Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2024-12-18
Time: 18:30

Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall
 Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM

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Meeting ID: 960 3837 4988
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1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Approval of 10/24/24 Minutes
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 2. Adopt Minutes

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report
  Subject 4.1. Rebecca Reese, ELI Manager - Business & Workforce Development
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report

  Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO)


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Update on NPA support working group - Councilor Neubieser

6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis
  Subject 6.1. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis

  Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO)


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Other Committee Business

8. Adjournment
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 8. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall
 Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96038374988?pwd=ls7crTRKk1bUXaudBLaOKCDG8ltStZ.1

Meeting ID: 960 3837 4988
Passcode: 362814
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One tap mobile
+16469313860,,96038374988#,,,,*362814# US
+19292056099,,96038374988#,,,,*362814# US (New York)
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Meeting ID: 960 3837 4988
Passcode: 362814

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abYVBUp5RG



1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Approval of 10/24/24 Minutes
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 2. Adopt Minutes

  Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall
  Category 3. Public Forum


 Page 1 of 37
  Department


  Type

4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report
  Subject 4.1. Rebecca Reese, ELI Manager - Business & Workforce Development
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report

  Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO)


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. Update on NPA support working group - Councilor Neubieser

6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis
  Subject 6.1. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis

  Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO)


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Other Committee Business

8. Adjournment
  Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024,
 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall


  Category 8. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action




 Page 2 of 37
 CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT
 CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
 NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
 c/o Community & Economic Development Office
 City Hall, Room 32 • 149 Church Street • Burlington, VT 05401
 802-865-7144 VOX • 802-865-7024 FAX • www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo




Councilor Carter Neubieser (CN), Chair, Ward 1
Councilor Evan Litwin (EL), Ward 7
Councilor Joe Kane (JK), Ward 3

 CDNR Committee Meeting
 Thursday, October 24th, 2024
 5:00 – 7:00 PM
 Queen City Meeting Room, 3rd Floor – City Hall

Committee members: Evan Litwin (EL), Joe Kane (JK)
City Staff: Christine Curtis, CEDO
Other Attendees:


 Draft Minutes

Meeting Started at 5:08 PM

 1. Approve agenda
 MOTION by Councilor Kane, SECOND by Councilor Litwin, to approve the
agenda
VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

  2. Approve minutes: 9/18/24
 MOTION by Councilor Litwin, SECOND by Councilor Kane, to approve the
minutes
VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 3. Public Forum
 • No one spoke at public forum


 The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities.
 For accessibility information, call 865-7144. For questions about the meeting,
 contact Christine Curtis at ccurtis@burlingtonvt.gov


 Page 3 of 37
4. Work Session: Proposed Charter Change Language for Setting Rental
 Notice Periods Municipally
 • EL discussed the challenges faced by the rental market in Burlington,
 with a high vacancy rate and difficulty in people finding new homes
 when their rent is increased or their lease is terminated. He proposed
 a charter change to bring back local control over the notice period for
 rental increases and terminations, aiming to stabilize the rental
 market and prevent people from being forced to commute further.
 EL clarified that this is not rent control, but rather a matter of setting
 the notice period. He expressed hope that the voters would approve
 this change in the upcoming March vote
 • MOTION by Councilor Litwin, SECOND by Councilor Kane – CDNR
 Committee to sponsor version of the Resolution (attached) from the
 City Attorney’s office as written and ask City Council to vote at the
 10/28/24 meeting to move this item onto Charter Change
 VOTING: unanimous; motion carries


5. Other Committee Business/Updates
 • NPA resolution is still pending


6. Adjournment
 • ADJOURN at 5:44 p.m. by Councilor Kane with no objection




 Page 4 of 37
 Annual Report
 October 2024




 Authors


 Rebecca Reese
 Early Learning Initiative Manager

 Alexandra Bacheller
 Workforce Development Manager

 Kara Alnasrawi
Director, Business and Workforce Development




 Page 5 of 37
Page 6 of 37
 TABLE OF CONTENTS



I: Program Summary

 a) Indicators of Success 2018 – 2024

II: Act 76 and State Level Changes and impacts to ELI

 a) Key Components of Act 76
 b) The Role of ELI in the New State Environment

III: First Steps Scholarship, Year 5, 2023-2024

 a) The Fifth Scholarship Year by the Numbers
 b) Increased Scholarship Tuition Rates and Added Benefits to Act 76
 c) Increased Annual Income Limits

