AGP Executive Report

Federal Enforcement: The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont pulled in $4.44M in criminal and civil collections in FY25, plus $7.72M in asset forfeitures—another reminder that federal debt and forfeiture tools are very much in play. Immigration & Small Business: In Brattleboro, three Afghan refugees hit a major snag when their new restaurant shut down after a landlord failed to pay utilities—but with community help, they’re scrambling to reopen. State Policy Watch: Vermont’s Sustainable Data Centers Act (H.727) is at Senate third reading after a 26–3 amendment vote, setting up the next step toward what could become a new rulebook for large power-hungry facilities. Energy Costs: After a long winter, Vermonters are reevaluating heating options as home heating oil and gasoline prices stay elevated. Education Politics: Lawmakers are in overtime as education transformation talks with Gov. Phil Scott drag on, with no deal yet. Local Business & Community: Beacon Bank invested nearly $600K in regional nonprofits through giving and sponsorships.

PFAS Watch in Bennington County: Vermont is ramping up well testing and other support for southern Bennington and Shaftsbury after research found PFAS contamination has spread and worsened over time, with officials also negotiating with the shuttered ChemFab owner tied to PFOA. Local Business & Workforce: Swanton marked a milestone for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with a new western trailhead, while Vermont Works for Women is bringing its Trailblazers trades training program to Manchester this summer. Health Care & Community: Burlington will host the first New England Society for Healthcare Communications conference in Vermont (May 27–29), focused on more human-centered healthcare messaging. Labor & Rights: Healthy Living market owners are contesting a union vote, even as Workers United alleges “union busting” tactics. Regulatory Ripple Effects: The OCC finalized a rule preempting state escrow-interest requirements for national banks, a move that could reshape mortgage costs and fees. State Parks: Vermont is considering more flexible campsite and day-use pricing based on demand, without raising rates this summer.

State Parks Pricing Flex: Vermont is floating a plan to let it set campsite and day-use fees more dynamically based on demand, aiming to boost cost recovery without “pricing out” visitors—no summer increases are proposed, but future rate flexibility could mean midweek discounts at underused parks and higher prices at the most popular sites. Local Recreation Strain: Bethel’s town pool is set to stay closed after cracks and leaks forced the decision not to open this season; officials say a replacement could cost $800,000+ and take years to fund, pushing families to find other swimming options. Data Center Pushback: Ohio lawmakers are launching a bipartisan data center committee that will start meeting May 27–28, inviting companies and residents to testify on economic, environmental, and security impacts—an echo of growing national efforts to slow or pause data center development. PFAS Watch in Bennington County: Vermont is expanding well testing and support for South Bennington and Shaftsbury as PFAS contamination concerns continue to evolve, with state negotiations ongoing with the former ChemFab owner. Business & Community: Burlington will host the first-ever New England Society for Healthcare Communications conference in Vermont (May 27–29), bringing regional healthcare marketing and strategy leaders to the city.

State Lands Planning: Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources is asking the public to weigh in on proposed rules for how state lands are planned and managed going forward, with comments due June 18. The plan is meant to formalize public engagement and clarify how routine maintenance and other land uses get handled across roughly 370,000 acres. PFAS Fallout in Bennington County: South Bennington and Shaftsbury are getting state-backed well testing and free water as PFAS concerns tied to the shuttered ChemFab site keep evolving, with officials also negotiating with the current owner. Local Business Pressure: A Montpelier taproom owner is adding his voice to the fight over credit card fees, arguing the costs are rising and largely non-negotiable for small businesses. Housing Reality Check: A new national analysis finds most Americans can’t afford new homes—Vermont is near the top of the “priced out” list. Community & Culture: Bennington’s 250th anniversary banners are back downtown for year two, and Burlington’s Winooski Farmers Market kicks off its season.

