Vermont Business Magazine On Town Meeting Day, Burlington voters approved investments in city services and workers, in strengthening equity and inclusion work, and support for police and firefighters.
Over two-thirds of voters (70%) approved the proposed $0.05 Police & Fire tax rate increase, and 57% of voters approved a charter change to formally establish the City’s Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Office in the City Charter.
“These results reflect years of hard work, careful policy development, and honest conversations with our community,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “We asked voters to partner with us in strengthening community safety and deepening our commitment to equity and inclusion – and they said yes.”
Advancing Community Safety Through Responsible Budgeting
The approved police and fire tax increase will fund negotiated salary and benefit agreements, support two new firefighter positions, and invest in six first responder vehicles. This investment is a core component of the City’s balanced budget solution and a key step toward closing the structural gap projected in FY27. The measure had bipartisan City Council support and was backed by three municipal unions – an outcome that reflects months of good-faith negotiations and coalition-building.
“This vote reflects Burlington’s shared commitment to taking care of the people who take care of us, while also being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad. “By investing in our dedicated public servants and maintaining a balanced, forward-looking budget, we are protecting essential services today and strengthening our city’s financial future for years to come.”
Years of Work on Equity, A Moment of Momentum
The REIB charter change positions the Office to expand its impact by ensuring its permanence, clarifying its mandate, and strengthening its ability to partner across departments and with community organizations. The Office works to advance equity and social justice in Burlington by developing and implementing racial equity strategies, advising City departments and leadership on inclusive policies and programs, increasing representation of historically underserved communities in decision-making, and creating accessible, inclusive opportunities for community engagement.
At a time when equity and inclusion efforts face challenges nationally and locally, Burlington voters chose to affirm the importance of this work. “This charter change builds critical momentum at a crucial moment,” said REIB Director Dr. Kelli Perkins. “Embedding REIB in our Charter signals that equity and inclusion are not temporary initiatives – they are core to how we govern and take care of the residents of our city.”
Building Trust, Delivering Results
Since taking office, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has made transparency, collaboration, and relationship-building defining features of her administration. These ballot measures reflect extensive groundwork that includes transparent budgeting, data-driven policy development, and consistent community outreach. The administration has prioritized building trust with voters – through clear communication about fiscal realities, collaborative negotiations with City Council and labor partners, and meaningful engagement with residents and stakeholders at NPA meetings and other community venues.
“These outcomes are the result of steady, thoughtful work,” the Mayor said. “We brought people to the table. We listened. We built coalitions. And together, we developed proposals that reflect Burlington’s values and our shared future.”
“Town Meeting Day is a powerful reminder of what local democracy can accomplish,” the Mayor added. “I am grateful to Burlington voters for their trust and partnership as we continue building a safer, more equitable, and more financially resilient city.”
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