IV: ELI Capacity Grants

 a) 2024 ELI Capacity Grants
 1. ONE Arts Community School – Burlington
 2. The Wilds Preschool
 b) Language Access Grants

V: Workforce Development as a Capacity Building Tool

 a) Early Childhood Education Training Pilot Program
 b) First Steps Training Program
 c) Training for Current Providers
 a. Seed & Sew Partnership
 b. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 d) Substitute Teacher Pool Pilot Project
 e) Family Child Care Program Support Project




 Page 7 of 37
I: Program Summary

The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) continues to adapt to the changing and challenging
child care environment through developing new and innovative programs to support
the community.

 Enrolled and provided scholarships for 50 children, more than any previous year.
 Launched an early childhood educator training program in partnership with the
 Workforce Development Manager of the Business and Workforce Development
 Department.
 o 31 total participants, graduating 29 newly trained educators into the field.
 Funded 2 ELI Capacity Grants supporting existing and new programs.
 o The Wilds Preschool – Seed funding for a new nature based early childhood
 education and child care program.
 o ONE Arts Community School – Burlington – Funding to support health and
 safety upgrades at an existing ELI partner program.
 Planning new programs to support the child care community.
 o Substitute Teacher Pool pilot, in partnership with Seed & Sew, to offer the
 service to a few Burlington programs before launching on a larger scale.
 o Family Child Care Program to support those interested in opening an in-home
 child care program.
 Following Act 76 rollout and supporting the Burlington child care community through
 the changes and expansion of state programs




 Page 8 of 37
Indicators of Success, 2018-2024


Success Indicator Outcome Measure

  256 applicants since 2019
  230 scholarships offered over 5 years
  197 scholarships accepted for an 86%
More children in high-quality child care
 enrollment rate
  50 scholarships provided in Year 5, most in
 any one year

  Since 2019, almost $2.4 million in state
 funding and just over $972,000 of local
 dollars paid into the community through
Total public funding pulled into the
 the First Steps Scholarship
child care community through First
  Year 5, through August 2024: estimated
Steps Scholarship families
 $168,000 of local dollars spent (reduction
 due to Act 76) and $490,000 of state
 funding

  90% of applicants were offered a space
  Between 2018-2024, ELI Capacity Grants
 supported the creation of 4 new child
High-quality child care is available for
 care centers and 124 new infant/toddler
children eligible for scholarship
 spots, 38% of existing spots in the City.
  24 First Steps Scholarship partner child
 care programs throughout 5 towns

 For Year 5, 2023-24 Scholarship Year:
  58% of ELI families are single parent
 households
Families have better economic well
  83% of families need child care to stay
being
 employed or find employment
  40% of applicants have a primary
 language other than English
 o 10 different languages represented
  85% of scholarship recipients stayed
Young children are more prepared for enrolled through four scholarship years
Pre-K and Kindergarten  Enrolled children had an attendance rate
 of 78% of open days, for Year 5




 Page 9 of 37
II: Act 76 and State Level Changes and Impacts to ELI

Key Components of Act 76

The passage of Vermont Act 76 marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to
support the child care sector, early childhood education workforce, and families. The
bill injects $125 million annually into the industry and is set to revolutionize the child care
landscape by making it more affordable and stable, boosting the state’s workforce
and economy. Changes beginning in July 2023 are significant wins for Vermont’s
families, child care providers, and the broader community.

