On the agenda: Burlington REIB City Council Committee Meeting — Public Safety Camera (Aug 18)

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039
Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

1. Call to Order
2. Approve Agenda & Minutes
Subject

2.1. July 2026

Meeting

August 18, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

2. Approve Agenda & Minutes

Department

Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)

Type
Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
4. Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Updates
5. Draft Resolution: Recognizing the Contributions of Burlington's Latin
American Community and Supporting Cultural Festivals - Draft Resolution
6. Equity Impact Assessment: Burlington Forward: A Comprehensive
Framework For Safe Public Spaces And A Stronger Community

Page 1 of 28

Subject

6.1. Burlington Forward: A Comprehensive Framework For Safe Public Spaces
And A Stronger Community

Meeting

August 18, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

6. Equity Impact Assessment: Burlington Forward: A Comprehensive Framework For
Safe Public Spaces And A Stronger Community

Department

Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)

Type
Recommended Action

7. Adjournment
Subject

7.1. Motion to adjourn

Meeting

August 18, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

7. Adjournment

Department

Council and Board

Type
Recommended Action

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
Subject

8.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.

Meeting

August 18, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 18, 2026,
5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements

Department

Council and Board

Type

Page 2 of 28

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039
Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

1. Call to Order
2. Approve Agenda & Minutes
Subject

2.1. June 2026

Meeting

July 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5:30
PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

2. Approve Agenda & Minutes

Department

Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)

Type
Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
4. REIB Office Updates
5. Committee Mission Statement & Meeting Agreements (action to approve)
6. State-Level Immigration Policy Updates and Local Implementation Planning
(Guest: Erin Jacobsen, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project)
7. Police Chief Hiring Process Update

Page 3 of 28

8. Aging Council Update
9. Adjournment
Subject

9.1. Motion to adjourn

Meeting

July 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5:30
PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

9. Adjournment

Department

Council and Board

Type
Recommended Action

10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
Subject

10.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.

Meeting

July 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5:30
PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Category

10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements

Department

Council and Board

Type

Minutes taken by Vicky Luciano
Attendees:
Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)
Councilor Laura Sanchez-Parkinson (in person)
Richard Hillard (in person)
Alexander (in person)
Erin Jacobsen (in person)
Kelli Perkins, Director REIB (online)
Loan Nguyen (online)
Tiffanie Katsuva (online)

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Councilor Melo Grant (online)
Councilor Sarah Carpenter (online)
Maryan Maalin (online)
Mona Tolba (online)

•
•

•

Call to Order
o Meeting Called to order at 5:40 pm
Approve Agenda & Minutes
o Councilor Grant moved to approve the agenda and the minutes and Councilor Carpenter seconded. The
motion passed unanimously.
Public Forum
o Richard Hilliard spoke about recent federal immigration policy changes regarding adjustment of
immigration status. He shared his own experience and expressed concern over reports that many
individuals may now be required to complete immigration processing outside the United States.
▪ He noted that many affected individuals come from countries without U.S. embassies or
consulates, creating significant barriers.
▪ Encouraged the committee to consider both the humanitarian impacts and potential municipal
planning implications for Burlington.
• Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson acknowledge growing uncertainty among immigrants, visa
holders, and green card holders due to changing federal immigration policies. She noted
that the scheduled presentation from the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project would
provide additional context later in the meeting.
o Alexander, a Burlington resident, father, first-generation American, and longtime human services
worker, shared concerns regarding unsafe housing conditions.
▪ He described ongoing construction at his rental property that has disrupted daily life and
created unsafe living conditions. He reported working with City inspectors, tenant organization,
Legal Aid, and other agencies but felt he had been repeatedly referred between organizations
without resolution.
▪ He shared that the property had been declared unfit for human habitation and expressed
concern about retaliation from contractors after reporting code violations.
▪ He discussed the emotional and financial toll the situation has placed on his family and highlight
broader concerns about housing insecurity.
• Councilor Grant offered to work directly with the resident and requested follow-up
information regarding the property and landlord.
• Councilor Grant committed to contacting Permitting and Inspections to better
understand the situation and identify possible protections.
• Committee housing concerns affect many Burlington residents.
o Loan Nguyen shared a citizenship issue a community member is having with the Department of
Homeland of Security. She expressed the community member is afraid to leave their house due to the
current enforcement.
▪ Erin Jacobsen directed Loan to the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project’s website to submit a
legal help request and mentioned some upcoming naturalization clinics being planned.
▪ Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson noted the need for a more streamlined and accessible way for
community members to find resources and reach the right support. She noted the Trusted
Community Voices program (TCVs) plays a key role in bridging community members to these
resources.
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•

•

•

•

REIB Office Updates
o Director Kelli Perkins shared updates on REIB initiatives and ongoing work since the committee’s
previous meeting.
▪ She informed everyone that two Trusted Community Voices liaison positions are currently
posted on the city website: one for the Spanish-speaking community, one for the Bosnian
community. Interviews are scheduled for early August.
▪ Katie Greene departed July 9th to work with the State of Vermont.
• Due to a 45-day posting restriction in the passed budget, the Community and Belonging
Manager role cannot be posted until end of August.
▪ Director Perkins let everyone know nearly all proposed slate of appointees for the Aging Council,
except a representative for the New American community
▪ Christian Berry added the Language Access policy and procedure are being revised and the
implementation plan is being mapped out but an assessment will need to be started across the
city.
• A culture survey has been administered to city employees. Executive summary is being
developed and will be ready to be shared out in early August.
o Councilor Grant flagged that COTS is planning a Back-to-School Bonanza and recommended outreach to
Mr. Hartnett and his foundation about possible funding support for a second event closer to the start of
school.
▪ Christian Berry noted that the Back-to-School supply event was a TCV originated idea last year
and that there is some IDEAL grant funding remaining. A meeting with the mayor on August 4th
will include a discussion about funding and resourcing. Any additional funding sources would be
welcome.
Committee Mission Statement & Meeting Agreements (action to approve)
o Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson presented the third and final revision of the committee’s mission and
purpose statement, incorporating feedback from the June and prior meetings. Refer to the video.
State-Level Immigration Policy Updates and Local Implementation Planning (Guest Erin Jacobsen, Vermont
Asylum Assistance Project)
o Erin Jacobsen presented on immigrant rights victories from the 2026 Vermont legislative session and
priorities for the upcoming 2027 session (beginning January 2027). Refer to the video.
▪ The presentation included information on recent state legislation intended to strengthen
protections for immigrant communities, guidance on responding to immigration enforcement,
providing resources for immigrant families, asylum seekers, and service providers.
▪ She shared they are developing informational guidance documents to help agencies implement
new legal requirements.
▪ Tiffanie Katsuva and Maryan Maalin expressed the importance of presenting directly to refugee
and immigrant communities with interpretation.
• Erin Jacobsen agreed.
▪ Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson voiced the REIB’s continued commitment to serving as a source for
community engagement on these topics and will explore opportunities to co-host forums.
Police Chief Hiring Process Update
o Councilor Grant provided updates on the national search for Burlington’s next Police Chief.
▪ The hiring process remains on schedule and the International Association of Chiefs of Police
(IACP) is assisting with recruitment and candidate screening.
▪ Community engagement informed the recruitment profile, including stakeholder meetings and a
public survey with more than 600 responses.
• Committee members requested additional analysis of survey responses from younger
residents to better understand youth perspectives.

