Vermont Business MagazineThe Chittenden County ECOS Partnership has released its2015 ECOS Annual Report. New this year, the Annual Report is an infographic that visually displays some of the most interesting trends and notable accomplishments from 2015 relating to people, place, and prosperity in Chittenden County.
[View the 2015 ECOS Annual Report]
The ECOS Annual Report summarizes progress toward the goals set in the 2013 Chittenden CountyECOS Plan, the combined Regional Plan, Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Chittenden County.
All data informing the Annual Report is found in theECOS Scorecard, an interactive online platform that promotes easy access to the indicators that measure how Chittenden County is doing. To access the online platform and track how Chittenden County is doing year to year on a wide variety of topic areas, and to access a complete list of accomplishments, visitecosproject.com.
“Monitoring our progress toward the goals set in the ECOS Plan on an annual basis allows municipalities, regional and state agencies, businesses, and non-profits to focus resources on the areas that most need additional attention,” said Andrew Montroll, Chair of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. “It’s an important step in building on successes and planning for a healthy, inclusive, and prosperous Chittenden County.”
Charlie Baker, Executive Director of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, identified two notable trends from the 2015 ECOS Annual Report:
- For the fourth year in a row, Chittenden County has met or exceeded its goal for 80% of new commercial and residential development occurring in areas planned for growth, with an average of 81% between 2010 and 2014. [Viewthe mapof these areas.]
- Vehicle miles traveled decreased by 0.4% in 2014, while the population increased by 2.4% between 2010 and 2014.
He noted that these two trends show Chittenden County is maintaining a sustainable development pattern that serves the demands of our growing region. Continuing these trends of urban infill development helps support transportation options and reduce the need to drive in our communities.
Following the adoption of the ECOS Plan in 2013, the ECOS Partnership formed to keep the focus on implementation. The Partnership includes the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Chittenden County, University of Vermont, University of Vermont Medical Center, GBIC, the City of Burlington, and the Vermont Department of Health. The Partners remain committed to working together to build upon collaborative successes and address areas of concern.
For more information, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager:[email protected]or(802) 846-4490x *21.