While the legislature supports the child care industry in many ways, changes to the
Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) have the largest impact on ELI.
Details of those include:

  Increased Income Eligibility for Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP):
 o April 2024: Families earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL),
 approximately $124,800 annually for a family of four, will be eligible. An
 increase from the current eligibility of 350% FPL.
 o October 2024: Eligibility expands further to families earning up to 575% of the
 FPL, or about $179,400 annually for a family of four.
 o Impact: Upward of 8,000 more children will become eligible for financial
 assistance, making child care more accessible.
  Enhanced Reimbursement Rates:
 o July 2023: All child care programs began receiving tuition payments at the 5-
 STAR reimbursement rate, regardless of their STAR rating. Previously, programs
 with lower STAR ratings received less tuition reimbursement.
 o January 2024: Reimbursement rates increased by 35%, reaching up to $471
 per week.
 o Impact: Higher reimbursement rates will help stabilize child care programs,
 improve their financial viability, and make tuition more affordable for families.



The Role of ELI in the New State Environment

ELI has been pivotal in supporting families and child care programs through its First Steps
Scholarship Program since 2019. This program fills gaps in state tuition assistance and
has been a model for other municipalities. With increased state funding, ELI is adapting
to continue its support in innovative ways. Ongoing efforts will be crucial in ensuring that




 Page 10 of 37
these changes are implemented effectively, and that the community continues to
receive support during this transition.

  Continued scholarship support to fill the gaps in Act 76. There are still families
 that fall through the cracks, and ELI is able to support those who may not
 otherwise be able to access the system.
  ELI will work closely with partners and families to ensure a smooth transition to the
 new system.
  Capacity building has been a focus of ELI for many years and the community
 expects the demand for child care spots to increase significantly. ELI will
 continue efforts to create more child care spots and train educators who can
 staff programs.



III: First Steps Scholarship Program, Year 5, 2023-2024

The Fifth Scholarship Year by the Numbers:

The First Steps Scholarship Program continues to see strong numbers in applications,
enrollments, and partnering child care providers. This year the scholarship successfully
enrolled 50 children as of May 2024. This is the most enrollments to date, speaking to the
strong partnerships with providers and their willingness to prioritize First Steps families. ELI
continues to support non-scholarship families as they navigate the child care
environment. It is a complex system with many different programs, organizations, and
requirements.

As of June 2024, First Steps has supported the child care needs for 82 children, including
First Steps Scholarship applications and placements; connecting older siblings and/or
families not eligible for scholarship funding to preschool and afterschool programs;
working with families to enroll in Head Start programs; offering advice and instruction for
CCFAP; and linking families to other social services. An additional eight children not
eligible for the scholarship program received assistance to find care and navigate the
enrollment process.

  67 total applications - 48 new families and 19 returning from Year 4
  50 families enrolled in Year 5
 o 75% of all applications have successfully enrolled in child care
 o 89% of all applications have been offered enrollment spaces
  8 families on the wait list in June 2024




 Page 11 of 37
  24 partner child care programs in 5 towns - children currently enrolled at 17
 programs
  83% of First Steps families need child care to remain employed or find
 employment
  40% of applicants’ primary language is something other than English, with 10
 different languages represented
 o Year 5 has seen the percentage of families speaking other languages
 double over Year 4.
  70% of ELI families identify as BIPOC
  58% of ELI families are single parent households
  92% of First Steps families qualify at 65% area median income, with 4% of families
 qualifying between 66% and 80% area median income and another 4%
 qualifying between 80% and 100% area median income
  7 families have withdrawn from care throughout the scholarship year, due to
 moving out of the area, lack of transportation, or changes in family care needs
  Estimated $186,000 investment for the scholarship year spanning September 1,
 2023, to August 31, 2024, with an average annual scholarship of $3,720
 o Less than previous years because of increased state funding from Act 76



Increased Scholarship Tuition Rates and Added Benefits to Act 76

The First Steps Scholarship layers additional Burlington funds on top of the state-funded
Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) to make high-quality care truly
affordable for families. Each year the ELI tuition rate increases to keep in line with child
care program tuition increases and inflation. Year 5 saw two increases due to the
Act 76 rollout and higher CCFAP reimbursement rates from the state.

The maximum scholarship tuition between September and December 2023 was
$437/week, about a 3.5% increase over Scholarship Year 4. The delivery model
remained the same as well.

