Citizen Portal News Vermont

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2 months ago

State prosecutors tell Senate Appropriations panel accountability‑court pilot cleared about 60% of backlog and seek BAA support The Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs told the Senate Appropriations Committee that a Chittenden County accountability‑court pilot opened in October has cleared about 530 of roughly 890 dockets for people with five or more pending dockets; the department requested modest budget adjustments to cover overtime, transport and administrative support and warned filling vacancies could push the office into a deficit.

A groundbreaking accountability-court pilot in Chittenden County has cleared 60% of its backlog, but can it sustain momentum without additional funding?

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#VT #BudgetTransparency #AccountabilityCourt #CriminalJusticeReform #ChittendenCounty #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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2 months ago

Officials tell committee Chittenden County priority docket cleared cases but needs funding to be sustainable Witnesses described a Chittenden County priority docket pilot that concentrated court and service resources to resolve multiple backlogged dockets and connect defendants to treatment; speakers said the model produced results but depends on ongoing funding for connectors and public‑defense capacity.

A groundbreaking pilot in Chittenden County is clearing backlogged court cases and connecting defendants to vital services, but can its success survive without continued funding?

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#VT #CommunitySupport #ChittendenCounty #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform #SustainableFunding

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 months ago

Residents press CCRPC on wetlands, truck routes and village‑center boundaries during ECOS pre‑application review Public commenters urged the board and CCRPC to reconsider pace and site choices for development, citing wetland and wildlife impacts, truck‑route statutory concerns and local walkability issues; CCRPC said comments are on the public portal and will inform forthcoming revisions.

Residents are raising urgent concerns about the rapid pace of development in Chittenden County, questioning the impact on wetlands, wildlife, and local traffic.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #UrbanPlanning #CommunityInput

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4 months ago

Chittenden County RPC presents ECOS draft plan, lays out housing targets and future land‑use map to Act 250 review board The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission told the Act 250 Land Use Review Board that its draft ECOS regional plan aims to concentrate growth in designated centers, assigns municipal housing targets (middle target ~31,000 units countywide by 2050) and maps new village/downtown centers; board members pressed staff on infrastructure, historic resources and mapping methodology.

Chittenden County's draft ECOS regional plan sets ambitious housing targets and reshapes future land use—find out how this could transform your community!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #ChittendenCountyHousing

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 months ago

CCRPC approves municipal plan review guidelines and regional project priority list The board approved revised municipal plan review guidelines (used by the Planning Advisory Committee) and a ranked regional project priority list to be forwarded to GBIC and state agencies for funding consideration.

The CCRPC board just approved crucial updates to municipal plan review guidelines and a ranked project priority list that could change the funding landscape for Chittenden County!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #FundingPriority #RegionalPlanning #MunicipalGovernance

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 months ago

CCRPC reports modest Q1 surplus and flags federal funding and transportation-match risks CCRPC staff reported a roughly $8,400 net surplus for FY26 first quarter, noted healthy cash and reserves growth since 2021, and warned that federal and state transportation funding uncertainty could affect future quarters.

CCRPC kicks off FY26 with a promising $8,400 surplus, but looming federal funding uncertainties could impact future quarters!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #ChittendenCountyFinance #TransportationFunding #FederalSupport

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4 months ago

After debate over conflict-of-interest language, CCRPC board adopts revised bylaws The board adopted revised CCRPC bylaws after months of work and a substantive discussion about conflict-of-interest language and MPO weighted voting; the board approved technical corrections, clarified committee language, and struck a sentence about 'prejudgment' and ex parte communications.

After 18 months of deliberation, the CCRPC board has adopted new bylaws that redefine conflict-of-interest language and ensure fair voting practices.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #ConflictOfInterest #GovernanceReform #CommunityEngagement #ChittendenCountyPlanning

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 months ago

Board frames legislative breakfast agenda around housing, wastewater, and implementation of Act 181 and Act 250 concerns Board members recommended topics for a Dec. 10 legislative breakfast—housing and regional mapping under Act 181, wastewater permitting and CHIP financing concerns, transportation funding, and the need to connect municipal planning to state investments.

Critical discussions on housing, wastewater, and state-level planning are set to shape the future of Chittenden County—what's on the agenda for the upcoming legislative breakfast?