Data Center Backlash: A new U.S. wave of local moratoriums and bans is accelerating—one tracker says active efforts jumped from 8 in May 2025 to 78 in a year, as AI-driven buildouts keep expanding. Wealth Tax Debate: California billionaire Tom Steyer is raising eyebrows with both a bid for governor and renewed pushback over a proposed one-time 5% billionaire wealth tax—critics warn it could spur people to leave the state. Vermont Business Watch: GlobalFoundries is seeking a buyer for its Williston campus, asking the town to broaden allowable uses to boost sale potential. Local Policy & Housing: Vermont lawmakers are still pressing restraint limits for youth in state custody, while a separate housing fight in Providence, R.I. failed to override a mayoral veto on rent stabilization. Burlington Economy: The Vermont City Marathon is expected to deliver a $3M+ boost to downtown businesses and the wider region.

Williston campus up for sale: GlobalFoundries says its Williston side of the Winooski River campus is “no longer serving a direct need,” and is seeking to expand allowable uses to boost value for a buyer—after office space there largely emptied out post-COVID. Housing & growth in the mix: The same week highlights how Vermont towns are trying to keep momentum—Middlebury College is pushing housing and job creation locally, while Williston’s retail resurgence (including a new J.Crew Factory) leans on walkable, mixed-use development. Statehouse pressure points: Lawmakers continue wrestling with restraint limits for youth in state custody, and Vermont’s Act 181 land-use shakeup still echoes in debates over agritourism flexibility. Business watch: Vermont’s Efficiency Vermont honored building and workforce efforts, and Vermont’s lottery results kept players busy with Mega Millions and Gimme 5 draws. National policy ripple: A federal court ruling overturning Trump-era tariffs is framed as a win for consumers and businesses—relevant to Vermont’s cost pressures.

FEMA money finally lands in Vermont: Vermont’s congressional delegation says $20.83 million in federal FEMA funding is headed to the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the City of Montpelier to repair damage from the July 2023 storms—$11.78 million for Montpelier facilities, plus $6.17 million for a washed-out culvert on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and $2.88 million to rebuild railroad ballast and embankments in Washington County. Housing and building costs: A Better Building by Design conference in Vermont highlighted how code choices can affect affordability and electrification, while separate coverage points to how changing building codes could help create more affordable housing. Local politics bite back: Providence’s rent stabilization push failed to override a mayoral veto, underscoring how quickly housing policy can stall at the finish line. Tech in schools debate: Parents are pushing back on student device use, but districts are resisting opt-outs. Business expansion: Ann Clark is moving beyond cookie cutters with new gourmet baking mixes, and Williston’s retail scene keeps adding national brands alongside local shops.

Education Showdown: Vermont’s education reform deal is wobbling as Democrats and Gov. Phil Scott clash over forced school district mergers—Scott says he’ll block any reform bill without them, while key Democrats say Vermonters oppose forced consolidation. Environmental Regulation: The Vermont DEC is taking public comment on draft solid waste rules that would update how organic waste facilities handle depackaging and biosolids land application, including extending PFAS standards to more byproducts. Accountability in Water: Franklin Foods agreed to a $265,000 settlement with the state over alleged wastewater permit violations in Enosburg Falls, including corrective actions. Local Business & Community: The Vermont Wild is back in the WPSL after a year hiatus, with a new name and owner, and plans to keep playing at Applejack Stadium. Politics: Bernie Sanders endorsed Democrat Brad Chambers for Pennsylvania’s 41st House District, adding to a broader push to back progressive candidates.