  Families qualifying at or below 65% AMI: Tuition is fully covered to the weekly
 maximum of $437 through a combination of scholarship dollars and CCFAP.
  Families qualifying between 66% and 80% AMI: Tuition is covered up to the
 weekly maximum of $437 through a combination of scholarship dollars, CCFAP,
 and a family copayment capped at no more than 5% of the family’s weekly
 income.




 Page 12 of 37
  Families who qualified at or below 80% AMI in previous years continue to qualify
 up to 100% AMI for a flat rate scholarship of $165/week to be layered with
 CCFAP.

A major aspect of Act 76 included significantly higher CCFAP reimbursement tuition
rates, increasing by 35% for all ages. Distribution of these new rates to programs began
at the end of December 2023.



 Infant Toddler Preschool

 Before Dec 2023
 $349 $328 $325
 Max CCFAP Rate

 After Dec 2023
 $471 $443 $439
 Max CCFAP rate


ELI rates followed the state changes, causing the delivery model to adjust slightly as
well. Previously, ELI always paid more than the state, ensuring true affordability for
families and supporting programs contending with state rates that were not meeting
tuition needs. With the large increase of the state CCFAP payment, ELI began paying to
the maximum state rate, but not over. This means a weekly scholarship is not always
paid out for every ELI First Steps family. Some families are already funded to the
$471/week maximum by the state, so ELI does not contribute additional dollars.

  For the remainder of Year 5, between January and August 2024, ELI continues to
 operate in the three-tier scholarship system with a maximum of $471/week.
 Families qualifying at or below 65% AMI: Tuition is fully covered to the weekly
 maximum of $471 through a combination of scholarship dollars and CCFAP.
  Families qualifying between 66% and 80% AMI: Tuition is covered up to the
 weekly maximum of $471 through a combination of scholarship dollars, CCFAP,
 and a family copayment capped at no more than 5% of the family’s weekly
 income.
  Families who qualified at or below 80% AMI in previous years continue to qualify
 up to 100% AMI for a flat rate scholarship of $180/week to be layered with
 CCFAP.

The increase in CCFAP rates will greatly benefit our community and provides much
needed funding to both families and child care programs. It also impacts the ELI
budget, reducing individual scholarships on average by $80-100 each week. The City is




 Page 13 of 37
expecting to pay out an estimated $80,000 less in scholarship dollars due to the
increased state funding.

Although the state CCFAP program is now covering more of the tuition needs for many
families, the First Steps Scholarship Program continues to benefit the community in a
variety of ways.

  Helping families find available spots and work through the enrollment process
  Facilitating interpretation and translation needs for families who do not speak
 English
  Supporting child care programs to fill open spots and ensuring full enrollment
  Helping families navigate the CCFAP application process and state system
  Funding families who are approaching a benefits cliff within the City-defined
 income limits
 o Families who do not qualify for CCFAP
 o Families who only qualify for part-time funding but are enrolled in full-time
 care and could be responsible for an unaffordable family share of tuition
  This often occurs with families on shift work, second shift, or who
 work weekends.
  Families who begin to do better financially but still fall under the 100% area
 median income and can benefit from another small boost for child care costs.



Increased Annual Income Limits

As expected, the area median income limits increased in 2024. HUD released new
income numbers in April 2024, with totals increasing by about $5,000 to $6,000 for the
Burlington area.


 April 2024 Federal Low-Income Limits for Burlington – 80% Area Median Income


Family size 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people

80% area
median $76,100 $85,600 $95,100 $102,750 $110,350 $117,950
income




 Page 14 of 37
Act 76 State-Wide Changes

Act 76 is increasing income limits for all Vermont residents, allowing many more families
to qualify for CCFAP. April 2024 saw the first increase, moving from 350% to 400% of the
federal poverty limit:

 3 or fewer 6 or more
 Family size 4 people 5 people
 people people

 400% of FPL $103,284 $124,800 $146,316 $167,844



The final income increase will come in October 2024 including all families up to 575% of
the federal poverty limit. First Children’s Finance expects up to 80% of Vermont families
to qualify.

