January 12, 2023

Rep. Sibilia called the meeting to order at 8:00am

Reminders/Overview of the day:

·       The Rural Caucus is an open space for discussion and is meant to be a non-partisan group

·       VCRD is a neutral organization that provides staffing support for these meetings (in terms of agenda and minutes, etc.) but is not involved in drafting legislation.

Omnibus Bill Process Review:

·       Individuals have until the end of the day 1/12 to submit ideas

·       Everything will then be compiled and shared with the Rural Caucus

·       At the next caucus meeting on 1/19 people can pitch their ideas (1 minute each)

·       Members will vote on their top 5 priorities after the meeting on 1/19. The total number of elements included in an omnibus bill will reflect a natural cut-off points in votes – last year, there were about 10 items that got large numbers of votes.  

·       Leadership will pull together the elements voted on by members into the full Omnibus Bill

Kendall Smith, Governor’s Office & Doug Farnham, AOA

·       Adjustments in the budget adjustment proposal include more funds for rural communities

·       There is a strong focus for projects to support water/sewer, housing, economic recovery, etc. with a focus on infrastructure in these spaces. Strong desire to revitalize rural communities.

·       Budget adjustment has $3 million in General Fund dollars that have more flexibility to address local capacity needs for a variety of challenges (community engagement, project management, grant application + administration, etc.)

·       Administration has been conducting “road shows” in different counties to provide additional outreach on available funding programs/sources.

·       Logistics/Structure:

o   These funds are to help communities move projects from start to finish

o   Eligibility will be based on underserved community index

o   Intended to identify communities that are less likely to have necessary resources

o   Will be looking at size, capabilities, and demographics of the community

o   Will work closely with statewide partners (RDC’s, RPC’s, VLCT, etc.)

o   There is an RFP to set up retainer relationships with professionals (RPCs could also be eligible) in each county to provide better access to these resources and remove barriers – towns would not be working directly with AOA

o   Water/sewer and housing projects will be top priorities

·       Adds administrative capacity to towns to identify and advance projects.

·       Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to share with Rural Caucus leadership who will get direct answers for members.

Representative Sims have a high-level overview of two current bills requesting feedback by EOD Friday. These are first draft bills that will be refined by feedback and the legislative process.

Bill #1 is H818 on Rural Capacity

·       Caucus leadership has been working on this together to provide improvements and encompass best thinking together. Expecting lobbyists, partners to be interested in this bill and asks members to listen to feedback + share their own feedback on the bills.

·       Includes short-term strategies to help communities move projects forward but also recognizes the need for longer term strategies as well.

·       Representative Sims reviewed each Section of the bill (the bill has been sent to all Rural Caucus members)

Housing Bill:

·       Tremendous housing challenges across Vermont – need to be addressing this issue in every single community

·       Some communities need capacity building, regulatory barriers, and this bill addresses some of these key areas

·       Still open and requesting feedback on this bill

·       Representative Sims reviewed each Section of the bill with main areas including:

o   Adding more new rental units and funding sources to bring back rental units through VT Rental Housing Program

o   Amending missing homeownership pilot – loans and grants to build new homes for homeownership. More one-time funding and more criteria around equitable access

o   Creating new middle-income housing and offering low interest loans through a revolving loan program

o   Amending municipal bylaw products to help communities modernize these bylaws to respond to housing areas

o   Additional funds for communities that don’t have local zoning bylaws

o   Establishing a Housing Resource Navigator at RPC’s

o   Establishing rural housing zones

o   Removing 5-5-10 Rule

·       Currently waiting on more edits to this bill; members encouraged to share feedback by EOD Friday.

Monique will be sending instructions to provide feedback on both bills as well as instructions/process reminder for Omnibus Bills. Everyone will receive a document with all ideas submitted for the Omnibus Bill.

Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) Statement from Rural Caucus

·       Provides a high-level acknowledgement around rural capacity

·       Statement to thank Governor with a focus on looking forward to support rural communities

·       The statement will be shared with members with a hope to send out later today or tomorrow

Prior to the pandemic, Rural Caucus used to have a 2-day trip with members. If anyone is interested in helping bring this back, reach out to Representative Sibilia.

Meeting concluded at 8:48am