The greater Rochester area participated in VCRD’s Climate Economy Model Community Program (CEMCP) in 2021. CEMCP is community-driven process with local leaders, VCRD, Green Mountain Power, and Efficiency Vermont to cultivate economic development, innovation, and affordability in the face of climate change. Over 80 residents participated in the “Rochester Area Climate Initiative” (RACI) process with support from 17 visiting resource team members. Read the RACI Report and Action Plan. Over 30 local volunteers joined task force groups that are working to:
- Establish an area food hub for farmers and gardeners
- Increase the availability of affordable housing
- Consider home, business, and municipal energy opportunities including electric vehicle charging, weatherization, solar siting, and energy retrofits for municipal buildings
As the task force groups move priorities to action they are supported on an ongoing basis with resources from federal, state, regional, local, non-profit, and business leaders who participated in the process.