 3 or
 6 or more
 Family size fewer 4 people 5 people
 people
 people

 575% of FPL $148,464 $179,400 $210,336 $241,272




IV: ELI Capacity Grants

2024 ELI Capacity Grants

ONE Arts Community School – Burlington

ONE Arts Inc. received an $11,415.15 ELI Capacity Grant to address interior health and
safety concerns at the ONE Arts Community School - Burlington, a childcare center
located at 294 North Winooski Avenue. The site cares for up to 26 infants, toddlers, and
preschoolers, with a diverse population and nearly 60% of families receiving tuition
support. ELI funded the initial startup of the program with a 2021 Capacity Grant. The
2024 grant was used to improve the physical space of the child care program,
including HVAC and airflow needs, space-dividing measures, and a security system for
entry points into the program.




 Page 15 of 37
The Wilds Preschool

The Wilds Preschool, in connection with Crow’s Path, received $26,275 to support the
startup of a new nature-based preschool and child care program located at the North
Avenue Alliance Church at 901 North Avenue. The startup costs allowed the program to
be furnished with supplies, toys, and educational materials; the space to be organized
and operate as a nature-based early learning program; and the outdoor space to be
equipped for children to spend the majority of their day outside.

Opening in October 2023, the program began with 12 spots in Year 1, with up to 4
toddlers and 8 preschoolers. They have plans to expand in Year 2 to 20-24 enrollment
spots. Backed by the long-established and well-known outdoor education program,
Crow’s Path, The Wilds is the group’s first step into early childhood education. The Wilds
Preschool provides outdoor education at an accessible location and is committed to
enrolling a diverse population.



Language Access Grants

Language Access Grants continue to support the community. Launched in 2023, details
of the program include:

  Grants are available to all Burlington child care programs and First Steps
 Scholarship partner programs located outside of Burlington
  Individual grant maximum of up to $800/project
  Programs can apply for up to 3 projects in a 12-month period for an annual
 maximum of $2,400
  Costs must have been incurred after January 1, 2022
  Funds administered through a reimbursement model

The Early Learning Center in Colchester received an $800 grant to support an on-going
contract to communicate with enrolled families. Several other programs have reached
out for technical support on the application and finding reliable, affordable translation
and interpretation services.




 Page 16 of 37
V: Workforce Development as a Capacity Building Tool

At the state level, Act 76 has implemented many changes throughout the child care
community. The increase in funding is welcomed in an industry that has been woefully
underfunded. It has also provided the opportunity for ELI to shift focus and turn toward
other needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic focused a light on the understaffed and underfunded child
care community. Many programs lost teachers during that time and have yet to
rebound to pre-pandemic staffing and enrollment levels. Based on a Spring 2024 survey
of ELI parent programs, 11 child care programs currently have 28 open staff positions.
ELI has taken the opportunity to build child care capacity through training programs for
new and existing educators.



Early Childhood Education Training Pilot Program

ELI partnered with Let’s Grow Kids to offer a pilot training program hoping to bring new
people into the field. The Early Childhood Education Training Program launched in May
2023 with seven participants.

The program was designed to offer the required trainings with wraparound supports for
participants to successfully complete the work. Trainings included a 3-credit Community
College of Vermont course – Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 2-sessions of
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, Introduction to Northern
Light Individual Professional Development Plan and Bright Future Information Systems,
and pediatric CPR and first aid among other offerings.

The course ran with seven participants, graduating six new educators into the field in
August 2023.

  4 participants completed all trainings
  2 qualified for an Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1
  2 are employed full-time in center-based programs
  1 is currently a substitute at a center-based program
  2 are interested in starting family child care programs

This model was considered when the BWD Workforce Development Manager took over
management of early childhood education training programs.




