Statewide effort aims to create vibrant public places
A view of the Ottauquechee River from the East End Park in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Creating vibrant public places throughout Vermont is at the heart of a statewide economic development effort that officially launched this week.
This partnership, “Better Places”, gives residents the opportunity to use crowdfunding to develop strategic, locally led projects in their communities and be supported with a 2:1 matching grant from the state, according to a Thursday announcement.
“The Better Places program provides municipalities and nonprofits with funding for community-driven projects in our downtowns and village centers,” said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott in a statement. “These grants will help increase activity at local shops, restaurants, and other small businesses in all corners of Vermont.”
Teaming up for this effort are the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Community Foundation, and the company Patronicity.
The program provides one-on-one project coaching, fundraising support, and matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 to advance local projects that create and revitalize public spaces. Whether communities are dreaming for more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, colorful public art projects, community gardens, or cultural events, Better Places grants can help turn these ideas into reality, state officials said.
“At the heart of economic development is creating places where people want to be, spend time, belong, and thrive,” said Lindsay Kurrle, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. “From public art to pop-up parks to outdoor seating, we’re excited to support community-driven placemaking efforts that add vibrancy, social life, and pride to Vermont’s communities.”
In December of 2020, the Better Places pilot program began, and the state’s program partners invested $130,000 dollars into eight collaborative projects around the state. With the success of the pilot program, the Vermont Legislature allocated $1.5 million for the formal launch of this program.
“The Better Places pilot program was key to strengthening collaboration between the arts, community development leaders, Vermont-based funders, and local leaders, and has led to transformative investments in Vermont with wide-ranging benefits to our health, economy, and social connections,” said Dan Smith, CEO and president of the Vermont Community Foundation.
To review projects that were part of the pilot program click here.
For full details on the program including eligibility and application process, visit the program website.
A program launch webinar will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. Registration is required.
— Gareth Henderson
