VCDA 2025 Winter Conference
Navigating Funding in the Post-Pandemic World
Wednesday, January 15th | 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM | St Albans City Hall
Over the last four years, new funding sources have emerged to support countless projects and communities around the state. In addition to those new funding sources, we have also seen complexities, like higher than expected costs and capacity constraints.
Come and learn about how communities are finding success and creative solutions to fund their projects. Hear from compliance and technical assistance experts on how to navigate requirements and unearth new ways and resources for you and your community to tap into.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow community champions, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the collective work of building a brighter future for Vermont.
Morning snacks & lunch will be provided. Coffee, tea and water will be available throughout the day.
Location
We are holding this event at the St Albans City Hall located at 100 N Main St, St Albans, Vermont.
Parking
Parking is available in the garage on Hampton Lane, payment for which is processed through ParkMobile. The cost is $2/hour or $8 for 10 hours.
Click here to arrange a carpool.
Email Christine at [email protected] to discuss any special accessibility needs.
Come and learn about how communities are finding success and creative solutions to fund their projects. Hear from compliance and technical assistance experts on how to navigate requirements and unearth new ways and resources for you and your community to tap into.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow community champions, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the collective work of building a brighter future for Vermont.
Morning snacks & lunch will be provided. Coffee, tea and water will be available throughout the day.
Location
We are holding this event at the St Albans City Hall located at 100 N Main St, St Albans, Vermont.
Parking
Parking is available in the garage on Hampton Lane, payment for which is processed through ParkMobile. The cost is $2/hour or $8 for 10 hours.
Click here to arrange a carpool.
Email Christine at [email protected] to discuss any special accessibility needs.
Working Agenda
9:00 Welcome
9:10 Keynote "Working Together to Meet our Economic Growth Objectives"
9:30 Presentation/Discussion How Municipalities Can Fund Projects: Sources of Local Revenue
10:20 Break
10:35 Panel What Funding is Out There?
11:50 Lunch
1:00 Panel Compliance & Technical Assistance Resources
2:00 Break/Networking
2:30 Breakout Discussion Groups
3:35 Closing
3:45 Adjourn
9:10 Keynote "Working Together to Meet our Economic Growth Objectives"
9:30 Presentation/Discussion How Municipalities Can Fund Projects: Sources of Local Revenue
10:20 Break
10:35 Panel What Funding is Out There?
11:50 Lunch
1:00 Panel Compliance & Technical Assistance Resources
2:00 Break/Networking
2:30 Breakout Discussion Groups
3:35 Closing
3:45 Adjourn
Keynote
"Working Together to Meet our Economic Growth Objectives"
Secretary Lindsay H. Kurrle, Vermont ACCD
Lindsay Kurrle was appointed Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development by Governor Phil Scott, on September 2, 2019. ACCD encompasses the Departments of Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, and Tourism and Marketing. These departments include many programs that serve the Vermont public by enhancing the Vermont business climate, marketing Vermont to tourists and others, and strengthening Vermont communities in a wide variety of ways.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Kurrle led the Governor’s Economic Mitigation and Recovery Leadership team and Task Force responsible for among many things the distribution of more than $300 million in economic relief funds to Vermont Businesses. She also served on the Governor’s Restart Leadership team helping to shape policy decisions around how the state would safely reopen in the wake of the crisis.
From January 2017 to September 2019, Lindsay served as Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Labor where she led over 300 employees, and administered Vermont’s workforce development, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, employment services programs, and Vermont’s occupational safety and health program. Prior to becoming the state’s Labor Commissioner, Lindsay was a business owner for 15 years, and an Auditor for the international accounting firm KPMG. Kurrle is an outspoken and strong advocate for growing Vermont’s economy and strengthening communities. Secretary Kurrle lives in Middlesex, Vermont with her husband and three children.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Kurrle led the Governor’s Economic Mitigation and Recovery Leadership team and Task Force responsible for among many things the distribution of more than $300 million in economic relief funds to Vermont Businesses. She also served on the Governor’s Restart Leadership team helping to shape policy decisions around how the state would safely reopen in the wake of the crisis.