 Page 17 of 37
First Steps Training Program

The First Steps Training Program launched in the fall of 2023. This program offers
Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training;
pediatric first aid and CPR; as well as observation placement in area child care centers
and advising support from Northern Lights staff. Specifically, the program offers:

  Intro to Child Development
  Early Childhood Environments
  Intro to Licensing
  Observation and Assessment
  Building Meaningful Curriculum
  Social Emotional Development
  Basic Specialized Care
  Advanced Specialized Care
  Language and Creative Expression
  Family-Centered Practice
  Professionalism, Leadership and Ethical Practice
  Pediatric First Aid and CPR
  Diversity training with a focus on culturally responsive care
  Office and advising hours with Northern Lights staff
  Support from the Workforce Development Manager
  Observation positions at local childcare centers

The First Steps Training Program was offered in the fall of 2023 and the spring of 2024.
Overall:

  31 educators started, 29 educators completed

 Data Fall 2023 + Spring 2024
 % Female 71%
 % Male 6%
 % Non-binary 23%
 % BIPOC 35%
 % ESL 42%
 Employment Rate 77%
  22 in centers
  2 as substitute
 teachers




 Page 18 of 37
Training for Current Providers

S.E.E.D. Certification

ELI partnered with Seed & Sew to offer social-emotional trainings to child care programs
within the City. Schools Excelling in Emotional Development (S.E.E.D.) Certification is an
online, asynchronistic training, which allows programs and teachers to learn at their
own pace and schedule. Developed by Alyssa Campbell-Black, it is a nationally
sought-after program, that Burlington is lucky enough to have as a local resource. The
training uses “research-backed practices in the classroom to build emotional
intelligence and reduce teacher burnout.”

The initial partnership focused on a cohort of Burlington family child care providers. This
program gave five seasoned educators access to both the training and associated
platform, and also to each other as they worked through the 8 modules. The monthly
meetings offered community, support, and education for at-home providers, who often
work alone and feel quite isolated.

The success of the first group led to an expanded partnership with Seed & Sew offering
S.E.E.D. Certification to all untrained Burlington programs and supported the financial
needs of S.E.E.D. Certified schools’ annual membership. To date, ELI has funded:

  S.E.E.D. Certification for 15 child care programs, both centers and family child
 care providers, at $22,473
  Recertification for 14 child care programs at $11,358.



Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings are being offered throughout the
community to many organizations – the City, large companies, the Burlington School
District, etc. ELI has established a relationship with Yasamin Gordon, a certified diversity
trainer, currently the Director of Inclusion and Belonging for Shelburne Farms. Inclusion of
DEI trainings follows the city-wide goals of expanding opportunities for DEI training and
education. Child care providers are very interested in participating.

ELI and Workforce Development collaborated to offer available spaces in the First Steps
Training Program DEI to partner programs. Many were very interested, and the spots
filled within minutes. Several have reached out asking about additional DEI
opportunities and resources to fund this important professional development. In the
Annual ELI Partner Survey, 11 centers indicated interest and willingness to host or attend
DEI trainings.




 Page 19 of 37
Substitute Teacher Pool Pilot Project

Continuing our partnership with Seed & Sew, ELI and Workforce Development are
supporting work to pilot a substitute teacher pool with a few select Burlington based
child care programs.

The City and Seed & Sew have learned from trusted community partners and past
attempts at such programs. An already existing database is being implemented to offer
administration support for posting and assigning positions. The state Child Development
Division has also been helpful explaining licensing requirements and how to operate
within the parameters.

Interested educators are signing on to the project, including several First Steps Training
participants. The City and Seed & Sew hope to launch in the summer of 2024.



Family Child Care Program Support Project

The City has seen a significant decrease in family child care providers, with over 65% of
them closing in the last 10 years. The community now only has 11 home-based
providers. ELI sees this an area to increase capacity of available spots and support new
entrepreneurs in the City.

ELI, Workforce Development, and Burlington’s Small Business Support have collaborated
to create a program supporting individuals who are interested in opening child care
programs in their homes. This project is working closely with the First Steps Training
Program, which equips participants with the training and basic certifications needed to
open an in-home program. The efforts were also recognized by the Harvard Graduate
School of Education Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative with the team being
accepted into the 1-day conference - Strengthening State and City Early Education
System and Policy for Today and Tomorrow. The City was 1 of 12 teams selected out of
a national pool of 50+ applicants. Rebeca Reese, Alex Bacheller, Will Clavelle, Johanna
Schneider, and Kara Alnasrawi attended in early December, learning from experts and
advancing the project.

