Resources
Vermont-based resources that are useful to planners and local governments.
VPA List Serv
The Vermont Planners Association offers our members an opportunity to communicate on-line via our own list serv. The VPA List Serv acts as a forum for planners to discuss issues, ideas and concerns related to the work that we do, as well as providing a location to post planning related announcements. Only VPA members can join or access the list serv.
For help with the list serv please email dpierce@nrpcvt.com
VPA Professional Development
The Vermont Planners Association offers assistance to those interested in becoming certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), as well as those working the maintain certification (CM). For more information, please see the NNECAPA AICP page here.
For additional assistance reach out to Ravi Venkataraman ravivenk@vt.edu or Jennifer Murray JMurray@townofmiddlebury.org, Professional Development Co-Chairs
VNRC Community Planning Toolbox
The Vermont National Resources Council (VNRC) offers a broad range of tools for planners that relate to natural resource protection, energy and sprawl.
http://vnrc.org/resources/community-planning-toolbox/
Vermont Planning Information Center
This site provides information for planning commissions, zoning boards, development review boards, zoning administrators, and their staff. VPIC was created through a Land Use Education and Training Collaborative working together to coordinate and improve the delivery of land use education and training for local land use officials in Vermont.
Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development
DHCD assists in guiding land use policy and development decisions to meet statutory goals (24 VSA section 4302). First among those is "to plan development so as to maintain the historic settlement pattern of compact village and urban centers separated by rural countryside."
DHCD's website provides information about statewide programs that address community and economic development including historic preservation and housing resources, as well as access to state planning grant and designation programs.
VT Center for Geographic Information
VCGI is a public non-profit organization dedicated to making available free digital geographic data (mapping data)and supporting all those who wish to learn more about GIS (geographic information systems - computer mapping technology). VCGI also offers an Interactive Map Viewer at our web site, provides introductory training each summer, and organizes professional development events for GIS professionals 3 times per year. Also see the history of GIS in Vermont.
Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Founded in 1967, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves Vermont's municipal officials. The League provides educational workshops and consulting advice for municipal officials so that they can deliver excellent service to their citizens; information for the public so that it can better understand local government; support for legislation that strengthens local government; comprehensive insurance coverage for municipalities; and a Municipal Assistance Center for consultation on a wide range of municipal issues.
Vermont Council on Rural Development
The Vermont Council on Rural Development helps Vermonters and Vermont communities develop their capacity to create a prosperous and sustainable future through coordination, collaboration, and the effective use of public and private resources.
Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies
The Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (VAPDA) is devoted to sound planning principles that will enhance the quality of life for Vermont residents. Through a combination of environmental and economic planning strategies, VAPDA fosters a community environment that provides for the needs of both residents and our natural surroundings, today and for generations to come. This site contains a comprehensive list of Vermont's Regional Planning Commissions.
Vermont Statutes On-Line: Land Use
V.S.A. Title 24, Vermont's law governing land use and land use regulation is available on the web.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/24/117
Vermont Secretary of State's Office
A good site for information and assistance in understanding the laws that apply to local governments. Contains "Vermont Municipal Guide to Land Use Regulations".
https://sos.vermont.gov/municipal-division/
Vermont Judiciary
Home page of the Vermont Judiciary provides information about Vermont's legal system including fees, appeals, etc.
https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/supreme-court
State of Vermont
The Official Web Site for the Vermont State Government will connect you with all branches of Vermont's government.
UVM Center for Rural Studies
The Center for Rural Studies (CRS) is a nonprofit, fee-for-service research organization that addresses social, economic, and resource-based problems of rural people and communities. Based in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont, the Center provides consulting, research, and program evaluation services in Vermont, the United States, and abroad. The Center also serves as the U.S. Census Bureau's Vermont State Data Center.
Vermont State Data Center
Hosted by the UVM Center for Rural Studies, the Vermont State Data Center provides easy access to census information as well as Vermont specific demographic information.
The UVM School of Natural Resources
The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources seeks to cultivate an appreciation and enhanced understanding of ecological and social processes and values aimed at maintaining the integrity of natural systems and achieving a sustainable human community in harmony with the natural environment.
Canadian Institute of Planners
Representing a membership of approximately 7,000 planning professionals across Canada, the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) has been dedicated to the advancement of responsible planning since 1919.
Planetizen
Planetizen is a public-interest information exchange provided by Urban Insight for the urban planning, design, and development community. It is a one-stop source for urban planning news, commentary, interviews, event coverage, book reviews, announcements, jobs, consultant listings, training, and more.