From: Josh Hanford, Director of Intergovernmental Relations; Samantha Sheehan, Municipal Policy and Advocacy Specialist
Date: January 17, 2025
RE: VLCT and Municipal Policy Priorities
We look forward to working in partnership with you in the coming biennium to help Vermont’s cities and towns meet the obligations and functions of today’s local government and take the action needed to solve the challenges of the 21st century. Every city and town in Vermont, including yours, is a member of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT), the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was founded in 1967 to serve and strengthen Vermont local government.
We ask that you join us in understanding the concerns and needs of selectboards, city councils, town managers, clerks, treasurers, planning commission members, police officers, fire fighters, road crews, and other municipal officials. Our 2025 Municipal Priorities reflect the most urgent concerns facing Vermont’s communities and the specific policy actions where we believe there is the greatest consensus among local officials, lawmakers, and our shared constituents. In addition to our ongoing advocacy work, VLCT provides direct assistance to local governments.
Our current services and programs include:
- Educational workshops and consulting for local officials so that they can provide excellent service to their residents, businesses, and visitors
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for municipalities
- A Municipal Assistance Center for low-cost professional services and confidential legal guidance from a team of experienced municipal law attorneys
- A new Municipal Operations Support team funded by a $1 million USDA Rural Development grant to assist with financial management, grant funding, ARPA, project development, and more
- The Vermont Municipal Data Project to collect information about municipal operations, finance, land use law, and compensation and benefits
- Help for state agencies and legislative working groups to collect feedback, expertise, public comment, and facts from municipal officials
Please contact us with any questions and look for our Weekly Legislative Reports in your email inbox during the session. We look forward to building a strong partnership in the coming biennium.