Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has committed $2.32 million to expand the Working Communities Challenge and double the number of teams tackling tough local economic issues, from aging populations to low labor force participation.
The challenge was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to advance collaborative efforts to build healthy economies and communities in northern New England’s rural towns, regions, and smaller cities. The program’s expansion to eight teams in Vermont means that an additional 224,000 residents could potentially benefit from Working Communities Challenge efforts in the state.
“These teams have come up with thoughtful solutions to improve conditions that prevent their communities from flourishing economically,” said Boston Fed Executive Vice President and Community Affairs Officer Prabal Chakrabarti. “We are grateful that the state of Vermont recapitalized their commitment with additional investment for the on-the-ground, collaborative work that these teams have already moved forward.”
The four new grant recipient teams each have a specific focus and will work in designated regions statewide including:
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The Northwest Collaborative team, which includes Franklin and Grand Isle counties, will address regional housing challenges, helping retain and attract skilled workers to the area.
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The Northeast Kingdom team, which includes Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties, will create hubs for financial stability to reduce intergenerational poverty.
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The White River Valley team, which includes 14 communities surrounding Randolph and Royalton, will promote local housing initiatives to attract and retain young entrepreneurs.
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The Southern Vermont team, working with communities that make up most of Windham and Bennington counties, will establish initiatives to grow and retain a diverse workforce.
The newly funded teams were among eight applicants for four $300,000 grants that were awarded in 2020, when the Boston Fed launched the program. The teams that received grants then – from Winooski, Lamoille County, Greater Barre, and the Springfield Area – are building community-based programs and initiatives around issues including workforce development, labor force participation, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
As the statewide neutral facilitator engaged by the FRBB to work with all eight teams, the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) plays a key role in the Working Communities Challenge. Jessica Savage, VCRD’s Director of Community Collaboration, is the primary staff person supporting the Vermont teams.
“These teams have huge, complex goals ,” said Savage. “Each team is working hard to be as inclusive, collaborative and innovative as possible, so that they address not just one-off problems but the actual systems that need to change to meet community needs. It’s inspiring to witness the power in their approaches and I’m so proud to be there to support them when needed.”
Savage was hired by VCRD in October after working in a variety of leadership and coordinating roles for the State of Vermont. Through Savage’s role, VCRD provides technical assistance, facilitation services and coaching to the eight Vermont teams.
“VCRD is excited to be supporting an innovative effort to create more opportunities for local leaders and Vermont communities to build capacity and define a prosperous and sustainable future for themselves,” says VCRD Executive Director, Brian Lowe. “Jessica brings over 20 years of experience in the public sector to assist communities across Vermont to coordinate, collaborate, and secure new resources.”
To learn more about the Working Communities Challenge initiative and reach out to Jessica Savage directly if your work can play a role in supporting the eight Vermont teams.
Source: Montpelier, Vt - 2.28.2022. Vermont Council on Rural Development vtrural.org