2007 SMART GROWTH AWARDS CELEBRATION AND SUNSET CRUISE IS FILLING UP!

Don't delay! Space on the sunset cruise and awards presentation is quickly filling up, so now is the time to make your reservation. The September 13th celebration begins at 5:30 pm with an Evening Reception at Burlington's Main Street Landing and ends with our awards presentation aboard a Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain.

The awards recognize Vermont projects and plans that create opportunities for housing, business and economic development in a way that preserves our unique landscape.

At the celebration, we will also present our 2nd Annual Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership. This prestigious award honors an individual whose leadership has brought about a positive and lasting change in the way their community integrates growth with conservation. Widely considered the father of Act 250 and the prime force behind the state's billboard law, Arthur Gibb was Chair of the Environmental Board and a state senator from Addison County. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 97.

The cost is $25 to attend the Evening Reception only, or $50 to attend the Evening Reception and awards presentation aboard the Sunset Cruise. Last year's cruise sold out in one week, so make your reservations today!

To make your reservation, please send payment with your contact information (phone number or e-mail) to: Vermont Forum on Sprawl, 110 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401, or call us at (802) 864-6310. Click here for more information.

MUNICIPAL PLANNING GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE SEPTEMBER 27TH

Does your community need help with planning efforts, such as drafting a new municipal plan? You may be eligible to apply for a state Municipal Planning Grant.

The Municipal Planning Grant Program was created in 1998 to support Vermont communities in their municipal planning efforts. This includes activities such as preparing municipal plans, drafting and updating local bylaws, encouraging citizen participation and education, and other local planning initiatives. Municipalities may apply for up to $15,000 for single applications or up to $25,000 for multi-town, consortia applications. Grants are available to municipalities that have been confirmed by their regional planning commission pursuant to 24 VSA §4350 (including the requirement that an adopted plan be formally approved by the regional planning commission).

This year's applications are due September 27th. You can find program information and application materials byclicking here.

DEADLINE FOR NEW GROWTH CENTER PLANNING GRANTS IS AUGUST 31, 2007

The Vermont State Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) is offering a new grant program this year for communities that are interested in applying for Growth Center designation. This grant will provide financial assistance to a community that is already in the process of growth center planning with the intention of applying for designation. If a community is eligible, this grant will provide them with up to $40,000, with a requirement from the community for a 10% fund match. Applications must be postmarked by AUGUST 31, 2007. For more information, contact Wendy Tudor at DHCA at (802) 828-5249.

LOCAL FIRST VERMONT SHOWS ITS INDEPENDENTS

The week of July 1st - 7th was celebrated by Local First Vermont as the first "Independents Week," honoring Vermont businesses and consumers who choose to buy local. The governor issued a proclamation that underlined the importance of local businesses for the Vermont economy. Janice Shade, Executive Director for Local First Vermont, said that the events around the state received amazing coverage from local papers and television stations. "We've really struck a chord with folks," Shade said. "The 'Think Local First' message is being warmly received, and the more we keep it up, the more likely we are to change Vermonters' buying habits." For more information about Independents Week and Local First Vermont, click here.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
Randolph

Randolph, Vermont is a bustling community nestled at the junction of Route 12 and Route 66. Home of the historic Kimball Library and famous Chandler Music Hall, Randolph has emerged from devastating downtown fires in the 1990's with a vibrant town center. Boasting a National Historic District in its village center, a Vermont State Designated Downtown, and participation in the National Main Street Program, Randolph continues to evolve as a great Vermont community.

During a recent conversation, Julie Iffland, Executive Director of the Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), highlighted some of the exciting projects that are in progress. Recently, Randolph was selected as a pilot site through the Vermont Council on Rural Development to be a Creative Communities Program. This will allow for local residents to evaluate the assets in their community to help plan for economic growth. Currently, Randolph is primed for economic growth. While the local co-op recently closed its doors, local residents have responded by opening a farmstand, and seeking out new possibilities for a co-op or alternative local food venue.

Randolph is also working to provide a variety of housing options for their residents. The Salisbury Square project converts a brownfield site into housing and greenspace adjacent to the Designated Downtown. According to Iffland, "The goal is to provide affordable home ownership in the town center, and expand the housing stock in the area. This will allow Randolph residents to live and work within walking distance of all that the town has to offer."

Finally, Randolph is celebrating and promoting its natural environment. RACDC and their partners are working to preserve and protect the floodplain forest area, home to a wealth of natural assets, by holding a new spring festival and offering tours and talks on this ecosystem.

Randolph's vibrant downtown is a great place to visit this summer. Visit the Chamber of Commerce to see what's happening this week!

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The Vermont Smart Growth E-News includes articles on local downtowns and villages, and how they help people buy, work and play locally. If you have stories of the great things happening in your community, contact us !

VERMONT NEWS

Renewable Energy Vermont Conference
October 17, 2007
South Burlington, Vermont

Renewable Energy Vermont's 6th Annual Conference will feature workshops on energy policy and alternative energy options. Click here for more information.

Community Matters Conference
Growth and Character: Having it All
October 23-25, 2007
Burlington, VT

The 2007 Community Matters Conference, hosted by the Orton Family Foundation and PlaceMatters, will include panels on planning successes and challenges, as well as re-development and sustainable building techniques. For more information, or to register, click here.

NATIONAL NEWS

New Website Measures Walkability

One of the key elements of Smart Growth is how easily people can walk from one place to another. A recently launched website can help calculate a walk "score" which determines neighborhood walkability. As more people begin to look into alternate forms of transportation, walking and biking become more attractive options. This website helps individuals determine how where they work, live, and socialize can tie together in a walkable way. Find out how walkable your location is, as well as how far you'd walk to the closest grocery store or business. Click here to let your fingers do the walking.

GrowSmart Maine Summit
October 19, 2007
Augusta, Maine

GrowSmart Maine will host their annual conference that will include sessions on topics such as green building, place-based tourism, and alternative energy. To learn more or register, click here.