February debrief
February 10, 2025
$1 Million Investment in Burlington’s Housing Trust Fund
In a step forward toward housing equity, the Council approved to ask CEDO, the Mayor’s office, and the Tax Fairness Working Group to pursue additional revenue streams, that do not increase property taxes. The Progressive Caucus helped write this resolution in hopes to allocate $1 million to the Housing Trust Fund. This investment will directly support the creation and preservation of permanently affordable housing in Burlington, a crucial step toward addressing the city’s housing crisis. This initiative moves us toward better recognizing housing as a human right.
Champlain College Zoning Amendment
A motion was passed to allow Champlain College to convert a vacant office building into residential units. This is an adaptive reuse of an existing space for housing, and we hope these units remain affordable and accessible to students.
February 18, 2025
Authorization of the UVM Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The Council authorized the Mayor to sign an updated MOU with the University of Vermont (UVM). While the agreement could enhance collaboration between the city and the university, the Progressive Caucus stresses the importance of holding UVM accountable for its impact on local housing, labor practices, and community relations. Any partnership must prioritize Burlington residents' needs, especially around affordable housing and livable wages for campus workers.
Support for South End Development Predevelopment Agreement
The Council reaffirmed support for the South End Development project. While this economic development is essential, the Progressive Caucus calls for making sure we are thoughtful about infrastructure upgrades and that this project emphasizes sustainability, including following through on the stated car-lite commitment.
Grant Agreement with Queen City Police Foundation
Approval was granted for a grant agreement supporting the installation of fencing at 1 North Avenue, a police facility.
Blue Ribbon Police Commission Delayed
Once again, we were presented with a flawed and premature safety resolution by the Democrats without any prior notice or attempt to collaborate. They did not present it to the Public Safety Committee, the council’s committee of jurisdiction, and the action was not to refer it there for added deliberations either.
Interim Chief Burke has an array of experience and relationships that will be instrumental in improving community safety in Burlington. We believe that we must all, the Council and the public, allow the Interim Chief the time to reconnect with BPD staff, evaluate needs and challenges, and sequence system improvements before he and the BPD can effectively engage with policing resolutions proposed by the Council. The Council should, therefore, pause policing resolutions until after the Interim Chief takes his post and has a reasonable time to report on this evaluation to the Council
