Vermont Business Magazine Winooski Mayor Kristine Lott announced today that she will step down as mayor on September 15. She is the first woman to serve as mayor. She was elected in 2019 when she was 33. Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner will fill the post until elections on Town Meeting Day next March. She did not offer a reason for resigning. This will leave the City Council with four members. Lott's term was set to expire in March 2027. Winooski has a city manager form of government. The council is a policy-setting board and the appointed city manager implements policies with the rest of the appointed staff. The mayor is the chair of council and the manager runs the government.
Letter from Mayor Lott
Dear Winooski,
It is with a mix of deep gratitude and thoughtful consideration that I share my decision to resign as Mayor of Winooski, effective September 15, 2025. This was not an easy decision – the seven years I have served my neighbors has been the honor of a lifetime. I am embarking on a significant and joyous new chapter, as I expect my first child and navigate a career transition. While I’ll always care deeply about public service and what comes next for this incredible community I call home, it is the right decision to focus my priorities and energy on family, career, and personal life.
You’ll be in great hands as Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner will serve as interim Mayor until someone is elected during the 2026 Town Meeting Day election to fulfill the remaining year of my term. Deputy Mayor Renner is an exceptional public servant and is well prepared to shepherd a successful transition while bringing his voice and identity to a key leadership position.
Since I first took office in 2019, we’ve achieved so much together and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on our Strategic Vision. Here are a few highlights that stand out:
- Economic Vitality: Through careful financial management and strategic planning, we successfully closed out the 20-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) debt and have maintained a strong financial position for the city, allowing us to invest in essential services while keeping tax increases in line with annual inflation. We’ve also strengthened our partnership with Downtown Winooski, which has led to significant improvements in providing public events and support programs for our business community.
- Municipal Infrastructure: Our investments in this area continue to allow us to catch up on capital projects, allowing for much-needed street, sidewalk, and water system improvements. The Myers Memorial pool was successfully rebuilt and expanded, the Main Street Revitalization project is progressing on time and within budget, the Sugar House Hotel and garage project will complete our downtown revitalization plan, and the Burlington-Winooski Bridge project will secure a long-lasting critical connection. Future improvements are on their way through efforts like the ADA Transition Plan, the Walk-Bike Plan, the Traffic Calming Policy, and our Parks and Open Space Plan.
- Housing: Over the last five years, due to our zoning regulation updates, Winooski has had the highest per capita housing production in Chittenden County, adding hundreds of new housing units. Reduced parking requirements, incentives for affordable and family-friendly housing, regulation of the short-term rental market, and prioritizing long-term rental and affordable ownership opportunities continue to address the state-wide housing crisis.
- Safe, Healthy, Connected People: We have fostered a more inclusive community through a continued focus on communications, outreach, and community engagement. We hired a City Manager who cares deeply about this and leads with this lens in mind, and a Police Chief who carries on our culture of community policing. Community Services Department programs and Public Safety training have been expanded to meet community needs.
Mayor of Winooski Kristine Lott, with EastRise CEO John Dwyer and Treasurer Mike Pieciak, at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the 115-room Sugar House Hotel in June. East Rise photo.
There's so much more to do - planning in Winooski is guided by the Strategic Vision and Master Plan, which evolves to address ongoing and new community needs, and aims to bring more voices to the decision-making table. While I won't be at the helm, we have exceptionally talented and dedicated city staff and elected officials, countless engaged residents, businesses, and community volunteers who will continue to make progress on our goals together.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Winooski's success during my tenure. It has been an immense privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I will forever cherish the experiences and relationships forged therein. I look forward to watching Winooski continue to flourish and grow from a new perspective, as a proud resident and advocate for our wonderful community, and look forward to future opportunities to re-engage and continue giving back.
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for Winooski's bright future,
Sincerely,
Mayor Kristine Lott