultney residents came together to discuss the impacts on the town associated with the closing ...
Randolph Region Re-Energized Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2020
Randolph participated in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2018. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, ...
Westford’s Future Report and Action Plan – November 2019
Through the Westford's Future process, community members came together to identify and prioritize goals, foster local leadership, connect to resources ...
Greater Greensboro Report and Action Plan – November 2019
VCRD completed a 3-month Community Visit process in Greensboro where community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Build ...
Greater Middlebury Climate Economy Initiative Report – 2019
Middlebury was the second community to participate in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP). CEMCP is community-driven process with ...
2019 Vermont Community Leadership Summit Report
Over 500 leaders from towns throughout Vermont came together at the 2nd annual Community Leadership Summit to learn from each ...
Poultney Comes Together Report and Action Plan – August 2019
Over 200 residents came together to think about the impacts of the closing of Green Mountain College on their community ...
Our 4-Town Future Community Visit Report – July 2019
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in the 4-Town region of Royalton, Sharon, Strafford and Tunbridge. Community members identified ...
2018 Annual Report
Read VCRD's 2018 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2018, and what we're looking forward to ...
Montgomery Thrives Community Visit Report – January 2019
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Montgomery. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Improve Village ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
VCRD 2017 Annual Report
Read the 2017 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2017, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Catalysts of the Climate Economy Summit – 2017
Over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders attended the cc:econ Catalysts of the Climate Economy Summit - a 3-day national ...
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 ...
Empower Pownal Report – 2017
Pownal was the first community to participate in VCRD's Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP), named Empower Pownal. CEMCP is ...
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 ...
VCRD 2016 Annual Report
Read the 2016 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2016, and what we’re looking forward to ...
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 ...
Vernon Community Visit Report – 2016
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Vernon. Community members identified 3 priority areas and built task forces to ...
VCRD 2015 Annual Report
Read the 2015 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2015, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Hardwick Community Visit Report – 2016
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Hardwick. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Open a ...
2016 Climate Economy Summit Report
Over 420 participants came together on February 22, 2016 for VCRD’s 2nd Climate Economy Summit: IDEAS to ACTION. Participants reviewed ...
Progress for Vermont: Report and Action Plan of the VT Climate Change Economy Council
Progress for Vermont is the final report and action plan of the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council (VCCEC) which was ...
Craftsbury Community Visit Report – 2015
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Craftsbury. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Advance Craftsbury ...
Final Report of the NEK Collaborative “Ideas for the Future of the NEK” Forum Series
The “Ideas for the Future of the NEK” forum series was produced by the Vermont Council on Rural Development for ...
St. Johnsbury Community Visit Report – 2015
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in St. Johnsbury. Community members identified 5 priority areas for future action: Improve ...
Swanton Community Visit Report – 2015
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Swanton. Community members identified 5 priority areas for future action: Expand Outdoor ...
VCRD 2014 Annual Report
Read the VCRD 2014 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2014, and what we’re looking forward ...
Summit on Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change – 2015
The Summit on Creating Prosperity and Opportunity Confronting Climate Change brought together over 400 innovative business, non‐profit, and community leaders, ...
Cambridge Community Visit Report – 2014
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Cambridge. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Plan and ...
Vermont Digital Economy Project: Online Report
The Vermont Digital Economy Project was created by the Vermont Council on Rural Development to address vulnerabilities of Vermont business ...
Vermont’s Digital Stories – Final Report of VCRD’s Vermont Digital Economy Project
VCRD launched the Vermont Digital Economy Project to offer free support to speed flood recovery, spur economic development and job ...
Vergennes Community Visit Report – 2014
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Vergennes. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Improve Transportation ...
VCRD 2013 Annual Report
Read the 2013 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2013, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Guilford Community Visit Report – 2013
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Guilford. Community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Develop a ...
Vermont’s Forest Economy: Advancing Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Value-Added Forest Products
Produced by the Windham Foundation and facilitated by VCRD. On August 14 and 15, 2013, a few dozen leaders in ...
Final Report: NEK Today and Tomorrow: a Northeast Kingdom Summit Conference on Managing Change for the Best Future of the NEK – 2013
The NEK Today and Tomorrow Summit was designed by the Northeast Vermont Development Association and Vermont Council on Rural Development ...
Manchester Community Visit Report – 2013
We completed our 3-month Community Visit process in Manchester. Community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Develop a ...
Cabot Community Visit Report – 2012
During the Community Visit process in Cabot, community members identified 3 priority areas for future action: Develop a Cabot Agricultural ...
e-Vermont Final Report: Putting Broadband to Work for Vermont – 2012
In 2009, the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project, announced their Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA) grants ...
Research data shows improvements in student engagement through 1:1 computing initiative
Digital Wish's School Modernization Initiative (through VCRD's e-Vermont Community Broadband Program) put one-computer-per-child programs into 24 e-Vermont schools. Through the ...
