Dear Friend,

When the Town of Thetford wanted advice on how to manage residential development in the countryside, they called Smart Growth Vermont. When the Burke planning commission was struggling with how to protect the community’s rural character as a company began plans to build 1,000 new units of housing near the Burke Mountain Resort, they called Smart Growth Vermont.

Each day, Vermonters request our help to plan for their communities’ future. They may want to protect farmland from scattered development or create incentives for future growth in their village center. No matter what their land use challenge is, they know we can help.

In 2007, we helped more than 30 communities, from Richmond to Reading, with the tools and assistance they need to plan how they will use and protect the land. To respond to the growing number of communities requesting our assistance, we need your support!

Please join our organization as a member or consider making a donation as a gift to a friend, colleague or family member. It’s a great way to show you care about protecting Vermont’s unique landscape and way of life.

Smart Growth Vermont to Conduct REALTORS Continuing Education Course

Smart Growth Vermont, in partnership with the Vermont Association of REALTORS^®, will offer our final smart growth continuing education course of the year on December 12^th. The accredited course, approved by the Vermont Real Estate Commission and the Vermont Board of Appraisers, educates real estate professionals about smart growth principles, and examines current market conditions and barriers to smart growth. The course will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you'd like to attend, please contact the Vermont Association of REALTORS^®.

Show Your Support for Vermont's Downtown Tax Credit Program

Please sign our letter asking State leaders to increase tax incentives that support the redevelopment of older and historic downtown properties. During the legislative session, Smart Growth Vermont and other stakeholders will encourage legislators to make these incentives more widely available to communities throughout Vermont. Please show your support by signing the letter now.

Be sure to check out the Upcoming Events page on our new website! You'll find information about conferences, lectures and presentations on a wide variety of topics. For example, the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Legislative Series, the first of which will be held Monday, January 7, from 7:30 to 9:30am in South Burlington. You can register at LCRCC's website.

Smart Growth in Action

As the holiday season approaches, most of us are anticipating scrumptious feasts followed by tantalizing desserts and, of course, the giving and receiving of presents. When you buy gifts for friends, family or colleagues, consider purchasing local and Vermont-made products this season.

As we become more aware of the economic benefits of buying local, and the amount of energy required to transport goods across the country or the world, buying Vermont products makes good sense. If you’re looking for menu items or holiday gifts, stop by one of the Holiday Farmer’s Markets. The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-VT) provides a list on their website of all the statewide Farmer’s Markets hours and dates of service. The Vermont Department of Agriculture's website has a list of winter farmer’s markets as well.

You can also visit your nearby country store, corner market or farm stand, where you’re likely to find many Vermont-made products, such as cheeses, maple syrup and handmade gift items. The Taftsville Country Store, in south-central Vermont, specializes in gourmet Vermont products which can also be purchased through their online catalog. Adams Farm Stand, in Williston, is open until Christmas Eve and they have a variety of produce, wreaths, trees, crafts and toys.

Vermont-made gifts range from homemade soaps and candles to children’s toys. Artisans throughout the state take special care to make quality products. Try these two online directories, vermontdirectories.com and madeinvermont.com, to find an array of gift ideas that will likely suit any taste or price range.

Or, instead of buying a Vermont-made product, consider making a contribution to your favorite Vermont non-profit organization on behalf of a loved one or a good friend. Contributing to a cause is a great way to spread holiday cheer and make a difference in our beautiful state. Season’s Greetings!

Newport Earns Downtown Designation Status

Newport has just become the 23^rd city in Vermont to receive Downtown Designation from the state. The recent designation makes state funds and financial incentives more accessible, enabling the city to strengthen its revitalization efforts. The state's Downtown Program is administered by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Read more about Newport's revitalization efforts.

Study Reveals America's Most Sedentary Cities

Memphis, New Orleans and Las Vegas are among the top 10 cities rated as sedentary, according to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control. The study indicates bad eating habits, a lack of exercise and laziness are all contributing to the increase in sedentary lifestyles. The study looked at body mass index (BMI) and habits like watching TV, for 50 of the largest cities in the US. Read more.

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E-News December 2007

Quick Links

A Message from our Staff & Board of Directors

Smart Growth Vermont to Conduct REALTORS Continuing Education Course

Show Your Support for Vermont's Downtown Tax Credit Program

Upcoming Events

Smart Growth in Action

Vermont News

Newport Earns Downtown Designation Status

National News

Study Reveals America's Most Sedentary Cities