Vermont League of Cities & Towns If you know a local official or legislator who is exceptionally dedicated to local government, nominate that person by Friday, July 31 for one of VLCT’s 2026 awards.
Announcements & Updates
Apply to Serve on Our Legislative Policy Committee
Are you legislatively inclined? VLCT needs interested, engaged VLCT members to help identify the key issues, legislative actions, and opportunities ahead for municipal government by serving on the recently reshaped VLCT Legislative Policy Committee. Apply by June 30.
Get Set NOW for VDOL’s New Online Unemployment System!
The Vermont Department of Labor is launching its new online reporting platform. Here’s what you need to know.
Unemployment Insurance Modernization Updates
Make sure you are staying up to date on all things UI modernization! The filing window for Quarter 2 of 2026 will open on July 6.
- Keep an eye on the Vermont Department of Labor’s (VDOL's) webpage for information and resources: labor.vermont.gov/ui-modernization.
- If you haven’t yet done so, be sure to create a myVermont account. Every Vermont employer (including VLCT UI Trust members) will require a myVermont account to access the new UI system.
- Not sure how to get started? See the Vermont Department of Labor’s guide How to Sign Up for a myVermont Account.
After reading this announcement, VERB UI Trust members who have any questions about VDOL’s UI Modernization may contact Kelley Avery at [email protected] or 802-262-1965. All other VLCT members (those not in the UI Trust) may contact VDOL directly at 802-828-4344 or [email protected].
The Filing Window and Rate Notices
Please note: the Quarter 2 of 2026 filing window will open on July 6. Rate Notices – for taxable employers only – will be sent out the week of July 6, 2026.
Wage Reporting in the New System
In the modernized unemployment insurance system, only one file format will be accepted for quarterly wage reporting. This format was developed by the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies (ICESA) and is commonly referred to as the ICESA Format. Please review the ICESA format specifications and validations documents on the department’s website. IMPORTANT NOTE: The new system should be live effective with the Q2 reporting, so expect to file your Q2 wage reports in the new system!
New Hire Reporting
Employers must file all new hire reports electronically in the new Unemployment Insurance system within 10 calendar days of the first date of employment. The required information is:*
- Employer Name
- Employer Address
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Employee Name
- Employee Address
- Employee Social Security Number
- Date of Hire - First date services are performed for compensation
*Other than the need to submit reports electronically, all new hire reporting requirements in the new system will be the same as they were previously.
Amended Report Requirements
Amended reports will be required to be filed electronically in the new system. Filing amended reports by paper will incur a $100 penalty.
Heads Up for Cybersecurity Help from Ready Vermont
An email from [email protected] is legitimate and desirable! SLCGP stands for State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Look into how the Vermont Agency of Digital Services and Cogent Infotech, working together as Ready Vermont, are helping local governments reduce cyber risk. Learn about their June webinar series in the Partner Events section of this email.
Grants from the Rural Investment Project
Multi-town partnerships, collaboratives, and development hubs that are advancing projects that lead to economic transformation in a rural place can garner up to $40K for efforts that allow the grantors to support and learn from the partnership’s experience.
AOT Grants for Work Safety, Road Equipment, Improving Road Networks
The Vermont Agency of Transportation recently opened three competitive grant programs to assist municipalities with funding for essential supplies. Municipalities may apply for one or all three but can receive only one grant.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program
This program aims to deliver essential resources to equip and train emergency personnel to meet recognized standards.
Notable Resources
New! Legal Trails Overview Page with Resources for Regulation
This overview includes links to model ordinances for legal trails, a trails policy/maintenance agreement, and more.
What Counts as a Vermont Municipality? It Depends ...
How many municipalities are there in Vermont? The answer varies, depending on the definition of “municipality”. This article notes some of the quirks in Vermont statute.
Events Calendar
Now Virtual ONLY – Spring Planning and Zoning Forum
Wed 6/10, 9 AM – 12 PM
Join experts for updates on the 2026 legislative session, effective DRB/ZBA practices, and Municipal Planning Grants. Learn key zoning changes, hearing best practices, and funding opportunities that support local planning. Note: This event will be fully virtual.
Thu 6/11, 12 PM – 1 PM
Bring your lunch and your questions for a live, interactive Q&A with VLCT's attorneys.
Mon 6/15, 1 PM – 2 PM
Join Josh Hanford and Samantha Sheehan as they explain the results of the 2026 legislative session that involve local government.
Effective BCA Property Tax Assessment Appeal Hearings
Wed 6/17, 6 PM – 7:30 PM
This webinar focuses on the legal and practical requirements of BCA hearings, giving clear guidance on how to conduct fair, timely, well-managed hearings from start to finish.
Special Meeting of the VLCT Membership
Mon 6/22, 3 PM – 5 PM
All VLCT members are invited to a special meeting of members on Mon 6/22 at 3 PM to consider incorporating VLCT and amending the VLCT bylaws to allow VLCT to offer an association health plan (and make other miscellaneous changes).
Governing All with Skill: Third Roundtable
Tues 6/23, 10 AM – 11 AM
Join VLCT and Abundant Sun for the third session of our Governing All with Skill roundtable series, bringing participants and course designers together for deeper shared learning, peer exchange, and collaborative connection across Vermont.
2026 Local Officials Golf Outing
Fri 6/26, 8 AM – 3 PM
With a full slate of golfers, registration is now closed. To be added to the waiting list, email [email protected].
Partner Events
Practical Cybersecurity for Local Governments Webinar Series
This four-part webinar series – held from 12 PM to 1 PM on the first four Tuesdays in June – is designed specifically to provide municipalities with practical, understandable information about today’s cyber threat environment; steps that can help reduce risk; and ways local governments can strengthen resilience over time. Part 3 will be on Tue 6/16, Part 4 will be on Tue 6/23, and you only need to register once for the series. Recordings of all will be made available online. This series is from the Vermont State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), and the webinars are led by Shawn Nailor, former Chief Information Officer for the State of Vermont. We encourage VLCT members to take part in the conversation as SLCGP and Ready Vermont work to help Vermont communities better understand and address cybersecurity risk.
Rebuilding Culture When Trust Is Broken
Acrisure hosts this webinar on Thu 6/18 starting at 2 PM. When trust erodes and morale declines, leaders often need more than just slogans or surveys: employees may look for visible action, clear direction, and consistent leadership. This candid, practical session focuses on identifying potential sources of cultural strain, rebuilding credibility through dependable leadership behaviors, and strengthening alignment across managers. Free of charge, but registration is required.
Partner News
Hear About Wyoming's Small Cities
Small cities play a significant role in our country, with 40 percent of the U.S. population coming from cities of 50,000 or fewer people. The Executive Director of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities shares the unique strengths of small cities and towns in Wyoming and across the country.
Acrisure’s Latest Employer Compliance News
Find up-to-the-minute reminders concerning employee benefits such as health insurance.
Vermont Days = Free Entrance to Vermont State Parks & Historic Sites
The weekend of 6/13–14, make use of the State of Vermont’s offer to get outside, learn, recreate, fish, and more at many of Vermont’s beautiful sites and outdoor activities at no cost!
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