FORUM SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2007 SMART GROWTH AWARDS

Has your community recently renovated buildings in your downtown? Do you know of a housing project built in the village center that makes it easy for people to walk or bike to work, shops and school? Nominate them for a Smart Growth Award! The awards recognize Vermont projects and plans that create opportunities for housing, business and economic development in a way that preserves our unique landscape. We will announce the winners at our 2007 Smart Growth Awards Celebration aboard a Lake Cruise in Burlington on Thursday September 13, 2007. Click here for nomination forms and more information.

SMART GROWTH SUMMIT FOCUSES ON HEALTH ISSUES

Program Director Brian Shupe gave a presentation on Putting Principles into Practice: Tips for Structuring Zoning Bylaws at a Smart Growth Summit held March 30th in Lyndon, Vermont.

The Summit was sponsored by the Northeastern Vermont Development Association - the regional planning commission serving the Northeast Kingdom, as well as the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Vermont Department of Health and the Fit and Healthy Coalition. The interest of public health organizations reflects a growing recognition that many health issues, including the rise in obesity, are related to the manner in which our communities grow. Smart growth promotes healthier lifestyles by reducing our time spent in cars and providing opportunities for walking and biking.

SENATE SUPPORTS INCREASE IN DOWNTOWN TAX CREDITS

The state budget passed by the Vermont Senate included a small but significant increase in the amount of tax credits available to owners of buildings in designated downtowns and village centers. The tax credits, which were increased from $1.5 million to $1.6 million, are available to help landowners upgrade building facades and make code improvements. The Forum worked in partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont to secure an increase of $500,000 to $1 million in the tax credit program. With a decision to cap the increase in all of the state's tax credit programs at $200,000, however, the allocation of half of that increase to the downtown program represents a strong vote of support for Vermont's downtowns.

STUDENTS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

On April 19th, students from the Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans presented models of smart growth towns as part of an assignment on growth and development. Using the Forum's research and Smart Growth Scorecard, students and their teacher, David Rider, imagined what life might look like in communities that are not dependent on the automobile. "By challenging students to explore how different development patterns affect the future of our communities, teachers are preparing them for the hard decisions they will have to make as community leaders," said Noelle MacKay, Executive Director of the Forum, who was asked to participate in the project presentations.

An educator in Pennsylvania will also be using the Forum's tools when teaching urbanism and planning to a class of eighth graders. By introducing the ideas of thoughtful planning, these students will be prepared to take on roles as decision makers in their community.

BUY LOCAL - SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS!

As cabin fever lifts, Vermonters once again linger outside their local country store, or on downtown sidewalks, to catch up on the latest news. Whether you need a new rake or farm-fresh eggs, now is a great time to visit the locally-owned stores in your community.

Buying local keeps your dollars local, and supports your neighbors' business. A recent study about local spending in Austin, Texas found that, for every $100 spent at a local store, $45 stayed in the community. Spending that same $100 at a chain store left only $13 in the community. The Vermont State Department of Agriculture indicates that if Vermonters purchased 10% of their food locally, an additional $100 million would stay in our state economy.

For information about buying local, contact Local First Vermont, a statewide non-profit dedicated to getting people to buy locally.

This summer, our e-newsletters will include articles on local downtowns and villages, and what they are doing to help people buy, work and play locally. If you have stories of the great things happening in your community, contact us!

VERMONT NEWS

Forum Seeks Office Manager/Development Assistant

The Forum seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to manage our office and assist with development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills, thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, working knowledge of small business or non-profit accounting software, and an interest in membership administration and grant management. Event planning experience a plus, along with a willingness to enhance development skills. Please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to The Vermont Forum on Sprawl, 110 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Deadline is June 1st. No phone calls, please.

Commuting? Share a Ride!

From May 7 - 11, do your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by biking walking, carpooling or taking the bus to work. The "Way To Go" week-long program encourages the use of cheaper, healthier and more earth-friendly transportation alternatives. Last year, "Way To Go" participants saved 74,000 lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions in just one week!

Morristown Speaker Series

The Town of Morristown, along with Vermont Smart Growth Collaborative members Vermont Forum on Sprawl and Preservation Trust of Vermont, is presenting a Speaker Series beginning this May. Topics will range from town revitalization to tourism and redevelopment. For more information, contact Heidi Krantz at 802.343.3108.

Annual Vermont Preservation Conference
May 16, 2007
Montpelier, VT

The Preservation Trust of Vermont will be hosting the annual Vermont Preservation Conference on May 16th in Montpelier. Additional information and registration will soon be available on the Preservation Trust of Vermontwebsite.

Transportation and Preservation Symposium
Friday, June 8, 2007

The University of Vermont (UVM) will host a one-day symposium titled: Transportation and Historic Preservation: The Road to Affordable Context Sensitive Solutions. Topics for discussion will include the design, economics, and community impact of transportation and historic preservation-related projects. For more information, or to register, click here.

NATIONAL NEWS

Pedal Power

Did you know that May is National Bike Month? The League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike to Work Week May 14-18. For more information on how you can pedal your way to better health, and support this great mode of alternate transportation, click here.

2007 BALLE International Conference
May 31-June 2, 2007
University of California, Berkeley

The 2007 BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) Conference will be held at the University of California, Berkeley. Topics will include entrepreneurship in the 21st century, and how to build a flourishing, sustainable local economy. For information, or to register, click here.