Montpelier Mayor John Hollar It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my intention not to seek re-election as mayor of Montpelier in March.
Montpelier is a healthy, thriving community with engaged residents, a vibrant downtown, great schools and a flourishing arts and music scene. It has been an honor to serve as mayor of America’s greatest small-town capital city.
We have made significant progress in the last six years in making Montpelier more affordable, vibrant, sustainable and economically healthy. We have invested in street upgrades, renewable energy, economic development, alternative transportation, housing and our downtown:
- We now spend nearly $1 million more per year on infrastructure than we did five years ago. This has dramatically improved the condition of our roads and sidewalks.
- Our Net Zero Montpelier goal has resulted in major changes in city policy that have dramatically reduced our carbon footprint. Montpelier’s greenhouse gas emissions are 56% lower than they were in 2011. The successful completion of the district heating plant has guaranteed a long-term source of renewable heat for our downtown businesses and offices.
- Through the enactment of the Downtown Improvement District, we created a sustainable source of funding that is used to market Montpelier and enhance the appearance of our downtown. We have strengthened the city’s relationship with Montpelier Alive. As a result, our downtown is more vibrant than it has been in years – a vibrancy that is regularly cited in national publications.
- Our alternative transportation fund – 5% of the city’s parking revenue – provides a stable source of funds to make Montpelier more bike- and pedestrian-friendly. The bicycle and pedestrian master plan that we adopted will ensure that these improvements continue in the years ahead.
- Thanks to voter approval of the local options tax, we are investing $100,000 per year in economic development through the Montpelier Development Corporation. These funds will help spur new job creation in Montpelier.
- We have dedicated enormous efforts and significant funding to promote new housing. This work has resulted in dozens of new housing units that are permitted and scheduled for construction next year. Our new zoning bylaws will almost certainly lead to more housing as well, while preserving the character of our historic neighborhoods.
- Two projects that have spent decades in planning – the bike path and the Taylor Street project – will enter construction next Spring. The Taylor St. project will bring new vitality to our community by adding a transit center, 35 housing units, a pedestrian bridge and new green space. The completion of the bike path at Taylor St. and north of Granite Street will result in a path that spans the length of Montpelier.
- Finally, we have made great strides in controlling the growth in city spending. Our property taxes have increased annually by about two percent over the last five years.
These accomplishments and many more are the result of dedicated staff, talented city councilors and a highly engaged community. I am confident that Montpelier will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Montpelier Mayor John Hollar
October 31, 2017