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Fifteen applications were received, with four candidates advancing to the interview stage.
Interviews began during the week of the meeting.
▪ Candidates are responding to standardized interview questions and completing a written
scenario exercise.
▪ The committee is evaluating candidates based on leadership experience, commitment to
community engagement, and ability to balance departmental leadership with community needs.
▪ Finalists will be forwarded to the mayor for additional interviews and background checks.
▪ The goal is to announce a new Police Chief by September to allow for an overlap and transition
period with Chief Burke before his departure.
▪ Recruitment materials, committee membership, and the hiring timeline remain publicly
available.
Aging Council Update
o Director Perkins noted that the updates regarding the Aging Council had already been provided during
the REIB Office Updates.
Adjournment
o The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
▪

•

•

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Resolution Relating to

RESOLUTION________

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE
FRAMEWORK FOR SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A
STRONGER COMMUNITY

Sponsor(s): Councilors Traverse,
Barlow, Carpenter, Litwin, McKnight,
Schachter, Singh
Introduced: ____________________
Referred to: ____________________
______________________________
Action: ________________________
Date: __________________________
Signed by Mayor: ________________

CITY OF BURLINGTON
In the year Two Thousand Twenty-Six..………………………………………………………………………
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Burlington, as follows:
1

That

WHEREAS, Burlington's downtown, parks, sidewalks, streets, libraries, waterfront, bike paths, and

2

other public spaces are among the City's greatest civic assets. They are the places where neighbors gather,

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children play, businesses and tourism thrives, visitors form lasting impressions, and community life unfolds

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every day. Preserving these shared public spaces as safe, welcoming, orderly, accessible, and well-maintained

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for everyone is among the City's most fundamental responsibilities; and

6

WHEREAS, over the past several years, the Burlington City Council has adopted multiple resolutions

7

and initiatives intended to strengthen public safety, improve community well-being, expand access to housing

8

and behavioral health services, and respond compassionately to the challenges of homelessness, substance use,

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and mental illness; and

10

WHEREAS, the City of Burlington, together with healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations,

11

businesses, faith communities, neighborhood organizations, educational institutions, and countless volunteers,

12

has committed substantial public and private resources toward emergency shelter, affordable housing,

13

outreach, behavioral health services, recovery programs, harm reduction initiatives, and other efforts intended

14

to assist vulnerable members of our community; and

15

WHEREAS, notwithstanding these efforts and the extraordinary commitment of those serving our

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community, many individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness,

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continue to be negatively affected by persistent public disorder, criminal activity, violence, repeated

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overdoses, open drug dealing and use, prohibited camping, vandalism, aggressive or threatening behavior, and

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other conduct that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of Burlington's shared public spaces;

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and

21

WHEREAS, these conditions have diminished public confidence, strained municipal resources,

22

adversely affected neighborhoods and businesses, discouraged investment and tourism, harmed morale and

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recruitment of police and other city staff, and undermined Burlington's reputation while also failing many

Page 8 of 28

Page 2
Resolution Relating to

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

24

individuals who continue to experience homelessness, addiction, or untreated mental illness without achieving

25

lasting stability, recovery, or improved health outcomes; and

26

WHEREAS, Burlington is and will remain a compassionate community where residents consistently

27

demonstrate kindness and generosity toward neighbors experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental illness,

28

and other crises. This resolution builds upon those values; and

29

WHEREAS, the City Council also finds that allowing individuals to remain in circumstances that

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jeopardize their health, safety, or dignity without meaningful intervention is neither compassionate nor

31

humane. Lasting compassion requires connecting people to treatment, recovery, housing, supportive services,

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and, where appropriate, enforcement and accountability for unlawful conduct that harms others or

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unreasonably interferes with the public's use and enjoyment of shared public spaces; and

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WHEREAS, the City Council rejects the false choice between compassion and public safety and

35

affirms that accountability, treatment, housing, recovery, public safety, and public order are complementary,

36

interdependent responsibilities that must be pursued together to advance the public interest and the dignity of

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every person; and

38

WHEREAS, the City further recognizes that Burlington cannot reasonably or sustainably serve as the

39

exclusive or primary provider of shelter, behavioral health services, and substance use treatment for

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individuals from throughout Vermont and outside our state, and that these challenges require sustained

41

partnership among municipalities, the State of Vermont, healthcare institutions, nonprofit organizations, and

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regional service providers to ensure that responsibility is shared equitably throughout the region; and

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WHEREAS, restoring and preserving Burlington's public spaces requires clearly articulated values,

44

public policy, measurable implementation, meaningful accountability, prioritized enforcement of our existing

45

laws and ordinances, sustained regional partnership, and a continuing commitment by every level of

46

government and every community partner;

47

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Burlington City Council hereby adopts the

48

following policy framework to restore and preserve safe, welcoming, orderly, and accessible public spaces;

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expand meaningful pathways to housing, treatment, and recovery; strengthen accountability for unlawful

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conduct and conduct that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of our shared public spaces; and

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promote shared regional responsibility for addressing the complex challenges of homelessness, substance use,

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and behavioral health:

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Page 3
Resolution Relating to

54

ARTICLE I

55

General Policy

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

56
57

Section 1.01. Purpose.

