East Central Vermont conducting strategic economic development planning process

The Two Rivers‐Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) (on behalf of the Consortium for a Sustainable East Central Vermont) received a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant in 2011. Outcomes include, among other things, an economic development and resilience plan. The plan’s development will be guided by members of the 40‐town East Central Vermont region.
TRORC, along with Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC) and all consortium members, will build capacity in our communities and strengthen connections within the region by tying the various segments and assets together into a unified, comprehensive strategic economic plan.
TRORC will organize and participate in an intensive, locally‐driven strategic planning process. Community leaders will be guided through a series of six planning sessions, about a 14‐hour process, resulting in a comprehensive strategic plan for the region. This process will also guide community leaders as they implement strategies identified during these sessions. The planning sessions are scheduled for October.
‘This is an important opportunity for the 40 towns in East Central Vermont,’ said Bill Emmons, TRORC Board Chair. ‘This planning process will help us identify key economic opportunities and quality of life issues. We are excited about partnering with the Consortium for a Sustainable East Central Vermont on this crucial project.’
A steering committee comprised of a cross‐section of community, business and non‐profit leaders will participate in six key planning sessions. In addition, five public forum sessions also scheduled for October are designed for the entire community to provide ideas. These ‘Voice of the Community’ sessions will give members of the community a chance to help select priorities for economic development.
Kevin Geiger, TRORC Senior Planner, said, ‘This planning process supports local community planning efforts that tie together community development and economic development through the common focus on our quality of life. This will assist our greater East Central Vermont region in addressing challenges that are interrelated but are often not addressed comprehensively, including strong downtowns, greater access to jobs, improved education and health, reduced energy use, strategic investment in infrastructure and resource conservation.’
For more information about the strategic planning process and its meeting schedule, go to ecvermont.org or contact Loralee Morrow at 802‐457‐3188 or via email at [email protected].