Politics/Strategy: Democrats in red-leaning states are testing a new playbook—backing independents over their own nominees—to avoid losing the fall ballot to a “spoiler” effect, with Nebraska’s Senate race showing how the pivot could work. Higher Ed/Local Economy: UVM is projecting a 15% freshman drop and a $12 million budget hole, raising pressure on recruitment and out-of-state enrollment. Business/Costs: A Vermont small-business owner argues credit-card fees are forcing hard choices, pushing lawmakers to act on S.135. Workforce & Community: Rutland’s after-school Tapestry and EPIC programs are using federal grants to teach life skills like financial literacy and cooking. Statehouse/Schools: Senate lawmakers are reconsidering whether to end Vermont’s PCB school testing program or extend it. Public Safety: Four protesters were arrested at a Williston ICE-linked surveillance site, continuing a broader pushback campaign. Health/Tech: Vermont AG Charity Clark was named co-chair of a national AG AI and cyber privacy committee. Local Government: Barre’s city manager Nicolas Storellicastro is leaving for South Burlington. Housing: Fair Haven is weighing designs for a new housing project on donated land.

Brattleboro labor deal: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and its support-staff union (Brattleboro Healthcare United) have signed their first contract, averting a threatened walkout and setting a new floor of $18 an hour immediately and at least $19 in October, while also adding stronger safety and disciplinary protections. Child mental health squeeze: Advocates are alarmed that the Howard Center’s Jarrett House stabilization program for kids ages 5–13 is closing at the end of June, pointing to staffing strain and a broader funding crunch. Statehouse land-use fight: A maneuver by Rep. Mark Higley to bring H.70 to the House floor failed, keeping pressure on the debate over whether current-use land can count toward Vermont’s 30-by-30 conservation goals. Bottle bill overhaul: Lawmakers are weighing changes that could keep redemption centers afloat—but critics warn the fix may push drink prices higher. Local public safety: The Rodeway Inn fire in Rockingham is still under investigation, though officials say it’s not considered suspicious. Community spotlight: Bennington’s Select Board proclaimed Period Poverty Awareness Week, underscoring the growing push to treat menstrual equity as a public health issue.

UVM Budget Crunch: The University of Vermont says a projected 7% drop in undergraduate enrollment (including a 15% fall in first-year/transfer students) is driving an about $12 million general-fund deficit, prompting a 3.25% cut plan and tighter spending across housing, dining, and departments. School Tech Backlash: Parents in Vermont and beyond are pushing districts to limit or opt out of classroom tech, arguing screens are hurting focus—while schools say tech is essential to the curriculum. Local Water & Power Pressure: Vermont’s AG announced a $265,000 penalty against Franklin Foods for alleged wastewater permit violations, and Vergennes residents raised safety concerns about a proposed battery storage project near homes. Statehouse Land-Use Fight: Gov. Phil Scott is again pressing lawmakers on wetland buffer changes tied to Act 181, as the Legislature revisits parts of the law after rural pushback. Business Spotlight: In Swanton, Cioffi Realty opened on Merchants Row, adding to downtown momentum. Arts & Community: GNAT-TV’s June 3 fundraiser spotlights the growing challenge of sustaining local news and community storytelling.

Child Care Policy Fight: Vermont’s Early Childhood Educator Profession Bill (S.206) is drawing sharp debate as supporters push clearer licensing and career pathways, while some providers and local officials worry it could add strain to an already tight system. Higher Ed Budget Pressure: UVM is projecting a 7% undergraduate drop next year and a roughly $12 million general-fund deficit, setting up cuts across housing, dining, and other departments. Consumer Protection/Health: AG Charity Clark joined a coalition urging the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would make flavored e-cigarettes easier to approve, warning it could worsen youth addiction. Environment & Enforcement: Franklin Foods will pay $265,000 to settle Vermont claims it violated pretreatment rules at its Enosburg Falls plant, with corrective steps required. Local Business & Community: Hanover voters approved an anti-apartheid pledge and most town items, while Burlington is set to welcome PopUp Bagels to downtown. Housing Delivery Experiment: Vermont is moving toward faster homebuilding via preapproved designs in a pilot program, aiming to cut approval delays.

