November 17, 2025

Happy Winter!

I will be hosting a listening hour at the New American Grill in Londonderry on December 4^th from 5-6:30. Please come and let me know what is on your mind!

Education -

So, the School District Redistricting Task Force decided not to create any maps for the legislature, as mandated, but is proposing a voluntary, incentivized 10 year plan. The discussions, proposals and public feedback were complicated and contentious. According to the task force, it is not clear whether the forced consolidation will save any money, which was the original impetus of the legislation. And there is potential for great harm. I engaged in a lively conversation with some task force members about one of the plans which contained factual errors, missing data and, most importantly, a clear lack of understanding of what our district wants for our kids. That map was abandoned. Thank you to all the folks who made their voices heard during this process!

A final report will be issued and then it will be up to the legislature to take next steps. This is going to be a huge political battle, and not necessarily along party lines. The education reform bill passed because of the Governor’s and legislative leadership’s support. There is bi-partisan support and bi-partisan opposition. The bottom line for us is that we need to stay highly engaged once the legislative session begins.

For a deeper dive into this, here is a Digger article: Vermont’s school redistricting task force proposes voluntary mergers instead of new district map - VTDigger

For Governor Scott’s take on this non-action, here is a good Digger article: 'They failed': Gov. Phil Scott admonishes school redistricting task force - VTDigger

The Task Force will meet for the last time 11/20. Here is the info: School District Redistricting Task Force | Agency of Administration

In the meantime, The Commission on the Future of Public Education – a different group of people doing long-range planning on education - is holding virtual listening sessions. These conversations will help shape proposals coming to the Legislature in 2026. Your voice matters. Upcoming sessions:

• Tuesday, November 18, 5-6 PM

• Wednesday, November 19, 12-1 PM

Please visit their website to register. https://education.vermont.gov/state-board-councils/commission-on-the-future-of-public-education

Act 250 and you –

This is a somewhat arcane topic, but it has the potential to have a big impact on property owners in Vermont. Two years ago, the legislature reformed the Act 250 process in Act 181. The main thrust of that legislation is to divide the state up into three tiers: Tier 1 would loosen act 250 review and promote development, especially housing, in village centers and other appropriate areas. Tier 3 would further restrict development in areas deemed unfit for development under the increased protection mandates, and Tier 2 would be everything else.

I am a member of the rural caucus, which is proposing a bill to address our concerns. Specifically, as the state develops the Tier 3 rules, we need to make sure rural landowners and municipalities are treated fairly, notified directly, and have a meaningful chance to participate before rules affect how they use and access their land.

Our bill does four things:

·         Requires mailed notice to landowners in Tier 2, Tier 3, and those above 2,500 feet elevation before Tier 3 rules are finalized

·         Maintains housing progress in previously designated growth areas while this work is completed

·         Ensures property valuations reflect real development limits, beginning with the 2027 Grand List

·         Aligns implementation timelines, including delaying the road-rule trigger so communities understand and prepare before access decisions affect Act 250 jurisdiction

The road rule matters and because of it Tier 2 will also be deeply impacted in terms of Act 250 jurisdiction - not just Tier 3. Rural Vermonters need clear notice and time to understand how location-based jurisdiction and the expansive road rule-based triggers work under Act 181 before they take effect.

This bill does not change the substance of Act 181. It does not expand or weaken Act 250, does not add new triggers, or slow housing. It maintains the intent of Act 181 and ensures it fairly notices rural Vermonters. It also clarifies that municipalities in Tier 1A are not automatically responsible for enforcing legacy Act 250 permits unless and until those conditions are adopted locally.

This proposal is about fair notice, fair process, and the right to know when rules that affect your land and access are changing. Rural Vermonters deserve the same respect and transparency as every other community in the state.

The state website on Act 181: https://act250.vermont.gov/new-land-use-review-framework-act-181

A deep dive into Act 18: https://vnrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Detailed-Overview-Act-181-As-Passed-by-the-Legislature.docx.pdf

A good exploration of the rural caucus concerns is here: https://vtdigger.org/2025/11/14/rural-caucus-leaders-vermonters-deserve-notice-and-a-fair-voice-in-land-use-decisions/

The session is approaching quickly! Please let me know your thoughts, questions and concerns. And please come to the Grill on 12/4 @5pm.

Be well,

Chris

morrowforvt@gmail.com