58

The purpose of this Resolution is to establish a comprehensive policy framework for restoring and preserving

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Burlington's public spaces as safe, welcoming, orderly, accessible, and well-maintained places for all residents

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and visitors, while continuing Burlington's longstanding commitment to compassion, dignity, and meaningful

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support for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, behavioral health challenges, and

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other circumstances requiring public assistance. To achieve these objectives, Burlington must realign its

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values and related efforts. An honest assessment indicates that neither the current nor previous policy

64

frameworks have achieved their intended results, making a revised strategy necessary moving forward.

65
66

Section 1.02. General Policy.

67

It shall be the policy of the City Council that:

68

A. Burlington's public spaces belong to everyone. Every resident and visitor should be able to use and

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enjoy the City's parks, streets, sidewalks, libraries, waterfront, bike paths, public buildings, downtown,

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neighborhood business districts, and other public spaces safely and without unreasonable interference

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or exposure to unlawful activity and disruptive behavior.

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B. Compassion without accountability is not compassion. The City Council rejects the notion that

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tolerance of unlawful conduct is itself an act of compassion. No individual has the right to engage in

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unlawful conduct or conduct that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of shared public

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spaces. Effective public policy requires both meaningful opportunities for prevention, outreach,

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treatment, recovery, housing, and supportive services and consistent enforcement of criminal laws and

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municipal ordinances that protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. The City shall pursue both

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objectives simultaneously to ensure that Burlington's public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and

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accessible to all.

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C. Individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, or behavioral health challenges

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deserve meaningful opportunities to obtain shelter, treatment, recovery services, and long-term

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stability. Burlington shall continue advocating for coordinated regional and statewide responses to

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homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorder, recognizing that these

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Page 4
Resolution Relating to

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

84

challenges extend beyond Burlington's borders and require sustained partnership among municipalities,

85

the State of Vermont, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners.

86

D. Decisions affecting public spaces, public health services, municipal resources, and zoning policy

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shall be guided by objective evidence, public transparency, measurable outcomes, and accountability

88

to the public. Public accountability requires admitting when systems and policies have fallen short, and

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when existing social services lack the capacity to deliver the interventions needed for consistent

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improved outcomes.

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ARTICLE II

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Protecting Burlington’s Public Spaces

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Section 2.01. Statement of Intent.

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The purpose of this Article is to restore and preserve Burlington and its public spaces as safe, welcoming,

97

orderly, accessible, and well-maintained places that may be comfortably enjoyed by residents and visitors of

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all ages while respecting the dignity of every person and ensuring that public spaces remain available for their

99

intended public use.

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101

Section 2.02. Public Space Policy.

102

The City shall prioritize the restoration and preservation of Burlington's public spaces for the benefit of all

103

residents and visitors. Public spaces shall be managed to encourage lawful activity, positive community use,

104

economic vitality, recreation, civic engagement, and public enjoyment.

105
106

Public spaces should not merely be accessible; they should be places where residents and visitors
choose to gather and should reasonably expect to feel safe doing so.

107

The City shall make it a top priority to ensure public spaces remain reasonably free from unlawful

108

conduct and conduct that unreasonably interferes with the public's use and enjoyment of those spaces, and that

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such spaces are well maintained, clean, and reasonably free of graffiti, litter, unattended personal belongings,

110

and other conditions that detract from their safety, accessibility, and public enjoyment.

111
112

Section 2.03. Activation of Public Spaces.

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Page 5
Resolution Relating to

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

113

The City finds that well-programmed, well-maintained, and actively used public spaces are among the most

114

effective long-term strategies for promoting public safety, strengthening community life, and discouraging

115

unlawful and disruptive activity.

116

The City shall expand the activation of Burlington's public spaces through community programming,

117

arts and cultural events, recreational opportunities, family-oriented activities, and partnerships that increase

118

positive public use of parks, downtown, neighborhood business districts, and other civic spaces. Consistent

119

with the FY27 budget resolution, the City Council requests that the Administration continue coordinating with

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the City Council's Parks, Arts & Culture Committee to develop and implement these efforts.

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Section 2.04. City Hall Park and Organized Activities.

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The City Council reaffirms its prior policies regarding the restoration and stewardship of City Hall

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Park as outlined in the Council's August 2025 resolution concerning the management, activation, and

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preservation of the Park. The City Council declares again that City Hall Park shall remain one of Burlington's

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principal civic gathering spaces—welcoming, accessible, well-maintained, and available for the broad

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enjoyment of residents and visitors.

127

Within thirty (30) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council asks that the City

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Attorney’s Office prepare and submit to the Council any ordinance amendments necessary to clarify where

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organized activities may occur within City-owned public spaces, establish when permits are required for such

130

activities, and ensure that such activities do not materially interfere with the intended public use of City Hall

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Park or other public spaces.

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The City Council requests that the Administration renew stalled efforts to assist with navigating how to

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secure any available and necessary permits for, or if permits are unavailable, offer alternative locations to

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unpermitted social service activities where participants could be better served while preserving the Park's role

135

as Burlington's principal civic gathering space. If necessary to identify alternative locations, the City Council

136

asks that the Administration evaluate appropriate indoor and outdoor municipal facilities, including Contois

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Auditorium where practicable and consistent with operational needs.

