Vermont Department of Economic Development. June 2025 Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM INTERIM COMMISSIONER LONG
I’m exited to share that Governor Scott has officially signed S.127, a bill that our Department was engaged on throughout this legislative session to bring the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) to life. After a decade of this concept being discussed under the golden dome, smaller municipalities will now have the opportunity to leverage Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to grow their grand lists and meet community needs.
While the final version includes some legislative compromises, CHIP preserves its core promise, empowering communities to grow their grand lists by building the infrastructure that makes new housing feasible. This tool will empower municipalities to finance critical public infrastructure such as water, sewer, and roads. These are the foundational investments that make housing development possible but are often too expensive for local governments to fund on their own.
Our Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) team, which has decades of experience overseeing TIF, is already working to stand up CHIP, with a launch targeted for January 2026. In the meantime, we want to express our appreciation to the broad stakeholder support for CHIP in the State House this year. The diverse testimony from builders, municipal leaders, housing advocates, and the nearly unanimous support of legislators, helped turn this long-standing idea into reality.
As summer gets underway, our team looks forward to joining you at groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and site visits across Vermont to celebrate the exciting progress made as a result of the Department’s investments through COVID and flood recovery programs, Northern Border Regional Commission awards, and brownfield remediation funding.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, questions, or ways we can support your businesses, organizations, or municipalities
Sincerely,
Brett Long
Interim Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Orange County Childcare Expansion
Woodlands Campus Child Center under construction.
The Woodlands Campus Child Center in Randolph is set to become Vermont’s largest childcare center. The project officially broke ground this week and once complete, the new center will serve 88 children and significantly expand access to childcare in Orange County. The project funding sources include $1 million from the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program and a total of $1.8 million of Northern Border Regional Commission awards.
Workforce Housing Opening in St. Johnsbury
Ribbon cutting ceremony at 560 Railroad St. [Credit: Northern Forest Center]
The Northern Forest Center celebrated the grand opening of nine new long-term rental apartments at 560 Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury that will help address workforce housing shortages in the region. The historic building’s redevelopment supports middle-income housing and also includes two commercial spaces, contributing to local revitalization efforts. The project was made possible in part by a $1 million Northern Border Regional Commission Forest Economy Award, and $244,800 from the Brownfields Revitalization Fund for site remediation.
Startup Office Hours at Hula
One-on-one support and insight into Vermont’s startup ecosystem is now available at Hula. Nick Grimley, DED's Director of Entrepreneurship and Tech Commercialization, is hosting weekly office hours at the co-working campus every Tuesday. Whether you're navigating funding, scaling your business, or simply looking for a sounding board, Nick is there to help. Contact Nick to get started.
Transitions at VTP and STEP
Nathan Davidson, Economic Development Specialist
After nearly a decade leading the Vermont Training Program (VTP), John Young will be retiring on this month (congratualtions, John!), with Randall Szott set to take over as the new Program Director. Randall will continue the good work of partnering with employers to prepare Vermonters for the jobs of tomorrow.
Additionally, Nathan Davidson’s role has expanded to include overseeing the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) which provides international trade assistance to businesses.
Curious to learn more about their work? Feel free to reach out!
OPPORTUNITIES
VCRD’s 6th Community Leadership Summit
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has announced its 2025 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Communities in Action! The event will take place on Monday, August 11th at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont. Join hundreds of community builders from across the state to gain skills and cultivate connections for a vibrant future.
Exhibit at the VermontBiz2Biz EXPO
This October 9 event at the DoubleTree Conference Center in South Burlington. is a unique opportunity to promote your business, connect with customers, and engage with fellow leaders from across the state. Reserve a booth and be part of Vermont’s premier business networking event. For more information, visit vermontbiz2bizexpo.com or contact Ellen Sheehey.
Small Business Education
The Vermont Small Business Law Center is offering three free educational presentations this summer in partnership with the Vermont Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative program. Topics include business structures (6/18), contracts (7/2), and financing (7/22). Register here.
OUR PROGRAMS
Brownfields Revitalization Fund (BRF)
International Trade Assistance (STEP)
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI)
Vermont Training Program (VTP)
Vermont Department of Economic Development
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001
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