Reimagining Rural Capacity Summit | VERTA

Join an inspiring and interactive day with Vermont community and economic development leaders, planners, resource providers, local officials, organizers, legislators, and funders. Help shape the future of rural capacity.

• Free lunch and registration; mileage reimbursement available
• Hear findings from VERTA (the Vermont Evaluation of Rural Technical Assistance) and community support solutions from other states
• Co-design strategies and supports to help Vermont’s towns and rural communities get real projects done
• Help prioritize ideas for pilot programs, agency actions, and 2026 legislative actions and funding requests
• Connect with neighbors, peers, TA providers and resource people over a free networking lunch

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Before You Register...

Please be sure that you will attend. Registration and lunch are free, but space is limited. Kindly register only if you are definitely going to come. If your plans change after signing up, please cancel your registration through Eventbrite or by emailing Y3JzIHwgdXZtICEgZWR1.

About the Vermont Evaluation of Rural Technical Assistance (VERTA)

Vermont’s rural communities face growing challenges, including aging infrastructure, complex regulations, limited municipal capacity, and economic decline. While technical assistance (TA) providers exist, rural towns struggle to access the support they need. The VERTA project, led by UVM’s Center for Rural Studies and in partnership with the State of Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development through the support of UVM’s Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, is evaluating Vermont’s current municipal TA system and developing recommendations to improve its effectiveness and accessibility.

Learn more: accd.vermont.gov/community-development/current-initiatives/VERTA

Info: Arrive early for coffee, light breakfast foods, and time to connect with other community leaders.

Info: Get grounded with an orientation to the day, to the VERTA project, and to our common challenges and opportunities in rural Vermont.

Info: Hear the results of the VERTA study: local capacity strengths, needs, and ideas for change. Join a peer breakout to discuss top priorities and opportunities with other towns, TA providers, or state leaders.

Info: Connect with other local and statewide leaders. Sandwiches and light lunch provided.

Info: Dive into rural TA solutions and success stories -- from around Vermont, other states, and some you're about to invent. Join a breakout team and co-design a winning idea to revolutionize Vermont TA.

Info: This fast-paced final session will include a run-down and rapid voting or prioritization on the best ideas of the day. Share your priorities and hear what's next.

Info: Close out the day with informal time to mingle, chat with new connections, and browse the work of breakout groups in a "gallery walk"

Also check out other Business events in Randolph.