138

Within sixty (60) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council requests that the

139

Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront issue a request for proposals seeking one or more vendors,

140

nonprofit organizations, or other qualified operators to activate the patio area located in the northeast corner of

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City Hall Park through food and beverage concessions, retail kiosks, recreational uses, cultural programming,

142

public amenities, or other uses that increase positive public activity and enhance the visitor experience. Any

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Resolution Relating to

BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

143

request for proposals shall encourage creative, seasonal, and year-round activation strategies that promote

144

regular public use of the space and are consistent with City Hall Park's role as Burlington's principal civic

145

gathering space. Alternatively, the Administration may evaluate repurposing the patio area as a centralized

146

operational hub for public safety personnel, in alignment with the intent of the City Council’s September 2024

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resolution on establishing a downtown public safety hub, to provide a visible, accessible, and continuous

148

public safety presence within City Hall Park.

149
150

Section 2.05. Expansion of Public Safety Personnel and Public Space Response Capacity.

151

The City’s sworn police officers, Community Service Officers, Urban Park Rangers, and other civilian public

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safety personnel continue to perform their duties with exceptional dedication and professionalism in protecting

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and preserving our public spaces. A number of these roles, particularly sworn police officers, unfortunately

154

continue to face significant challenges to staffing, with available police officers consistently remaining at or

155

below current levels since 2023. As the City continues with long-term efforts to rebuild its public safety

156

infrastructure, there is an immediate need to strengthen the City's visible presence within its public spaces.

157

Accordingly, the City Council requests that the Administration act within sixty (60) days following enactment

158

of the Resolution to present recommendations to the Council on which public safety roles can be most

159

immediately and substantially increased, if even on a temporary basis, to ensure more personnel are assigned

160

to visible public safety and public space response functions. Moreover, the City Council asks that the Chief of

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Police continue to regularly update the Council’s Public Safety Committee on recruitment efforts at the

162

Burlington Police Department.

163

Immediately following enactment of this Resolution and prior to delivering the above-requested

164

recommendations, the City Council requests that the Mayor take the steps necessary to expand the visible

165

presence of public safety personnel in areas experiencing persistent public safety and public order concerns,

166

which the Mayor’s Administration has previously attempted to address through its working group on “hot

167

spots,” where ongoing conditions threaten public safety, diminish the public's use and enjoyment of these

168

spaces, and risk undermining the success of generational projects like that at Burlington Square. For this

169

purpose, the Mayor may use, as necessary, the monies allocated by the City Council in the FY27 budget to

170

contract with third-party public safety personnel, including certified police officers. Additionally, to the extent

171

permitted by existing agreements with contracted public safety personnel, such as those currently assigned to

172

patrol municipal garages, the Mayor is authorized to repurpose these personnel to higher priority areas.

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Resolution Relating to

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BURLINGTON FORWARD: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR
SAFE PUBLIC SPACES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Moreover, to the extent practicable, the City Council requests that the Administration recruit and

174

organize one or more Public Space Response Teams comprised of City employees and employees of other

175

local organizations committed to the vitality of Burlington who voluntarily elect to participate and

176

successfully complete appropriate training. Public Space Response Teams shall supplement, but not replace,

177

traditional public safety resources by increasing the City's visible presence within public spaces, promoting

178

lawful and welcoming public use, and assisting in the preservation of City property. If the City’s unionized

179

staff are interested in this volunteer opportunity, the Council acknowledges the potential need to submit

180

proposals to municipal unions as necessary to accommodate this.

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182

To the fullest extent permitted by law and consistent with appropriate training and supervision,
members of Public Space Response Teams may be authorized to:

183

A. Address and intercede conduct that unreasonably interferes with the public's use and enjoyment of

184

Burlington's public spaces, including, but not limited to, the open use of drugs and alcohol, public

185

intoxication, smoking where prohibited, disorderly behavior, and the encumbrance of sidewalks and

186

walking paths;

187

B. Issue municipal ordinance citations within the scope of their legal authority;

188

C. Issue notices against trespass and take other lawful actions necessary to protect City property and

189

public spaces;

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D. Promote cleanliness and sanitation, identify maintenance concerns, and coordinate the prompt

191

removal of graffiti and other public nuisances; and

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E. Connect individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, substance use disorder, or other behavioral

193

health needs with appropriate treatment, recovery, housing, and supportive services.

194

The City Attorney and Chief Administrative Officer shall prepare and submit for Council

195

consideration any ordinance amendments, budget proposals, administrative policies, or other measures

196

necessary to implement this Section.

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198

Section 2.06. Public Safety Cameras and Public Notification.

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The City Council finds that visible public safety cameras, when lawfully deployed and appropriately

200

identified, deter unlawful conduct, assist in criminal investigations, and promote public confidence in the

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safety of Burlington's public spaces.

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Resolution Relating to

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Within thirty (30) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council asks that the Chief

203

Information Officer prepare and submit to the Council a report identifying all City-owned or City-operated

204

public safety cameras currently operating within Burlington's downtown and other public spaces. The report

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shall identify each camera's general location, operational status, and any significant gaps in camera coverage

206

requiring future consideration, provided that nothing in this Section shall require disclosure of information that

207

would compromise public safety or law enforcement operations and the report will be provided confidentially

208

to the extent permitted by Vermont’s Open Meeting Law. Moreover, in carrying out this Section and any

209

future expansion of public safety camera systems, the City shall remain mindful of the importance of

210

protecting individual privacy and civil liberties and shall ensure that the deployment, operation, and

211

management of such systems are conducted in accordance with applicable law and appropriate safeguards

212

governing the collection, retention, access to, and use of recorded data, including but not limited to the City’s

213

Fair and Impartial Policing Policy.

214

The City Council requests that the Administration install and maintain clear, visible signage at

215

appropriate locations notifying the public that public safety cameras are in operation. Such signage shall be

216

designed to deter unlawful conduct while promoting public awareness that public spaces are actively

217

monitored for the protection of residents, visitors, businesses, and City property.

218
219

Section 2.07. Public Space Stewardship and Graffiti Removal.

220

Recognizing that clean, well-maintained public spaces contribute to public safety, civic pride, and

221

neighborhood vitality, the City Council requests that the Mayor coordinate with the Council’s Community

222

Development & Neighbor Revitalization Committee to establish a public space stewardship program to

223

encourage and support volunteer participation in the prompt removal of graffiti from public spaces and other

224

beautification initiatives consistent with the purposes of this Resolution. In establishing this public space

225

stewardship program, the Administration and CDNR Committee may collaborate with organizations and

226

individuals already volunteering to perform the expanded work called for in this Section.

