Summer of 2023 reveals Vermont’s resilience
Vermont’s summer of 2023 will be remembered for its rain and resilience. It has been two months since the state felt the effects of historic amounts of rain, flooding and devastation.
As we shift from emergency responses to long-term solutions, the state’s priorities couldn’t be clearer. Looking down the road, thoughtful considerations around housing, climate resiliency and workforce development will bring stability to rural communities.
For decades, there has been a focus on developing communities with additional housing in downtown locations. However, many of Vermont’s downtowns are located within floodplains where we can expect future flooding. During the past session, the Legislature laid the groundwork for increasing Vermont’s affordable housing stock for working families while also updating land-use policies. We need vibrant, livable and walkable communities that extend from downtowns to increase resilience, especially in rural areas. In the coming years, we may face challenges and pressure points as we walk the fine line of encouraging development while discouraging sprawl.
Vermont has consistently struggled to retain young people and attract people into technical fields. There is critical need for more trained, skilled workers in every sector. Developing and improving incentives and workforce training pipelines for essential workers continues to be vital. I look forward to coming together with local business owners at the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation’s annual luncheon to discuss next steps to a clear path of sustained growth and economic development in Lamoille County.
Climate change is already apparent in Vermont, and the effects continue to grow. Much of Vermont’s most critical infrastructure was recently put to the test. As bridges became impassable and roads washed out, many communities became cut off from one another and important resources. While much has been repaired with locally available resources, others will require substantial investments from local, state and federal dollars. We need to continue to invest in the environment for the generations to come while prioritizing crucial weatherization changes today.
Many Vermonters wouldn’t be in a safe place now without the incredible support from their neighbors. Thank you to the many community members, emergency responders, municipal officials, volunteers and organizations who rose to the occasion and continue to do so. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently announced that they will be extending the deadline by a month for people to apply for individual aid.
If you have applied and already heard back from FEMA, community members have 60 days to make an appeal. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
