VCDA Fall Conference 2026
Cutting the Strings:
Getting to Know the Flexible Funding Sources Beyond Grants
Wednesday, October 14th | 9:00am - 4:00pm | The Vergennes Opera House
Vermont communities are often asked to do more with less. Moving a good project forward means navigating a maze of grants, restrictions, applications, and timelines. While grant funding remains an important means for community development, it isn’t the only way to finance local priorities.
The VCDA Fall Conference will explore tools beyond traditional grant sources that can give communities greater flexibility, local control, and the ability to move projects forward on their own timelines. From municipal debt and local option taxes to other creative financing and revenue-generating strategies, attendees will learn how communities can build sustainable funding streams and make strategic investments in their future.
Learn how to advocate for local financing and build support among build support among elected officials, community members, and other decision-makers; explore how locally controlled sources can help communities respond to opportunities, accelerate project timelines, and reduce reliance on funding sources with lengthy application and compliance requirements; And discover how to use local investment to generate new revenue and create long-term value for your community
Join fellow community champions, municipal leaders, planners, and development partners for a day of ideas, practical strategies, and candid conversations about how Vermont communities can take greater control of their financial future.
The VCDA Fall Conference will explore tools beyond traditional grant sources that can give communities greater flexibility, local control, and the ability to move projects forward on their own timelines. From municipal debt and local option taxes to other creative financing and revenue-generating strategies, attendees will learn how communities can build sustainable funding streams and make strategic investments in their future.
Learn how to advocate for local financing and build support among build support among elected officials, community members, and other decision-makers; explore how locally controlled sources can help communities respond to opportunities, accelerate project timelines, and reduce reliance on funding sources with lengthy application and compliance requirements; And discover how to use local investment to generate new revenue and create long-term value for your community
Join fellow community champions, municipal leaders, planners, and development partners for a day of ideas, practical strategies, and candid conversations about how Vermont communities can take greater control of their financial future.
Location
We are holding this event at The Vergennes Opera House located at 120 Main Street, Vergennes, VT.
Attendees will have access to street parking and the space in the back of the Opera House by the ADA access ramp may
be used for drop off of guests with accessibility needs.
We are holding this event at The Vergennes Opera House located at 120 Main Street, Vergennes, VT.
Attendees will have access to street parking and the space in the back of the Opera House by the ADA access ramp may
be used for drop off of guests with accessibility needs.
Check back for more information coming soon!
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