City Council - Charter Change Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-10-27
Time: 18:00

Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: Oct 27, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Charter Change Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
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Passcode:076268

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Webinar ID: 968 3261 5204
Passcode: 076268
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abpdI7inGO




1. Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Public Forum
 Subject 2.1. Verbal Comments
 Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
 Category 2. Public Forum
 Department Council and Board


 Type
3. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
  Subject 3.1. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

4. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion
  Subject 4.1. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion
  Subject 5.1. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 6.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action
7. Adjournment
 Subject 7.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 7. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

Monday, October 27, 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: Oct 27, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Charter Change Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/96832615204?pwd=1xxC53A6BxY9pw5Ct93U5QBLbQ4kPE.1
Passcode:076268

Phone one-tap:
+13092053325,,96832615204#,,,,*076268# US
+13126266799,,96832615204#,,,,*076268# US (Chicago)

Join via audio:
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
Webinar ID: 968 3261 5204
Passcode: 076268
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abpdI7inGO




1. Agenda
 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Public Forum
 Subject 2.1. Verbal Comments
 Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
 Category 2. Public Forum
 Department Council and Board


 Type




 Page 1 of 22
3. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
  Subject 3.1. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

4. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion
  Subject 4.1. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion
  Subject 5.1. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 6.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action




 Page 2 of 22
7. Adjournment
 Subject 7.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting October 27, 2025 - Charter Change Committee Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 27,
 2025, 6:00 PM, Queen City Room 3rd Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 7. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action




 Page 3 of 22
Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB)
Date: July 9, 2015
To: Burlington City Council
From: Christian Berry, Interim Director
Re: Recommended Action: Motion to Refer the REIB Proposed Charter Language to the Charter
Change Committee


Introduction
This memo proposes the formal addition of the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
(REIB) to Burlington’s City Charter and recommends City Council refer the proposed REIB
Charter Language to the Charter Change Committee for further action.

Establishing the REIB Office within the city’s charter signifies a commitment to advancing racial
equity and social justice throughout our city. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to
create a more inclusive community, and it addresses systemic inequities that have historically
affected the most underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized members of our
community.

History of Racial Equity and Social Justice Work in City Governance
The City of Burlington has taken significant strides towards racial equity and social justice since
the early 2000s. In 2000, the City Council adopted the Legacy Action Plan, outlining a vision for
improving the city’s economic, environmental, social, and cultural health for future generations.
This plan initially overlooked the urgent need to assess and address systemic barriers related to
diversity and racial equity, which were incorporated into the plan in 2010.

In 2011, under the direction of the Social Equity Director, Wanda Hines, a Unity Retreat
convened over 50 stakeholders to identify structural barriers and emphasize the necessity of a
coordinated, city-supported plan to advance racial equity. This work laid the foundation for
future initiatives. A resolution to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee was passed
by the City Council in 2012 and by late 2013, the city enlisted the Vermont Partnership for
Fairness and Diversity to develop a strategic plan addressing racial and ethnic disparities. This
plan was adopted in 2014 with the goal of embedding inclusion, equity, and justice into city
operations.

In response to identified gaps in Burlington’s approach to addressing racial and social
disparities, the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) was established in 2019.
This formal launch created a centralized structure to lead internal systems change efforts and
public-facing equity initiatives throughout the city. Tyeastia Green was appointed as the City’s
first Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in 2020.

Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Initially, the City of Burlington’s efforts to address racial equity were often reactive rather than
proactive, leading to a fragmented approach to social justice. Establishing a dedicated Office of
Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging provided a centralized focus for racial equity and social
justice-based efforts and initiatives, ensuring ongoing attention to issues faced by the most
underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized members of our community.




 Page 4 of 22
Since its establishment in 2019, the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) has
emerged as a key driver of systemic equity efforts throughout city governance. The office’s work
is now integrated into internal policies, public engagement initiatives, budget planning,
education and training, and service delivery. In response to community needs and
organizational gaps, the REIB’s strategic and operational responsibilities have expanded. The
REIB continues to be relied upon to lead and support equity-based initiatives across
departments and within city policies.

