december debrief
2025 TMD General Obligation Bond (Dec. 9)
This $20 million bond proposal seeks to fund essential projects over the FY26–FY28 period, addressing deferred maintenance, vehicle replacements, and improving sidewalks and streets. The projects aim to enhance public safety, accessibility, and city infrastructure while tackling affordability concerns. This proposal was advanced and if approved by voters, will help Burlington maintain safety, and accessibility.
Councilor Bergman: Raised the need for better asset tracking and questioned the inclusion of the Winooski River Bike Bridge, reflecting constituent concerns.
Councilor Neubieser: Expressed support for transparency and granularity around the spending of taxpayer funds.
Councilor Kane: Expressed support for the traffic calming projects in the queue. He asked if the City is budgeting adequately to meet its goal of replacing three miles of sidewalk per year.
Councilor Grant: Advocated for progressive taxation to fund critical investments without burdening lower-income residents. “The Council needs to focus on more progressive property tax structures, given these large items that need funding and will impact residents.”
Environmental and Infrastructure Investments (Dec. 9)
Burlington Electric Department (BED) secured $4.89 million in federal funding to expand electric vehicle infrastructure, aligning with the city’s climate goals. Wastewater plant upgrades address infrastructure needs to ensure water quality. This project positions Burlington to reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate action goals.
Councilor Bergman: Spoke about the importance of benchmarking, and that these adjustments for UVM will allow for the most accurate information in data collection efforts. He said that these amendments will allow the process to move forward.
Apartheid-Free Community Pledge Debate (Dec. 16)
A citizen petition to include an advisory question on the March ballot reignited discussions about democracy, global justice, and local governance. The pledge calls for Burlington to oppose apartheid practices and aligns with the city’s history of addressing global human rights issues. This discussion highlighted the importance of direct democracy and civic engagement.
Councilor Broderick: Defended the democratic process. “When it comes to citizen petitions, the Council should be listening to and giving power to the members of the public. Disagreeing with putting this on the ballot entails silencing the thousands in the community who have now twice tried to place this item on the ballot.”
Councilor Grant: “Like so many other issues, this issue will not go away unless properly addressed. I support a procedural vote on this issue, citing the hard work conducted by thousands of people to petition.”
Tax Fairness and Affordability Initiatives (Dec. 16)
Rising housing costs and property taxes threaten Burlington’s affordability for residents. The creation of a tax fairness working group aims to develop equitable taxation policies to ease these burdens, including income sensitivity.
Councilor Neubieser: Highlighted the working group’s significance. “I want the public to appreciate that there won’t be the opportunity to do this in the future, especially leveraging such high federal and state funding.”
Healthcare Access and Affordability (Dec. 16)
UVM Health Network announced significant service reductions, including closing rural dialysis clinics and cutting inpatient beds, which jeopardizes access to essential healthcare. Calling for state-level intervention can be used to implement fair pricing standards and protect essential healthcare services for all residents.
Councilor Kane: Criticized these cuts and emphasized the need for fair pricing policies. “These cuts will impact access, care, and quality of life for Burlington residents. He said that these are backward steps and underscore the need for the state delegation to adopt standard and fair pricing guidelines, in the form of reference-based pricing.”
Public Safety: Regional and Local Strategies (Dec. 16)
Burlington faces retail theft, gun violence, and challenges in police recruitment. Collaborative efforts with neighboring municipalities and state agencies are critical to tackling these issues comprehensively. Efforts have included new community forums and the city has secured $30,000 in private funding to boost downtown safety.
Councilor Grant noted that there will be a Public Safety Committee meeting on Dec. 19 at 5:30 will focus on a possible public safety hub.
The Winooski Bridge Project (Dec. 16)
The Winooski Bridge Project, aimed at replacing the aging U.S. Route 2/7 bridge over the Winooski River and improving the nearby intersection, was approved by the Burlington City Council with conditions to enhance safety, accessibility, and alignment with community goals. Refinements include a widened shared-use path, improved bike and pedestrian connectivity, traffic calming measures, and design flexibility for potential left turns from Mill Street. Despite concerns about public engagement quality and the project's alignment with climate goals, Councilors emphasized the rare opportunity to leverage federal and state funding, covering most of the $70–80 million bridge and $7–9 million intersection costs. The Council approved the motion 8-2, enabling further design and construction planning.
Councilor Bergman: “There is a way to improve this project and do it in a way that makes it part of a re-envisioned transportation system.”
Councilor Broderick expressed concerns with moving forward with this amended motion, especially given the concerns around safety with the left turn out of Mill Street.
Councilor Neubieser expressed appreciation for staff for continuing to push and advocate for the local community through the design phase of this project. He then, wants the public to appreciate that there won’t be the opportunity to do this in the future, especially leveraging such high federal and state funding.