Bennington Community Visit Report – 2012
During the Community Visit process in Bennington, community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Advance a Bennington Community ...
“Success for All Vermont Students” Governor Shumlin’s Workshop on Education ~ Report Available
The Governor’s Workshop on Education, held June 12 and 13 at the Grafton Inn, was designed for the Administration and ...
Vermont’s Digital Future Conference Report – 2012
The conversations convened in this conference followed topics that e-Vermont has heard discussed at community, state and national levels: Establishing ...
VCRD 2011 Annual Report
Read the 2011 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2011, and what we’re looking forward to ...
e-Vermont Year Two Update – March 2012
In the months since the mid-year annual report was published, e-Vermont continued its ambitious projects. This report outlines its accomplishments ...
e-Vermont Mid-Year Update – December 2011
In the months since the year-one annual report was published, e-Vermont continued its ambitious projects. This report outlines its accomplishments ...
Working Landscape Action Plan: Investing in our Farm and Forest Future – 2012
Investing in our Farm and Forest Future is the final report of the Vermont Working Landscape Partnership Council. It offers ...
Morristown Community Visit Report – 2011
During the Community Visit process in Morristown, community members identified 4 priority areas for future action: Develop a Morrisville Food ...
e-Vermont Year One Summary – June 2011
This report outlines the accomplishments of the first year of the e-Vermont project. Read the full report here (PDF) ...
VCRD 2010 Annual Report
VCRD 2010 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2010, and what we’re looking forward to in ...
Fairfield Community Visit Report – 2011
During the Community Visit process in Fairfield, community members identified three priority areas for future action: Advance Agricultural Development in ...
Key Findings of the Summit on the Future of Vermont’s Working Landscape – 2010
Participants at the Summit on the Future of Vermont’s Working Landscape shared their commitment to advancing the enterprise that serves ...
UVM Research Report: Strategies for Promoting Working Landscapes in North America and Europe
With the goal of assisting government, environmental, and planning leaders in their attempts to meet the ongoing challenges of promoting ...
Marlboro Community Visit Report – 2010
Through the Community Visit process, Marlboro began planning for a Marlboro Community Center Building to serve as a connecting point ...
Shoreham Community Visit Report – 2009
During the Community Visit process in Shoreham, community members began work to attract village economic development and to build a ...
Job Creation and Retention Platform – 2009
Vermont Economic Development Partners worked together to identify doable, cost-effective and measured ways to advance economic activity that will create ...
Values, Vision and Unification in Addison Northwest Supervisory Union – 2009
This report synthesizes the discussion from public forums in the Addison NW Supervisory Union on the Renewal of Public Education ...
Final Findings of the Council on the Future of Vermont: Imagining Vermont
Imagining Vermont: Values and Vision for the Future is the final report of the Council on the Future of Vermont ...
Summit on the Future of Vermont Report – 2009
The 2009 VCRD Summit on the Future of Vermont marked a watershed point. It served as the official “report out” ...
VCRD 2008 Annual Report
Read the 2008 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2008, and what we’re looking forward to ...
St. Michael’s Research Report: “Vermont in Transition” – 2008
The Council on the Future of Vermont and St. Michael's Center for Social Science Research are proud to release Vermont ...
Rural Development in Vermont: Community and Policy Findings – 2009
This compendium of findings highlights priority topic areas that have emerged through VCRD's body of work, and considers challenges identified ...
Advancing Creativity and Innovation in Rural America – 2008
In September 2008, VCRD hosted the annual conference of the National Rural Development Partnership / Partners in Rural America (PRA) ...
Creative Communities Reports – 2008
A final report for the Creative Communities Program was presented back to each of the 12 participating communities. These summarized ...
Killington Community Visit Report – 2008
Thanks to the Community Visit process, Killington built a system for positive Town/Mountain communications and problem-solving, and set a 4‐season ...
VCRD 2007 Annual Report
Read the 2007 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2007, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Derby Community Visit Report – 2007
Thanks to the Community Visit process, Derby began evaluating steps toward a town/village merger and solving water-sewer infrastructure issues. Read ...
Advancing Vermont’s Creative Economy Conference – 2007
VCRD chose the subject of the 2007 Conference based on the growing momentum in Vermont (and globally) to identify our ...
Moving Vermont Agriculture Forward – 2007
At the beginning of 2008, the VT Agency of Agriculture and John Merck Fund asked VCRD to manage a strategic ...
Strengthening Vermont’s Energy Economy – 2007
The Vermont Rural Energy Council (VREC) was developed by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) to provide a non-partisan ...
Richford Community Visit Report – 2007
We ran a second Community Visit process in Richford in 2007. Community members formed task forces on Job Creation and ...
VCRD 2006 Annual Report
Read the 2006 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2006, and what we’re looking forward to ...