Currently, the need for a formal REIB Office is more urgent than ever. National conversations
surrounding racial inequality and ongoing attacks on human rights reveal the systemic injustices
faced not only by racial and ethnic groups, but also by various underrepresented, underserved,
and marginalized groups, including those impacted by socioeconomic status, gender identity,
sexual orientation, disability, religion, and other factors that result in disparate treatment.

The focus on inclusion and belonging emphasizes the importance of creating a community
where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported, irrespective of their backgrounds or
experiences. An official Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging would ensure that
racial equity and social justice considerations are integral to all city policies and programs,
rather than an afterthought.


Justification for Including the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
and REIB Director position in Burlington’s City Charter
Institutionalizing the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Burlington’s City
Charter offers numerous benefits for future governance. By embedding the REIB Office in the
Charter, the city demonstrates an unwavering commitment to prioritizing racial equity and
social justice in all aspects of governance and community development. This institutionalization
creates a mechanism for long-term accountability, ensuring that city officials and employees
remain responsible for promoting equity and belonging in both policy decisions and program
implementations.

Furthermore, a chartered REIB Office facilitates a centralized, coordinated approach to equity-
based initiatives, effectively breaking down silos between departments while ensuring
comprehensive strategies that address systemic inequities. It also allows for dedicated funding
and resources, thereby enabling the sustainable development of programs that cater to the
needs of the most underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized members of our
community. This formal commitment fosters greater public trust and engagement, as
community members will feel more included in the decision-making processes knowing there is
an office specifically dedicated to their concerns.

With the REIB Office enshrined in the City Charter, considerations of racial equity would be
systematically integrated into all city policies, programs, practices, and services, promoting a
culture of inclusion throughout municipal governance. The REIB can conduct regular
assessments, collect data, and provide ongoing training regarding racial equity, leading to
better-informed decision-making by city officials. Moreover, its establishment encourages
community engagement and empowerment, creating a platform where voices from various
backgrounds can be heard, leading to more impactful initiatives.




 Page 5 of 22
Additionally, the REIB can set measurable goals and benchmarks for achieving racial equity,
allowing the city to track progress over time and make necessary adjustments to strategies.
Ultimately, embedding the REIB Office within the City Charter serves to facilitate a cultural shift
towards inclusivity, supporting a broader societal change that values diversity and belonging. In
summary, institutionalizing the REIB Office would create a robust framework for addressing
systemic issues, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive Burlington for everyone.

Request:
Establishing the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Burlington’s City
Charter is a vital step towards fostering an inclusive and equitable community. This formal
recognition will ensure that our commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and belonging is
embedded in the governance of our city, paving the way for systemic change and accountability.
Adding the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Burlington’s City Charter is a
crucial step toward reinforcing our commitment to equity and justice.


Proposed Motion: “To waive the first reading of the proposed Charter Change and forward
the language to the Charter Change Committee for further deliberation subject to review and
approval of the City Attorney’s Office.”




 Page 6 of 22
Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Charter Language

The City of Burlington shall form an Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and
establish a Director of Racial Equity Inclusion and Belonging.

The REIB Director role shall be a permanent position in the City appointed by the Mayor and
confirmed by the City Council.
 1. The REIB Office shall be under supervision, direction and control of director subject to
 the orders and ordinances of city council
 2. The office of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging administrative officer shall have all
 of the powers, duties, and responsibilities as are provided in the racial equity, inclusion,
 and belonging director position description.

Subject to the orders and ordinances of the City Council, the Mayor and REIB director shall
develop and implement a comprehensive racial equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy for the
City of Burlington.

In furtherance of this work, the REIB director shall, subject to the orders and ordinances of the
City Council, have the following rights, powers and duties, and implement such alongside all city
departments:
 1. To work on behalf of the City to advance equity and social justice by championing
 diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism;
 2. To develop, coordinate, implement, and administer racial equity and inclusion strategies
 and projects for the City;
 3. To recommend to city departments, the mayor’s office, and City Council, policy and
 program changes to better advance racial equity and inclusion in the City;
 4. To enhance representation in city government through decision-making bodies,
 community engagement initiatives, and policy development process for folks who hold
 underserved communities;
 5. To coordinate and facilitate resident engagement in the City that encourages inclusive
 spaces for engagement with city government.