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #LocalPlanning #WastewaterApprovals #HousingNEeds

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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4 months ago

Chittenden Solid Waste District board acknowledges FY2027 draft budget; staff say no municipal assessment planned The CSWD board acknowledged receipt of a draft FY2027 budget to be refined through the finance committee and public hearing. Staff said the draft assumes 4% inflation, a 10% rise in health-insurance costs and no municipal assessment; tip fees and commodity-price declines are key risks.

The Chittenden Solid Waste District's new draft budget for FY2027 is set to reshape financial planning, featuring no municipal assessments and rising operational fees amidst fluctuating market conditions.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #ChittendenCountyBudget

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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5 months ago

CCRPC reports FY25 surplus; board approves 4% municipal dues increase for 2027 The commission reviewed FY25 year-end financial results showing a $95,220 net income and about $1 million in cash, and approved a 4% increase in municipal dues for FY27 tied to the Employment Cost Index.

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission just reported a fiscal surplus of $95,220 and approved a 4% increase in municipal dues for 2027—what does this mean for local funding?

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #FiscalTransparency #TransportationRevenue

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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5 months ago

RPC readies talking points, topics for December legislative breakfast; members urge 'pep talk' for delegation The board reviewed a shortlist of topics for the December legislative breakfast and members urged staff to prepare fact-based talking points highlighting Chittenden County's economic contributions to aid legislators' advocacy.

Chittenden County's legislative breakfast is gearing up to highlight crucial economic priorities—will our legislators be ready to advocate for us?

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CommunityPriorities #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAdvocacy #EconomicContributions

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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5 months ago

Board forwards draft 2026 ECOS regional plan to land use review board, sets Jan. 21 public hearing The commission voted to submit the draft 2026 ECOS regional plan for 60-day pre-application review and warned a first public hearing for Jan. 21, 2026; staff will address committee comments and prepare an executive summary.

Chittenden County is taking a big step forward with the draft 2026 ECOS regional plan, which could reshape housing, transportation, and environmental policies—mark your calendars for the public hearing on January 21, 2026!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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5 months ago

Commission approves Route 15 paving amendment and adopts FY26–29 Transportation Improvement Program At its Oct. 15 meeting the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission approved a minor TIP amendment to add funds for Route 15 paving and adopted the FY26–29 TIP; the board also certified the planning process for the TIP.

Chittenden County is gearing up for smoother roads as the planning commission approves crucial funding for Route 15 paving and outlines ambitious projects for the next four years!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #TransportationImprovement #CommunityPlanning

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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6 months ago

Jackie Murphy Leads Commission Meeting While Bard Hill is Away Commissioning unit introduces new members and establishes meeting agreements for inclusivity.

Jackie Murphy took the reins in a pivotal meeting, unveiling exciting new projects aimed at transforming Chittenden County's infrastructure and inviting community voices to shape the future.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #TransportationInitiatives

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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6 months ago

Transportation Planning Department Updates Traffic Data Programs and Municipal Assists Chris Dubin and Sai Sarampali detail transportation planning efforts in Vermont municipalities.

Chittenden County is revolutionizing its transportation systems with innovative infrastructure projects and data-driven planning that promise to enhance community connectivity and safety.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #TransportationPlanning #CommunityEngagement

Chuck Fay

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6 months ago

Burlington musician Kevin Bloom launches early bid for Chittenden County sheriff - VTDigger “I think community interaction is a huge component that they're just not doing right now,” Bloom said. “The sheriff's department could be such a resource for the community.”

Super psyched/proud, my good buddy @deadshakers.bsky.social is running for Chittenden County sheriff!
LFG!!

#local #localpol #localpolitics #leadership #vermont #chittendencounty #getoutthereandfight #runforoffice #homelessness #housing #justice

vtdigger.org/2025/09/23/b...

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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8 months ago

Essex Select Board Considers Resolution for Waste District Road Maintenance Costs Essex Select Board explores equitable funding for waste district road maintenance and agreements.

Equity in waste management is sparking heated discussions in Chittenden County as board members question fairness and financial responsibilities that could impact residents' costs.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #EquityInResources

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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8 months ago

Commissioner Praises New Board Member John's Fresh Perspective on CSWD Issues Commissioner appreciates John's insights on the board's ongoing challenges and progress.