Childcare Cost Crunch: A new study finds Vermont families spend 26.25% of median income on childcare—about 1 in every 4 dollars—pushing the state into the top tier of affordability pressure, with Massachusetts worst at 30.29%. Health Insurance Rates: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont is asking for its smallest premium increases in five years—3.1% for small groups and 5.2% for individuals—while MVP Health Care seeks bigger jumps, as regulators weigh whether recent cost-control efforts are finally taking hold. Local Access to Information: GNAT-TV is hosting a June 3 fundraiser to keep community media alive, backing coverage of local government and youth media training. Workforce & Housing: The Vermont Construction Academy marks its first year as a broader trades hub, while Vermont lawmakers move to ease Act 250 rules for more farm agritourism activity. Business & Infrastructure: StandardAero buys Milton’s Unified Turbines to expand turboprop repair capacity, aiming to speed turnaround times.

Tariff Refund Tension: A coalition of state treasurers and fiscal leaders—including Vermont—sent a letter to President Trump warning that the new tariff-refund portal may be “transparent” for importers, but still leaves consumers largely stuck with higher prices and few paths to get money back. Housing Momentum: In Greenville, the planning board unanimously approved a 28-unit Spruce Street development, with construction already starting on water and sewer lines. Resort Tax Deal: Bennington’s select board signed a 10-year tax stabilization agreement for a luxury resort on the former Southern Vermont College campus, fixing assessed values through 2036-37. Schools vs. Tech: Vermont’s debate over classroom technology is heating up, with lawmakers weighing limits on devices and chatbot use. Local Business & Community: EastRise named Robert Miller its new president/CEO, and Upper Valley Land Trust’s long-time leader Jeanie McIntyre plans to retire after nearly 40 years.

Workforce Pipeline: UVM Health kicked off its first surgical technologist registered apprenticeship cohort, pairing earn-while-you-learn training with federal support to grow local clinical staffing. Healthcare Policy: Vermont lawmakers advanced S.190 toward reference-based pricing in FY 2027 and adjusted how critical access hospitals handle Medicare cost sharing, signaling more cost-control pressure on providers. Local Leadership Changes: Lamoille Home Health & Hospice announced Executive Director Kathy Demars will retire after more than 30 years, marking a major transition for the region’s care network. Education & Community: Fairhaven High School named its top 10 seniors and Burlington’s council green-lit a major South End development—both reminders that growth and opportunity are still moving, even as budgets tighten. Public Safety & Health: A Proctor teen died in a single-vehicle crash, while Vermont riders joined a global men’s health push tied to prostate cancer and mental health. Business & Growth: EastRise Credit Union named Robert Miller as its next president/CEO, effective June 8, as the credit union continues its transformation.

Immigration Protest Disrupts CBP in St. Albans: A coalition of faith and community groups rallied Friday, and organizers say they forced Customs and Border Protection to close for the day—declaring a “partial victory” after a planned sit-in was met with workers being cleared out. Housing Safety Planning: Hartford’s Selectboard is set to review Twin Pines’ draft safety plan for a proposed 48-unit affordable development, with a committee structure expected to be finalized. Manufacturing Shrinks in Franklin County: Layoffs tied to a shrinking manufacturing economy are spotlighted as Perrigo’s Georgia plant closure process ramps up, with hundreds of jobs at stake. Health Care Policy Moves in Montpelier: The House Health Care Committee advanced S.190, setting the Green Mountain Care Board on a path toward reference-based pricing in FY 2027, while a related CAH cost-sharing change shifts how charges are handled. Workforce Pipeline Gets Federal Boost: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch-backed funding supports UVM Health’s surgical technologist apprenticeship cohort—an earn-while-you-learn model aimed at expanding local training. Local Business Meets AI Backlash: A Burlington bagel shop removed AI-generated images after customer pushback, apologizing for mixed real-and-generated ads. Home Equity Cools: Nationally, the share of “equity-rich” mortgaged homes fell to the lowest level since 2021, while seriously underwater properties edged up.