MONTPELIER, VT - Montpelier residents will get a chance to help launch the City’s economic development planning process at a public meeting to be held at the Montpelier Senior Activities Center (MSAC) located at 58 Barre Street at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 2.
In support of City Council’s 2015-2016 Goal to “create a hospitable environment for economic development and grand list growth,” the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) will create an action plan for preserving and strengthening the vitality of the City’s economy. Using the City’s community character and quality of life as its foundation, the EDSP will assess the existing economic conditions in the City and involve local businesses and key stakeholders in the development of an action plan that sets clear priorities for staffing, investment and community activities to promote economic health and vitality in the City.
“The thrust of this work is to build strategic partnerships for economic development based on a shared vision of what economic development means for Montpelier,” said City Planning Director Michael Miller. “Our approach will involve intensive dialogue with stakeholders in the City’s economy about the issues and opportunities facing Montpelier.”
In September, the steering committee selected Fairweather Consulting of New Paltz, NY to support the strategic planning effort. The steering committee consists of City Manager William Fraser, Planning Director Michael Miller, Community Development Specialist Kevin Casey, City Council member Jean Olson, Assistant City Manager Jessie Baker, Timothy Beavin of Beavin & Sons Printing, Sam Andersen of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation, Andrew Brewer of Onion River Sports and Ashley Witzenberger of Montpelier Alive.
Montpelier Mayor John Hollar is encouraging business owners and residents to participate in the planning process. “The economic development strategic plan will provide a roadmap for our future development. The voices of residents, property owners, and local businesses will be critical to ensure that we develop a shared vision that will be embraced by the entire community.”
The meeting on November 2nd is intended to introduce the planning process to the public and begin a community-wide discussion on what is important for Montpelier’s economy. For further information, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 802-223-9506.
Contacts:
Michael Miller, Director of Planning & Community Development, 802-223-9506
Peter Fairweather, Fairweather Consulting, 845-255-0611 x1