A fresh perspective from new board member John is sparking innovation in Chittenden County's waste management, promising exciting changes ahead!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #ChittendenCountyWasteManagement #InnovationInWaste

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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8 months ago

Vermont facility explores solutions to compostable bag contamination issues Officials discuss measures to address contamination from non-certified compostable products.

Chittenden County is tackling the growing problem of compostable bag contamination, revealing shocking truths about what's really compostable!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #CompostingEducation #EnvironmentalAwareness #WasteManagement

WCAX-TV

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9 months ago

No arrests in South Burlington shooting that injured 1 So far, police have not made any arrests following a shooting in South Burlington that left one person hospitalized.

So far, police have not made any arrests following a shooting on Saturday in South Burlington that left one person hospitalized.

Story below ⬇️ #ChittendenCounty #Vermont #WCAX

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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9 months ago

Fire Marshal reviews innovative heat sensing system for new recycling facility Fire Marshal evaluates new heat sensing technology for fire safety at recycling center.

Chittenden Solid Waste District is revolutionizing fire safety with cutting-edge heat sensing technology to tackle the hidden risks of lithium-ion batteries in recycling!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #FireSafety #TechnologyInnovation #RecyclingSustainability

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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9 months ago

Council addresses agenda corrections for May minutes in Essex Junction meeting Council reviews and corrects May minutes during Essex Junction meeting discussions.

During a recent meeting, Chittenden County officials uncovered critical inaccuracies in minutes that could impact community trust and governance.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust #CivicAccountability #TransparencyInGovernance

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

CSWD Board approves five-year contract extension for Sarah CSWD Board granted Sarah a five-year contract extension, expressing mutual appreciation.

The CSWD board has officially approved a five-year contract extension, marking a pivotal moment for waste management in Chittenden County and showcasing their unwavering commitment to community collaboration.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityEfforts

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

Charlotte explores plastic film recycling options at community drop-off centers Commissioners discuss improving plastic film collection and recycling efforts in Charlotte.

Chittenden County is on the brink of a recycling revolution as community members push for better management of plastic films—could this lead to a profitable new venture?

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #RecyclingInitiatives #EnvironmentalSustainability #WasteManagement

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

Survey reveals 97% prioritize waste reduction despite challenges in Burlington area Most respondents cite packaging and plastics as key obstacles to reducing waste.

A recent survey reveals that an astounding 97% of Chittenden County residents prioritize waste reduction, yet they face significant hurdles like challenging packaging and low awareness of recycling options.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityEducation

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

Chittenden County solid waste survey reveals strong public support for recycling initiatives Survey shows positive feedback for CSWD, with limited skepticism on recycling effectiveness.

Chittenden County's recent waste management survey reveals strong community support for recycling, but also uncovers skepticism that could shape future initiatives.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #ChittendenCountyWasteManagement #CommunityEngagement #RecyclingEducation

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

RPC representative discusses housing challenges for first-time buyers and people of color RPC housing representative highlights difficulties faced by working families seeking homeownership support.

Chittenden County's latest meeting revealed stark challenges for first-time homebuyers, especially within marginalized communities, as advocates push for equitable housing solutions.

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #HousingAccessibility #EquitableSolutions

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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10 months ago

Winooski Human Rights Commission plans community outreach to boost awareness Human Rights Commission promotes initiatives through direct community engagement and educational brochures.

Chittenden County is taking a bold step to bridge the awareness gap about human rights—find out how community engagement is set to transform local initiatives!

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#ChittendenCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #ChittendenCountyHumanRights #PublicAwareness #CommunityEngagement

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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11 months ago

Vermont Health Departments plan service expansion for incapacitated individuals in Chittenden County Health and Mental Health Departments to report on service expansion by February 2026

Vermont's Health and Mental Health Departments are gearing up for a major service expansion for incapacitated individuals by 2026—what changes can we expect?

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#VT #ChittendenCounty #ServiceExpansion #MentalHealth #CitizenPortal #HealthCare

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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11 months ago

Vermont committee prioritizes Chittenden County for substance abuse program funding Committee shifts funding priorities to address Chittenden County's urgent substance abuse issues.

Vermont's House Judiciary Committee is taking urgent action to prioritize funding for Chittenden County's critical substance abuse issues, but will it be enough to turn the tide?

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#VT #ChittendenCounty #PublicInebriation #SubstanceAbuse #CitizenPortal #EmergencyServices