Montpelier residents will get a chance to see the preliminary findings and recommendations of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) at a public meeting to be held at the City Council Chambers in City Hall at 39 Main Street at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 26. These preliminary findings and recommendations will also be presented to the City Council at their meeting on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 6:30 PM.
In support of City Council’s 2015-2016 goal to “Create a hospitable environment for housing development and grand list growth” the EDSP provides 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 Economic Development Strategic Plan has involved assessing the existing economic conditions in the City, reaching out to local businesses and other key stakeholders and preparation of an action plan that will set clear priorities for staffing, investment and other community activities promoting economic health and vitality in the City.
“Montpelier is in a strong position right now,” said Mayor John Hollar. “But there is increasing competition for business and jobs in Central Vermont and we are looking to the Economic Development Strategy to provide a guide to enable the City to compete successfully for new jobs, businesses and housing while identifying long-term possibilities for regional collaboration.”
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 Director 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 City Manager William Fraser hopes the draft strategy is reviewed by as many local residents and businesses as possible. “At the end of the day, we want an effective plan that can serve as a shared vision for continued prosperity for the entire community.”
The meeting on April 26 is intended to provide an overview of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for public comment. The draft plan will be presented to City Council at the April 27th meeting. For further information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (802) 262-6250 or check out the EDSP website: www.montpelierplan.com.
Contacts: Jessie Baker, Assistant City Manager, (802) 262-6250
Peter Fairweather, Fairweather Consulting, 845-255-0611 x1