227

Any program shall provide participating residents with appropriate training, safety guidance,

228

equipment, supplies, and other resources necessary to assist the City in removing graffiti from publicly owned

229

property in a safe, lawful, and coordinated manner.

230

The City Council reaffirms that the prompt removal of graffiti from privately owned property remains

231

the primary responsibility of the property owner. Any public space stewardship program should also provide a

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mechanism through which private property owners may authorize trained City employees or approved

233

volunteers participating in the program to enter their property for the purpose of removing graffiti, subject to

234

such reasonable conditions and limitations as the property owner may establish.

235
236

Section 2.08. Expanded Partnerships with Nonprofit Organizations and Private Property Owners.

237

The City Council recognizes that restoring Burlington's public spaces requires meaningful collaboration with

238

businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, and other private property owners whose properties

239

directly influence the experience of surrounding neighborhoods.

240
241

Accordingly, the City Council asks the Mayor to develop and make publicly available for private
property owners educational materials on:

242

A. Procedures for issuing notices against trespass as authorized by law;

243

B. Crime prevention and environmental design strategies;

244

C. Details on the extent to which private property owners can be held criminally or civilly liable for

245

unlawful or other wrongful conduct permitted to continue on their premises;

246

D. Other available tools to assist property owners in responding to unlawful activity while promoting

247

safe, welcoming, and well-maintained properties.

248

The City Council further asks the Mayor to engage with nonprofit organizations that provide services

249

to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, mental health challenges, or other

250

vulnerabilities, and to relay the City’s request that such organizations adopt reasonable expectations for

251

respectful and lawful behavior on the organization's property and within adjacent public rights-of-way and

252

public spaces immediately surrounding the organization's facilities, including expectations designed to

253

discourage conduct that creates public safety risks, interferes with the use and enjoyment of neighboring

254

properties and public spaces, or otherwise adversely affects the surrounding community. The City encourages

255

nonprofit organizations to communicate these expectations in a manner that preserves the dignity of those

256

receiving services while reinforcing shared responsibility for maintaining safe, welcoming, and accessible

257

neighborhoods.

258
259

Section 2.09. Public Space Performance Standards.

260

Within sixty (60) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council requests that the Mayor

261

collaborate with the City Council's Public Safety and Parks, Arts & Culture Committees to adopt measurable

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performance standards for evaluating the condition of Burlington's public spaces, which shall be publicly

263

posted on the City’s Data Hub.

264

The standards shall include objective performance measures relating to, as appropriate:

265

A. Public safety conditions, including but not limited to the number of incidents, offenses, and arrests

266

in public spaces;

267

B. Quality-of-life complaints, including but not limited to SeeClickFix reports on cleanliness and

268

sanitation, and graffiti response;

269

C. Public space activation and programming;

270

D. Visitor and resident use of public spaces; and

271

E. Such additional performance measures as the Administration determines appropriate to enable the

272

City Council and the public to evaluate progress over time.

273
274

ARTICLE III

275

Sustainable Intervention and Regional Responsibility

276
277

Section 3.01. Statement of Intent.

278

The purpose of this Article is to establish a sustainable framework for responding to homelessness, substance

279

use disorder, and behavioral health challenges. The City Council reaffirms Burlington's longstanding

280

commitment to ensuring that individuals experiencing crisis are afforded meaningful opportunities to obtain

281

shelter, treatment, recovery services, and permanent housing while recognizing that emergency interventions

282

must ultimately lead to greater stability, independence, and improved health outcomes.

283

The City Council further recognizes that compassion requires meaningful intervention, measurable

284

results, and shared regional responsibility. Emergency measures are intended to stabilize individuals and

285

connect them to long-term solutions and should not become permanent substitutes for housing, treatment,

286

recovery, or personal stability.

287
288

Section 3.02. Establishing Service Capacity.

289

Within sixty (60) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council requests that the Mayor

290

convene representatives of organizations providing emergency shelter, affordable housing, behavioral health

291

services, substance use treatment, healthcare, emergency response, outreach, and other appropriate public and

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private partners to evaluate Burlington's sustainable capacity to responsibly provide emergency shelter,

293

sanctioned camping, outreach, treatment, recovery services, and related supports. To the extent the City is

294

already convening a group that includes the above-referenced stakeholders, the Administration may expand

295

the scope of that group’s work to include developing the assessment called for in this Section.

296

The assessment shall evaluate available staffing, financial resources, healthcare capacity, emergency

297

response capability, housing availability, case management, sanitation, public safety impacts, fiscal

298

sustainability, and such other operational considerations as may be appropriate.

299

Based upon that assessment, the City Council requests that the Mayor recommend the maximum

300

number of individuals that Burlington can sustainably and humanely serve at any given time through the

301

coordinated provision of emergency shelter, sanctioned camping, outreach, treatment, recovery services, and

302

related supports. The recommendation shall identify the methodology and assumptions used to establish that

303

number and shall include objective indicators by which the City may determine when Burlington has reached

304

or exceeded its sustainable service capacity.

305

The Mayor may periodically review the recommended sustainable service capacity and recommend

306

revisions to the City Council as conditions, available resources, or regional participation materially change.

307
308

Section 3.03. Regional Responsibility.

309

The City Council affirms that homelessness, substance use disorder, and behavioral health challenges are

310

regional and statewide challenges requiring regional and statewide solutions.

311

The City Council further finds that current conditions strongly indicate that Burlington is providing

312

services beyond what can be sustainably supported by its existing housing, shelter, behavioral health, public

313

safety, and municipal resources. While the assessment required by Section 3.02 will establish a recommended

314

sustainable service capacity, the City Council finds that immediate action to promote greater regional

315

responsibility should not await completion of that assessment.

316

Burlington will continue to lead with compassion. Leadership, however, does not require Burlington to

317

serve as the exclusive or primary provider of services for individuals from throughout Vermont.

