It is easy to feel down on Burlington right now. Construction interruptions, financial stress, and the impact of national politics on our visitor economy, as well as ongoing issues of public safety and quality of life, are wearing on all of us. However, we at the Lake Champlain Chamber see light at the end of the tunnel and a collaborative path forward to getting the City back on track.
The Lake Champlain Chamber has been engaging with the City of Burlington frequently during these trying times.
- LCC has responded to the recent proposal to utilize the Perkins Pier parking lot as an overnight car camping location for unhoused members of the community, collaborating with local members and partners.
- In June, LCC sent a letter to the Mayor opposing the extension of tax hikes on business and increases in housing impact fees, instead highlighting revenue windfalls that the City had not accounted for.
- Looking much further ahead, LCC is excited that our destination marketing organization, Hello Burlington, has begun working with a consultant to conduct an economic feasibility study, which will inform decisions on the creation of a convention center in the Burlington region. This initiative aims to attract customers to our local businesses midweek, as well as during the shoulder season, when visitor numbers are less abundant. This work is being done in parallel to the State Taskforce that LCC successfully lobbied for.
We’re seeing exciting developments across the city that remind us of the life and vitality that maintains our faith.
- The soon-to-open Burlington Square (formerly known as City Place) will be home to hundreds of Burlingtonians, just meters away from Church Street.
- A simple grassroots idea has brought new life to Church Street “passeggiatas” every Wednesday evening this summer.
- We’re also excited to finally see demolition at 20 Pine Street begin, after years of that project being held up.
LCC remains committed to advocating in support of our members at the municipal level in partnership with local groups, bringing our regional, state, and federal perspectives to this work.