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Charter Change Committee
 Monday, October 27, 2025
 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington,
 Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Becca Brown McKnight (Chair), Gene Bergman, Evan Litwin

Staff Present: Jessica Brown (City Attorney), Kelli Perkins (REIB Director), Katie Greene
(REIB Program Manager), Katherine Schad (Chief Administrative Officer), Jennifer Zakaras
(Deputy Chief of Staff), , Erik Ramakrishnan (Assistant City Attorney)

Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Keren Sita, Evan G

Meeting called to order at 6:04 PM by Councilor McKnight.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.01 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda as written.

Motion by Councilor Bergman, Seconded by Councilor McKnight
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Public Forum
 2.01 Verbal Comments

Sharon Bushor commented on Agenda Item 4.01, stating there is no timeline indicated for paying
back credit as opposed to the usual language included in past budget resolutions. Bushor also
expressed concern over adding $6 million for DPW Water Resources, considering the recent
$200 million bond for this department, and whether this would actually reduce the City’s debt.
Bushor spoke in support of Item 5.01, regarding the proposed homestead exemption, and
wondered how the group arrived at $30,000. Bushor also wanted to know the impact on non-
homestead and commercial properties, and noted she does not support the ability for the City to
raise the general tax rate based on CPI.

Keren Sita asked for documentation regarding new leadership’s plans for REIB.

Evan G spoke to Item 5.01, asking the Committee to look at the impact on renters in developing
this policy, suggesting a per-unit exemption or other alternatives in addition to the flat rate.

Public forum closed at 6:17 PM.

3. Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
 3.01 Adding REIB Department to the Charter Discussion
 Page 1 of 3
The Committee discussed community feedback received at the last REIB Committee meetings
with REIB Director Kelli Perkins and REIB Program Manager Katie Greene.

To depoliticize the Director role, community feedback expressed support for structuring the
REIB Director position as a role subject to the hiring process versus mayoral appointment, but
that if mayoral appointment were to make it into the final charter language, the appointment
should be for two years.

Dr. Perkins confirmed the language is mostly there, except to change “recommend” to “consult”
on page 4 of the memo in the proposed charter language.

The Committee requested clarification on director appointment by the next meeting to be able to
vote the charter change out of the Committee.

4. City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion
 4.01 City Council Authority to Pledge Credit Charter Discussion

CAO Schad reviewed the reasons for proposing to increase the City’s and relevant departments’
borrowing limits in the charter, to meet capital expense needs over the long-term.

CAO Schad clarified for Councilor Bergman that the requirement to pay back borrowed amounts
within two years only applies to working capital, as opposed to capital improvements, the terms
for which are set by resolution.

Councilor McKnight confirmed with CAO Schad that the Director of Finance would be sending
out a breakdown of future debt projections and the potential tax implications, in the context of
increased borrowing authority.

No action was taken.

5. General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion
 5.01 General Fund Tax Fairness Charter Discussion

Deputy Chief of Staff Zakaras reviewed the proposal originating from the Mayor’s Tax Fairness
Working Group that proposes an exemption for the first $30,000 of property value for
homesteads, to address inequities in assessed property values.

Councilor McKnight requested further documentation outlining this change.

Data Analyst Stetson clarified for Councilor Litwin how the working group arrived at $30,000.
CAO Schad also added the amounts paid to the City by affordable housing organizations is
dictated by state statute and will not be affected by this charter change. Attorney Ramakrishnan
confirmed Vermont has no form of rent stabilization, answering Councilor Litwin’s concern
regarding if Burlington would have any power to prevent landlords from passing costs onto
renters.
 Page 2 of 3
Councilor Bergman noted that properties falling under housing subsidy covenants should be
made easily identifiable for the Assessor’s Office. Councilor Bergman also requested more
information on the impact to smaller landlords’ properties and indicated he would be open to
separating the exemption from the inflation aspect of the charter change.

Councilor McKnight asked that the City consider bring in outside expertise to weigh in on the
impact to businesses from a potential increase in commercial property taxes as well as a ward-
by-ward impact report.

Attorney Ramakrishnan clarified this change only impacts the General Fund Municipal Tax and
no other municipal taxes.

No action was taken.

6. Any Other Committee Business
 6.01 Any Other Committee Business

No action was taken.

7. Adjournment
 7.01 Motion to adjourn

The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 7:40 PM.




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