318

The City Council requests that the Administration implement equitable policies and procedures to ensure that,

319

when Burlington has reached or exceeded its sustainable service capacity, individuals seeking services are

320

connected with available housing, shelter, treatment, recovery, behavioral health, and other supportive

321

services in other communities, including through transportation assistance where appropriate. The City shall

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actively work with the State of Vermont, neighboring municipalities, healthcare providers, housing

323

organizations, and regional service providers to expand service capacity throughout the region so that

324

responsibility for serving vulnerable individuals is shared more equitably.

325
326

Section 3.04. Expanded Temporary Emergency Shelter Space and Sanctioned Camping.

327

Within ninety (90) days following adoption of this Resolution, the City Council requests that the

328

Administration designate one or more locations for expanded temporary emergency shelter space or

329

sanctioned camping to be utilized only when necessary to supplement available capacity at established

330

emergency shelters.

331

Any expanded temporary emergency shelter space or sanctioned camping location shall be subject to

332

approval by the City Council and generally situated outside Burlington's downtown core, waterfront, shared-

333

use path network, and heavily utilized public parks and shall be selected with due consideration for

334

surrounding neighborhoods, public infrastructure, environmental impacts, and the availability of supportive

335

services. To best serve individuals able to utilize this location or locations, efforts will be made to designate

336

locations with access to drinking water, toilets, shower facilities and handwashing stations, laundry,

337

electricity, and dumpsters. To that end, the City Council acknowledges that while temporary emergency

338

shelter space is preferable to sanctioned camping, neither should be considered a permanent housing solution

339

and should be utilized only for the duration necessary to transition individuals to more appropriate placements.

340

Prior to approving any designated locations under this Section, the City Council will expect that the

341

location will adopt and enforce operational standards governing admission, sanitation, security, storage of

342

belongings, code of conduct, outreach, behavioral health services, treatment referrals, housing navigation,

343

transportation, case management, and ongoing program evaluation.

344

The City Council asks that the Administration establish measurable performance standards for any

345

expanded temporary emergency shelter space or sanctioned camping and shall publish the resulting

346

performance data in a publicly accessible format on the City's website no less frequently than monthly. At a

347

minimum, the publicly reported data shall include:

348

A. The number of individuals served during the reporting period and cumulatively;

349

B. The average daily occupancy and utilization rate;

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C. The number and percentage of participants successfully transitioned to emergency shelter,

351

treatment, recovery programs, permanent supportive housing, permanent housing, or other stable

352

housing placements;

353

D. The average length of stay for participants;

354

E. The number of emergency service responses to a location; and

355

F. Such additional performance measures as the Administration determines are appropriate to evaluate

356

whether a location is functioning as a temporary intervention that promotes health, safety, and

357

successful transitions to more appropriate placements.

358
359

Section 3.05. Unauthorized Encampments.

360

The City Council finds that unauthorized encampments located in areas where camping is specifically

361

prohibited are inconsistent with the policies established by this Resolution.

362

Consistent with applicable legal requirements, the City Council requests that the Administration act

363

more promptly upon discovery of a prohibited encampment, generally within twenty-four (24) hours, to

364

provide notice of a specified date on which the encampment will face ticketing, no trespass orders, other legal

365

action, and removal of any remaining items. This date should be as soon as reasonably practicable following

366

the provision of notice, allowing sufficient time for affected individuals to make alternative arrangements

367

while protecting public health, public safety, environmental resources, and the public's continued use and

368

enjoyment of Burlington's public spaces.

369

In accordance with City policy regarding sheltering on public lands, encampments noticed for removal

370

will be provided contact information from local social service organizations serving unsheltered residents, the

371

State of Vermont’s Coordinated Entry Screening Form with instructions, information on other available

372

community resources, information on the officials responsible for an encampment that is not removed, and

373

details on where any collected personal property will be stored.

374

For the purposes of this Article, the City Council notes that Section 22-7 of the Burlington Code of

375

Ordinances provides that “[i]t shall be unlawful for any person to camp in any public park in the city.” Section

376

22-1 enumerates the City’s parks and Section 22-23 further provides that “the land known as Urban Reserve

377

… shall be considered a city park subject to this chapter.”

378
379

To the extent the City does not have sufficient staffing capacity to comply with this Section, the City
Council asks that the Mayor’s Administration act within sixty (60) days following enactment of this

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Resolution to present recommendations to the Council detailing how it will promptly increase the number of

381

personnel authorized and trained to provide notices of removal and conduct associated outreach. The

382

recommendations shall identify the staffing, organizational changes, funding, and implementation timeline

383

necessary to ensure that notices of removal are issued consistently throughout the City.

384

The City Council requests that the Administration establish measurable performance standards

385

governing the City's response to prohibited encampments and shall publish the resulting performance data in a

386

publicly accessible format on the City's website no less frequently than monthly. At a minimum, the publicly

387

reported data shall include:

388

A. The number of prohibited encampments identified during the reporting period;

389

B. The average time between identification of a prohibited encampment and issuance of a notice of

390

removal;

391

C. The average time between issuance of notice and removal of the encampment;

392

D. The number and percentage of individuals contacted who accepted referrals or were successfully

393

connected to shelter, a sanctioned camping location, coordinated entry, behavioral health services,

394

treatment, recovery services, or other supportive services prior to or following removal of the

395

encampment; and

396

E. Such additional performance measures as the Administration determines are appropriate to evaluate

397

the effectiveness of the City's outreach and enforcement efforts.

398
399

Section 3.06. Accountability and Enforcement.

400

The City Council reaffirms that every individual is entitled to dignity, due process, and meaningful

401

opportunities to obtain treatment, recovery services, shelter, and supportive services. The City further

402

reaffirms its commitment to prevention, treatment, recovery, and other evidence-based public health

403

interventions.

404

The City Council rejects the notion that enforcing our laws and ordinances in response to unlawful

405

conduct is an uncaring or unempathetic act, or that tolerance of unlawful conduct is itself an act of

406

compassion. Effective public policy requires meaningful opportunities for treatment and recovery together

407

with consistent enforcement of criminal laws that protect the public and preserve Burlington's shared public

408

spaces.

