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Introducing The BBA Brief, a quick look at three issues on the horizon for Team BBA.
We'll give a quick lowdown of issues of importance to you and your business that we're watching this week.
Join the discussion or rest easy knowing we're on the case advocating for our members and a vibrant Burlington.
Happy Tuesday, all.
—KD |
City Budget
$83 mill. Budget focuses on infrastructure, includes $27 mill from ARPA & small tax increase.
Each spring the BBA pays close attention to the City of Burlington budget process. Why?
To make sure the City is getting the things done that are important to our members and mission. Here’s what BBA sees as key info, as that deadline approaches:
- City Infrastructure Repair and Improvement is a focus = over $33 million
- Over $1 million added to address racial equity and justice
- $27 million is coming from the FEDS through ARPA.
- The $0.067 tax rate = $1.7 million more in the city coffers.
- Don’t forget businesses/commercial pay an extra 20% over appraisal.
- Gross Receipts Tax - $3.5 million
- That's the $ the city makes off of you doing business
That’s the basics. There’s a lot more detail on the city’s website.
On June 28th, the City Council will vote on the proposed budget.
Graffiti
City has deployed graffiti clean-up crew, more planned with BBA support.
We’ve heard concern from many members about the uptick in graffiti and have been meeting with a group of downtown business and property owners .
BBA has met with BPD, the State’s Attorney’s office, and city leaders on the issue. We’re compiling a guide for business and property owners on ways to minimize risk of graffiti, how to best report it, and what to expect from Public Works, BPD, prosecutors, and the Community Justice Center.
We were happy to see the City allocate a portion of the federal ARPA funds to address graffiti on both public and private property. One of the biggest challenges the project is facing is filling the seasonal/temporary positions of Maintenance Graffiti Remover. It’s a great opportunity for young people 16+ to work outside with friends this summer.
If you’d like to learn more about the BBA’s graffiti efforts or get involved, reach out to Colin - colin@bbavt.org.
You can see more about the City’s removal plan here.
Amtrak Construction
Construction underway for rail NYC to BTV. Bikepath detoured all summer.
Spring 2022 - that’s when we may see the first train from NYC roll onto the Burlington Waterfront. We are excited and we hope you are too.
In the meantime, there will be some construction disruption. Get weekly updates from the construction team include road closures. Email Natalie Boyle @ nboyle@eivtech.com or call her with any questions or concerns (802) 855-3893 .
VTRANS AMTRAK PROJECT WEBSITE
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