Manchester Creative Community Report – 2007
The Manchester Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Middlebury Creative Community Report – 2007
The Middlebury Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Richmond Creative Community Report – 2007
The Richmond Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Plainfield Creative Community Report – 2006
The Plainfield Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Randolph Creative Community Report – 2007
The Randolph Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Bellows Falls Creative Community Report – 2007
The Bellows Falls Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority ...
St. Johnsbury Creative Community Report – 2006-07
The Johnsbury Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Hinesburg Community Visit Report – 2007
After the Community Visit process, the town voted for funds to contract for services to advance the initiatives recorded in ...
LOCAL POWER: Energy & Economic Development in Rural Vermont – 2006
VCRD chose the subject of the 2006 Summit process based on deep and widespread concerns in Vermont today about global ...
Pownal Community Visit Report – 2006
Through the Community Visit Process, Pownal established a Housing Task Force that built a mobile home tenants association and planned ...
Islands Creative Community Report – 2006
The Islands Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Hardwick Creative Community Report – 2006
The Hardwick Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Windsor Creative Community Report – 2006
The Windsor Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions, and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
Rutland Creative Community Report – 2006
The Rutland Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions, and lists resources for the following priority projects ...
St. Albans Creative Community Report – 2006
The St. Albans Creative Community Report summarizes the public meetings and brainstorming sessions, and lists specific resources for the following ...
Woodstock Community Visit Report – 2006
Through the Community Visit process, Woodstock set community priorities for a town/village merger, built an east-end development corporation, expanded conservation, ...
Strategies for Community Creative Economy Projects – Leaders’ Summit, 2006
On Friday, November 17th, 2006, the Creative Communities Program coordinated with Bellows Falls’ creative economy organizers Richard Ewald and Robert ...
Vermont By Design – 2006
Based on the inputs and the knowledge and experience of Council members, the Vermont Rural Energy Council crafted a set ...
Chelsea Community Visit Report – 2005
Through the Community Visit process, Chelsea gained a Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development Planning Grant to staff Community ...
Bristol Community Visit Report – 2004
Through the Community Visit Process, Bristol inventoried potential space for a small industrial park, set key attributes of businesses to ...
The Structure of Planning – 2004
On August 11, 2004, we held a Summit on Planning designed to evaluate the challenges before the planning system in ...
Johnson Community Visit Report – 2004
Through the Community Visit process, Johnson leveraged significant federal funds to replace three bridges, build a water system, and implement ...
Enosburg Community Visit Report – 2003
Through the Community Visit process, Enosburg instituted a community‐wide literacy campaign and mentorship program, set up a Restorative Justice Board, ...
Advancing Vermont’s Creative Economy – 2004
The creative economy is critical to the future competitiveness of Vermont in the global marketplace. Vermont's heritage, arts and culture ...
Vermont Agriculture Viability Council Final Report – 2003
In November 2001, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) established the Vermont Agriculture Viability Council (VAVC). VCRD’s goal was ...
Poultney Community Visit Report – 2002
Through the Community Visit process, Poultney built new youth activities and mentorships, expanded collaborations with Green Mountain College, designed new ...
Vermont Forest Products Council Blueprint for Action – 2002
This Blueprint for Action is the result of two years of study by the Vermont Forest Products Council (VFPC) on ...
Rural Economic Development – 2002
The 2002 Governor’s Summit on Rural Economic Development held at Basin Harbor on June 11th and 12th was particularly timely ...
Troy, Westfield, and Jay Community Visit Report – 2002
Through the Community Visit process, the towns of Troy, Westfield, and Jay built walking trails and events celebrating downtown Troy, ...
Northfield Community Visit Report – 2001
Through the Community Visit process, Northfield redeveloped the old town school into a community center and set agreements for water/wastewater ...
Housing Workplan Development – 2001
The 2001 Governor's Rural Summit on Housing focused on developing plans to respond to a single area of critical and ...
Wilmington Community Visit Report – 2001
Through the Community Visit process, Wilmington built a Vision for the town's future economic development and also built a senior ...
Bradford Community Visit Report – 1999-2000
Through the Community Visit process in Bradford, Village revitalization was boosted with library repairs, the development of Boch park, and ...
Water/Wastewater Infrastructure, Youth Issues, Downtown Development – 1999
On October 14, 1999, over 40 federal, state, and other rural leaders met for VCRD's 4th Annual Rural Development Summit ...
Middletown Springs Community Visit Report – 1999
Through the Community Visit process, Middletown Springs built sections of the town plan and set up the Middletown Springs Conservation ...
Rockingham Community Visit Report – 1998
Through this community visit process, Rockingham accomplished its goals of creating more downtown housing, working towards a downtown revitalization, and ...
Richford Community Visit Report – 1997
Through this community visit process, Richford merged the village & town; built affordable housing, as well as river paths, and ...