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Accordingly, the City Council declares that Burlington will not tolerate drug trafficking, the unlawful

410

open use of controlled substances, retail theft and other property crimes that frequently support substance use

411

disorder, or other criminal conduct that threatens public safety or unreasonably interferes with the public's use

412

and enjoyment of shared public spaces.

413

The City Council further declares that enforcement of these laws shall remain a priority of the City.

414

The Council supports proactive investigation, lawful detention where appropriate, arrest when supported by

415

the facts and authorized by law, and referral for prosecution of individuals engaged in such criminal activity.

416

Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to discourage law enforcement officers from taking appropriate

417

enforcement action authorized by law in response to these offenses.

418

The City shall continue pursuing treatment and recovery for those willing to accept assistance while

419

supporting the investigation, arrest where authorized by law, prosecution, and appropriate punishment of

420

individuals whose criminal conduct perpetuates addiction, victimizes residents and businesses, or undermines

421

the safety and vitality of Burlington's public spaces.

422

Furthermore, the City Council notes that both the Situation Table and City Circle initiatives were

423

implemented to improve outcomes for individuals at elevated risk of involvement with the criminal justice

424

system, behavioral health crises, substance use, and homelessness, including by reducing emergency

425

department utilization, overdoses, and other preventable harms, while also providing a more immediate and

426

consistent system of accountability for individuals who repeatedly violate municipal ordinances.

427

The City Council is particularly concerned that the City Circle initiative, which was previously

428

identified by the Mayor's Administration as a key component of Burlington's strategy to improve public safety

429

and accountability, appears to have been substantially curtailed or discontinued. The Council further

430

understands that this change may have been attributable, in whole or in part, to reductions in available

431

funding, and seeks clarification regarding the status of the initiative, the reasons for any changes in its

432

implementation, and whether alternative funding sources or program models have been considered. The

433

Council is also concerned that, to its knowledge, the accountability mechanisms contemplated by the City

434

Circle model, including prosecution or other consequences for participants who failed to comply with

435

restorative justice requirements, have not been meaningfully utilized, and requests information sufficient to

436

evaluate whether the program has operated as originally intended.

437

Within thirty (30) days of the adoption of this Resolution, the City Council's Public Safety Committee

438

shall prepare and deliver a list of questions to the Mayor's Administration, the City Attorney's Office, and the

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Community Justice Center, the responses to which shall provide the Council with a comprehensive update

440

regarding the Situation Table and City Circle initiatives, including, at a minimum: (i) the current operational

441

status of each initiative; (ii) participation levels and measurable outcomes for individuals served; (iii) data

442

concerning compliance with restorative justice requirements and any enforcement or prosecutorial actions

443

taken in response to noncompliance, to the extent permitted by law; (iv) the funding sources supporting each

444

initiative, including any reductions or anticipated funding gaps; and (v) recommendations for the continuation,

445

modification, expansion, or replacement of these initiatives based on their first year of implementation.

446
447

Section 3.07. Request for Ongoing Assistance from State Public Safety Personnel

448

Recognizing Burlington's ongoing public safety resource challenges, the City Council calls upon the Vermont

449

State Police to continue partnering with the Burlington Police Department by providing supplemental law

450

enforcement resources in and around the City's downtown and other locations where additional law

451

enforcement presence is necessary to protect public safety, address criminal activity, and restore public

452

confidence in Burlington's public spaces.

453

Separately, the City Council calls upon the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement

454

Division to expand traffic enforcement efforts within the City of Burlington’s principal transportation

455

corridors, including the new Champlain Parkway, where speeding, reckless driving, excessive engine noise,

456

and other traffic violations have become persistent public safety and quality-of-life concerns.

457

The City Council affirms that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, it welcomes and

458

consents to the enforcement of both the laws of the State of Vermont and the ordinances of the City of

459

Burlington by duly authorized State law enforcement officers operating within the City, consistent with their

460

statutory authority and any applicable intergovernmental agreements governing such enforcement.

461
462

ARTICLE IV

463

Public Health Policy and Permitted Uses

464
465

Section 4.01. Statement of Intent.

466

The purpose of this Article is to establish the City's policy regarding the implementation of significant public

467

health initiatives, to reaffirm the City Council's legislative role in establishing zoning policy, and to strengthen

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collaboration between the City of Burlington and the State of Vermont in addressing public safety, behavioral

469

health, and substance use challenges.

470
471

Section 4.02. Public Health Policy and Zoning.

472

The City Council continues to support evidence-based public health initiatives that improve individual and

473

community health while recognizing that the location, operation, and long-term impacts of significant public

474

health services should be considered through transparent public processes consistent with the City's

475

Comprehensive Development Ordinance and adopted zoning policy.

476

The City Council finds that significant public health services with substantial neighborhood impacts

477

should not be established through administrative interpretation where doing so effectively creates a new

478

principal use not expressly identified within the Comprehensive Development Ordinance.

479
480

Section 4.03. Overdose Prevention Centers.

481

The City Council finds that overdose prevention centers are not presently identified as expressly permitted

482

principal uses within the Comprehensive Development Ordinance.

483

Accordingly, the City Council declares that any proposal to authorize overdose prevention centers

484

within the City of Burlington should proceed only through amendment of the Comprehensive Development

485

Ordinance following public notice, public hearing, and legislative action by the City Council.

486

The City Council further declares that, should such an amendment be proposed, overdose prevention

487

centers should not be permitted within Burlington's Downtown Improvement District, as defined by the City’s

488

Charter.

489
490

Section 4.04. Syringe Service Programs.

491

The City Council finds that syringe service programs are a valuable public health strategy but are not presently

492

identified as expressly permitted principal uses within the Comprehensive Development Ordinance and should

493

not be deemed to constitute any currently permitted principal use absent express legislative authorization.

494

Accordingly, the City Council declares that any proposal to authorize syringe service programs as a principal

495

use should proceed only through amendment of the Comprehensive Development Ordinance through the

496

City's legislative zoning amendment process.

