City celebrates momentum, investments and a strong summer season
Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, June 22, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak held a press conference outside Homeport on Church Street to highlight the growing momentum across Burlington and declare what many residents, visitors, and business owners are already experiencing: Burlington is back.
“Over the last several months, I've heard it from residents, business owners, and visitors alike,” said Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. “There is a growing sense that Burlington is turning a corner. The energy is back. Confidence is returning. This city is moving forward.”
She highlighted progress across multiple areas of city life, including downtown vitality, community safety, housing development, infrastructure investments, and community programming.
The mayor pointed to the successful launch of Downtown Jazz as an example of Burlington’s resurgence, drawing thousands of people downtown and generating strong business activity throughout the city center.
Throughout the summer, Burlington will host a robust lineup of events that celebrate the city’s arts, culture, waterfront, and public spaces. These events support local businesses, attract visitors, and create opportunities for residents to gather and connect.
“People are feeling the energy downtown again,” the mayor said. “That energy matters – not just for our businesses, but for our sense of community.”
The mayor also highlighted continued progress in community safety under the leadership of Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke and the Burlington Police Department.
The city continues to recruit officers and advance its search for a permanent police chief in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. At the same time, Burlington is investing in a broader community health and safety strategy that combines policing with outreach, prevention, behavioral health services, and community partnerships.
“Community safety requires more than policing alone,” the mayor said. “Our approach recognizes that lasting progress comes from addressing challenges from multiple angles, and we are beginning to see meaningful results.”
Burlington's Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) continues to advance housing initiatives throughout the city, including the South End’s S.E.C.O.R.D. project.
The mayor also praised City staff and community partners for maintaining Burlington’s parks, beaches, and waterfront, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy some of the city’s most treasured public spaces throughout the summer.
“Our parks and waterfront are among Burlington’s greatest assets,” the mayor said. “Their condition reflects the hard work and dedication of City employees and volunteers who care deeply about this community.”
The mayor reflected on two recent milestones involving Burlington High School students: celebrating graduation at the new Burlington High School campus and marking the closing of the Macy’s location downtown.
While acknowledging the significance of the Macy’s closure, the mayor expressed hope that the future of the site will meet community needs and support a vibrant and active downtown.
“These moments capture something important about where Burlington is right now,” the mayor said. “We are investing in our future, embracing new possibilities, and creating opportunities for the next generation while building a city that remains unmistakenly Burlington.”
The mayor also highlighted the impact of major infrastructure projects that are beginning to transform the city.
The Great Streets Main Street Project and the Champlain Parkway represent generational investments designed to improve mobility, support housing growth, strengthen downtown, and enhance Burlington’s long-term sustainability.
“For years we talked about what these projects would mean for Burlington,” the mayor said. “Now we are beginning to see the benefits.”
The mayor also recognized the resilience of downtown businesses that navigated years of construction and disruption, including Bar Renée, which opened during the height of the Main Street reconstruction project.
“Opening a new business under any circumstances is a leap of faith,” the mayor said. “Opening one during a major construction project takes extraordinary commitment and belief in the future. As Main Street emerges renewed, we look forward to the next chapter of downtown – one in which businesses like Bar Renée will help lead the way, bringing energy, community, and new life to the area.”
Speakers at the event included Homeport co-owner and Church Street Marketplace Commissioner Mark Bouchett; Church Street Marketplace Executive Director Sam McGinnis; Burlington City Arts Director Doreen Kraft; Waterfront Division Director and Harbormaster Erin Moreau; Police Chief Shawn Burke; Fire Chief Michael Curtin; Director of Permitting and Inspections Bill Ward; and Director of Public Works Chapin Spencer.
The speakers highlighted progress in economic development, arts and culture, public safety, permitting activity, public infrastructure, and community engagement.
“Taken together, all of these efforts tell a larger story,” the mayor said in closing. “A city investing in itself. A downtown regaining its energy. A community addressing challenges while continuing to move forward. A city with momentum.”
“Burlington’s best days have never come from standing still. They have come from people working together, believing in this city, and building toward a better future. That is exactly what is happening today.”
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