Vermont’s communities face tough challenges responding to and recovering from COVID-19, and the State’s flexible Municipal Planning Grants are ready to support projects for long-term recovery. Now is a great time to consider proposals that boost resilience in your community. Municipal Planning Grants have helped communities just like yours implement town plan recommendations and jump start initiatives like zoning updates to welcome new homes, plans for a state designated area, or economic recovery strategies. A quarter of the funding has been approved to date, and a total of approximately $450,000 will be awarded to municipalities to promote planning, revitalization, and development activities if the legislature level funds.
Towns may apply for up to $22,000 and joint applications from several municipalities (a consortium) may apply for up to $35,000. A wide range of municipal planning and implementation activities are eligible for funding. Strong grant applications demonstrate a clear need and community partnership. I encourage you to reach out to stakeholders now and discuss local needs, opportunities and strategies for change.
Please review the Program Description for eligibility requirements and use the new Application Guide and the criteria for successful applications. Even the smallest Vermont towns can write a winning application and open doors to new opportunities.
Application Schedule for the 2021 Grants:
- Online application (GEARS) opens for use: August 1, 2020
- Training webinar: August 19, 2020 (Register here)
- RPC confirmation of municipal planning process (for eligibility): September 30, 2020
- Application Deadline: October 1 @ 6:00 p.m., 2020
- Award Decisions: Early December 2020
We look forward to helping you develop creative solutions to improve your community. If you have any questions about the Municipal Planning Grants or wish to talk through project ideas, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer.Lavoie@vermont.gov, or 802-828-1948.