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The City Council further declares that while syringe service programs should continue to be supported

498

in Burlington, they should not be permitted within Burlington's Downtown Improvement District. The City

499

Council opposes the continued operation or establishment of syringe service programs within Burlington's

500

downtown core and calls upon the Vermont Department of Health to work collaboratively with the City and

501

local operating partners to identify an alternative location that better advances public health objectives while

502

supporting the restoration and preservation of Burlington's public spaces.

503

The City Council further calls upon the Vermont Department of Health to consult and collaborate with

504

the City before establishing, relocating, or materially expanding significant public health services within

505

Burlington so that public health objectives, zoning policy, neighborhood compatibility, and impacts upon

506

public spaces may all be appropriately considered. The Mayor’s Administration shall promptly notify the City

507

Council upon learning of State-sanctioned efforts to expand public health services within Burlington.

508

Additionally, within sixty (60) days following enactment of this Resolution, the City Council’s

509

Community Development & Neighbor Revitalization Committee shall begin meeting to develop a resolution

510

that reaffirms, revises, or develops new recommendations from its previously developed report on syringe

511

litter that will further the goals of this Section.

512

The City Council affirms that the positions taken in this Article regarding an Overdose Prevention

513

Center or Syringe Service Programs are in alignment with Burlington’s current comprehensive municipal plan,

514

which acknowledges the difficulties associated with the proximity of drug trafficking and use to those in

515

recovery, and provides in pertinent part that:

516

[H]igh concentration of social service providers can become easily unmanageable if all stakeholders

517

are not working together, keeping an eye on some of the larger interactions and their implications. For

518

example, the downtown is arguably not the best environment for people recovering from alcohol and

519

drug addiction. The presence of active drug dealing and the highest concentration of drinking

520

establishments in the state create serious challenges for those in recovery.

521
522

ARTICLE V

523

Implementation, Accountability, State Partnership, and Continuing Oversight

524
525

Section 5.01. Statement of Intent.

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The purpose of this Article is to ensure that the policies established by this Resolution are translated into

527

coordinated action through measurable implementation, public accountability, regular reporting, and

528

continuing oversight by the City Council.

529
530

Section 5.02. Partnership with the State of Vermont.

531

The City Council appreciates the Governor’s most recent efforts to support Burlington with additional public

532

safety resources and calls upon the Governor to establish a sustained partnership with the City of Burlington to

533

continue addressing the unique public safety, behavioral health, homelessness, and substance use challenges

534

confronting Vermont's largest municipality.

535

The City Council requests that the Mayor invite representatives of the Governor's Office and

536

appropriate State agencies to meet annually with the Administration, City Council, State legislators, and other

537

regional leaders to evaluate regional progress, identify barriers to collaboration, and recommend additional

538

actions to strengthen the partnership between the City of Burlington, surrounding communities, and the State

539

of Vermont.

540

The City Council specifically refers back to the requests included in its August 2025 resolution on City

541

Hall Park and its asks for the following specific actions by the State of Vermont and Governor to support

542

Burlington in addressing chronic safety and health challenges: (1) Convene a county-wide committee of local,

543

county and state law enforcement agencies to develop a coordinated response to drug trafficking and related

544

crimes; (2) Convene youth service providers, schools, and staff from the Agency of Human Services to

545

specifically examine trends among juveniles engaged in violence, drugs, and gun possession to identify

546

strategies to interrupt these trends for at-risk juveniles; and (3) Convene a public health strategy discussion

547

between members of the Department of Health and Department of Mental Health to examine how to remove

548

barriers to treatment and address limited capacity to existing drug treatment centers to support people living

549

with substance use disorder finding easier pathways to treatment and recovery.

550

The City Council further recognizes the substantial progress achieved through the Chittenden County

551

Accountability Docket, which demonstrated that dedicated judicial resources could promote more timely case

552

resolution, meaningful accountability, improved access to treatment and services, and greater confidence in

553

the administration of justice for harm done to our communities. Accordingly, the City Council requests that

554

the Governor, in coordination with the Chief Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court and other appropriate

555

State officials, continue and, as appropriate, institutionalize this model in Chittenden County by supporting the

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continued assignment of a dedicated judge, prosecutor, public defender, and necessary court personnel and

557

resources to ensure the prompt adjudication of cases involving repeat offenders and individuals with multiple

558

pending criminal matters.

559
560

Section 5.03. Legislative Partnership with the Vermont General Assembly.

561

The City Council calls upon the members of the Chittenden County Senate and House delegations, together

562

with members of the Vermont General Assembly representing communities throughout the State, to support

563

the enactment and strengthening of laws that advance the purposes of this Resolution.

564

The City Council further calls upon the General Assembly to work collaboratively with municipalities,

565

public safety agencies, healthcare providers, service organizations, and other stakeholders to enact legislation

566

that:

567

A. Strengthens public safety while protecting individual rights;

568

B. Expands access to and investment in behavioral health, substance use treatment, recovery services,

569

and permanent supportive housing throughout Vermont;

570

C. Promotes equitable regional responsibility for addressing homelessness and behavioral health

571

challenges;

572

D. Provides municipalities with appropriate legal authority and resources to restore and preserve public

573

spaces;

574

E. Supports timely intervention for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises or substance use

575

disorder;

576

F. Improves coordination among State agencies and municipalities; and

577

G. Otherwise advances the purposes of this Resolution.

578

The City Council further directs the Mayor and the City's legislative representatives to advocate for

579

legislation consistent with these principles and to report to the City Council regarding significant legislative

580

developments affecting implementation of this Resolution.

581
582

Section 5.04. Continuing Commitment.

583

The City Council adopts this Resolution not merely as a response to current conditions, but as a continuing

584

statement of municipal policy intended to guide future legislative decisions, strengthen public confidence in

585

local government, and restore and preserve Burlington's public spaces for future generations.

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The City Council believes that the strength of a community is measured not only by how it responds to those

587

in crisis, but also by how faithfully it preserves the public spaces that belong to everyone. Through this

588

Resolution, Burlington recommits itself to both responsibilities and affirms that they are inseparable from one

589

another.

590
591
592
593

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