From January 2017 to September 2019, Lindsay served as Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Labor where she led over 300 employees, and administered Vermont’s workforce development, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, employment services programs, and Vermont’s occupational safety and health program. Prior to becoming the state’s Labor Commissioner, Lindsay was a business owner for 15 years, and an Auditor for the international accounting firm KPMG. Kurrle is an outspoken and strong advocate for growing Vermont’s economy and strengthening communities. Secretary Kurrle lives in Middlesex, Vermont with her husband and three children.
Presentation
How Municipalities Can Fund Projects: Sources of Local Revenue
Dominic Cloud, St Albans City Manager
Over the last fifteen years Dominic Cloud has directed the comprehensive redevelopment of St. Albans from his position as City Manager. Under his tenure, the City has demonstrated the transformational power of forming public / private partnerships to advance economic development projects. Mr. Cloud previously served as Director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Municipal Assistance Center and as a lobbyist in the Statehouse. He received an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and a B.A. in Government from St. John’s University. He lives in Essex, Vermont with his family.
Panel
What Funding is Out There?
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Commissioner Alex Farrell, Department of Housing and Community Development
Alex Farrell is the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development; previously, he served the Department of Housing & Community Development as Deputy Commissioner. Alex also serves as Chair of the Board for the Vermont State Housing Authority, and is on the Board of Housing Foundation, Inc. In the past, Alex has volunteered on several Boards and Commissions, including the Vermont Real Estate Commission on which he served as chair for several years; Alex also served the city of Burlington on the Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Commission, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board, and the Board for Registration of Voters. Alex is a Vermont native who was raised in Shelburne and attended the University of Vermont for his undergraduate degree, and Clarkson University for his master’s degree; he and his wife are currently residents of South Burlington.
David White, President and Founder, White + BurkeDavid is founder and president of White + Burke Real Estate Advisors, Vermont’s foremost firm working on public-private partnerships to foster economic development. Among countless other achievements, White + Burke has set up seven of the last eight Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in Vermont.
Municipal clients have included St. Albans, Rutland, Montpelier, Killington, Newport, Barre, St. Johnsbury, Springfield, Dorset, Manchester, Bennington, Hartford, Rockingham, Windsor, Williston, Milton, Plattsburgh, and Winooski. David’s career in economic development started over 40 years ago as the founding Executive Director of a non-profit downtown revitalization organization in Montpelier. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Community Economic Development, and to take a stint as Director of Community Development for the City of Montpelier. He was a founder and is past President of the Vermont Community Loan Fund and is past President of the Vermont Community Development Association. In addition to his master’s degree, David has extensive training and certifications in real estate and business finance. He is certified by Grow America (formerly the National Development Council) as an Economic Development Finance Professional. He earned the CCIM designation, which is commercial real estate’s most coveted credential, representing proven expertise in investment analysis. Jenna Lapachinski, Field Services Representative, Preservation Trust of VermontBonnie Waninger, Federal Funding Assistance Coordinator, Vermont League of Cities & Towns |
Panel
Compliance and Technical Assistance Resources
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Diane Meyerhoff, Principal, Third Sector AssociatesDiane Meyerhoff has raised over $70 million in grant funds for a variety of programs supporting community and economic development, transportation, housing, and social services. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Middlebury College.
Greta Brunswick, Senior Planner, Northwest Regional Planning CommissionGreta is a Senior Planner at Northwest Regional Planning Commission and resident of Fairfield. She has 20 years’ experience working with communities in Franklin and Grand Isle County on community development projects, land use planning and brownfields redevelopment. Greta is passionate about supporting towns and organizations in developing and realizing their visions for vibrant and special community places and spaces. She has a Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Applied Economics from the University of Vermont. At home, Greta enjoys supporting her 2 children in their many activities and pursuits, outdoor adventures, family trips and cooking!
Mariah Noth, Manager, Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and VHCB Vermont Farm & Forest Viability ProgramPatrick Scheld, Administrative Services Manager, Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development |
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