Former Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle addresses the gathering at the launch of Building Burlington’s Future Tuesday at Echo. Courtesy photo.
To Improve Community Safety, Affordability, and Grow the Local Economy
Vermont Business Magazine Today, Burlington-area organizers launched Building Burlington’s Future (BBF), a new city-wide grassroots organization aimed at improving community health and safety, affordability, and housing, and supporting the local economy. BBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that will focus on policy change and grassroots advocacy at the city level. The organization is made up of former city leaders, local employers, advocates, and activists.
At a launch-day event held at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in downtown Burlington, BBF organizers outlined the organization’s vision to build a healthier, safer, and more inclusive city. BBF’s new executive director, Sam Donnelly, a long-time city activist, spoke about the importance and urgency of working beyond political divides to give residents the tools and resources they need to make their voice heard and have an impact across the city.
“We love and believe in Burlington and we want it to be a place where, no matter what side of the city you live on and no matter how long you’ve lived here, you feel safe, can afford to live, work, and play, and where local businesses can thrive,” said Donnelly. “My hope and ultimate goal is that Building Burlington’s Future can be a unifying grassroots force that our city desperately needs right now – so we can build a community where everyone has opportunities for long-term success.”
BBF will initially focus on four primary policy areas: Community wellbeing, community safety, supporting small businesses and growing the local economy, and improving access to more affordable housing. In his remarks, Donnelly shared that BBF will also work to improve the city’s public perception and will be a champion for Burlington as an inclusive, diverse, and open city. In addition to these key initiatives, BBF will focus on creating accessible ways for all Burlington-area community members to advocate and have an impact at the city level, including more streamlined ways for constituents to communicate their thoughts with their elected representatives.
Today’s launch event was attended by nearly 100 community members and local employers and featured former Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle, Tanya Benosky, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, Steve Conant, owner of the Soda Plant, and Michele Asch, chief people officer at Twincraft Skincare.
At today’s event, former Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle spoke about the importance of community organizing and action: “I'm convinced that BBF has the potential and promise of making life better for all of us. I'm impressed with the mission and vision of BBF. Reminded of advice I've given others around the world-"Being a good citizen and building a strong community is not a spectator sport. Community building and bringing about positive change requires engagement, hard work, and an inclusive strategy. Let's do it! Let's do it together! Let's do it in a way that leaves no one behind!”
Throughout the event, community members stated the importance of working together to address the city’s most pressing issues. “BBF is about uniting people with different strengths around a common goal: making Burlington not just safer and more livable — but one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family,” said Steve Conant, owner of the Soda Plant.
Burlington area residents can take action and get involved with BBF here.
About Building Burlington’s Future
Building Burlington’s Future (BBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to build an affordable, safe, and vibrant Burlington through effective policy development and community action. BBF is made up of former city leaders, local employers, advocates, and activists. The organization's goal is to give residents the tools and resources they need to make their voice heard and have an impact across the city.
6.24.2025. (Burlington, VT) – Building Burlington’s Future (BBF)
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