The team plans to launch in the summer, supporting a small group of two to three
participants initially. This will allow everyone to learn from each other and ensure the
best designed program is being offered to the community. Following the pilot, ideally
ELI support will support two to three new family child care providers annually. The
training will include:

  First Steps Training Program, if needed




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 o Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals which meet the education
 requirement
 o Pediatric First Aid and CPR
 o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
 Support with State licensing regulations and background checks
 Registering and insuring a new small business
 Learning about family child care program finances and how to access CCFAP
 tuition support dollars
 Connecting with state-level organizations that support the child care community




 Page 21 of 37
Appendices

Appendix A: Capacity Grant Program Totals, 2017-2024


Center & Grant Award Total Spots Funding Totals
Year

ONE Arts Community
 28 spots, 16 infant/toddler and $115,091.76 (2 grants)
School – Burlington - 2021
 12 preschool newly created
(new child care center)

The Wilds Preschool 12 spots, Up to 4 toddler and 8 $26,275
(new child care program) preschool newly created

Next Generation – 18 infant and toddler newly $19,200
Burlington created
(new child care center) -
2020

Champlain Valley Head 23 infant/toddler and preschool $90,849
Start newly created
(new child care center) -
2019

Fletcher Free Library - 2019 50 students reached at home- $17,300
 based centers

Pine Forest – 2018 & 2019 69 stabilized and future $50,000 (2 grants)
 expansion planning

Burlington Children’s 51 stabilized through building $150,000 (2-installments
Space - 2018 ownership of $75,000)

YMCA - 2018 38 newly created $130,000

Sara Holbrook Community 8 newly created $150,000
Center - 2018

Full Circle Preschool – 4 newly created $19,000 (2 grants)
2017 & 2018

Robin’s Nest - 2018 46 improved by $10,275
 teacher/director certification

The Family Room - 2018 Community center stabilized; $45,000
 CCFAP started




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Appendix B: ELI Advertisements

First Steps Scholarships




 Page 23 of 37
First Steps Training Program




 Page 24 of 37
2024 Annual Report


Rebecca Reese
Early Learning Initiative Manager

Alexandra Bacheller
Workforce Development Manager


 Page 25 of 37
Early Learning Initiative in
Business and Workforce Development
Support for both child care programs and families

 First Steps Scholarship Program
 ELI Capacity Grants
 First Steps Training Program



 Page 26 of 37
5 Years of Family Support, 2019-2024
Help for families to find and afford 256 applications submitted
high-quality child care
 230 scholarships offered
Reserved enrollment spots

Support for both City and State
 197 scholarships accepted

applications
 86% enrollment rate
Case management throughout child care partner programs through 5
enrollment process 24 towns


 Page 27 of 37
First Steps Scholarship
Scholarship Year #5 2023-2024


50 scholarships awarded 58% single parent households

 70% BIPOC families
67 applications accepted
  48 new families as of Year 5
  19 families returning from Year 4
 40% families speaking languages
 other than English
 10 languages represented
89% of all applicants offered enrollment 83% of families need childcare
 spaces
 to stay employes or find employment



 Page 28 of 37
Act 76
Vermont’s Historic Child Care Bill


 Passed in June 2023 and roll out began July 1, 2023

 Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) reimbursement rates increased by 35%
 ex. Infant rate of $349/week increased to $471/week

 Family income limits increasing significantly
 April 2024 to 400% FPL- $124,800
 October 2024 575% FPL- $179,400
 Estimates that 80%+ of Vermont families will qualify




 Page 29 of 37
ELI Capacity Grants
Supports creating more capacity within high-quality child
care, and protects existing spots and programs within in the
community.


$823,000 awarded since 2018

46% increase in capacity in Burlington
 4 new child care centers
 up to 124 new high-quality spots
 stabilize 166 spots at high-quality centers
 Supporting 38% of all existing spots in the City

New Grants:
 The Wilds Preschool - $26,275
 ONE Arts Community School - Burlington - $11,415
 ELI Language Access Grant to the Early Learning
 Center in Colchester

 Page 30 of 37
First Steps Training
Program Components

  Fundamentals for Early Childhood
  Professionals, through Northern Lights

  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training,
  with Yasamin Gordon

  Pediatric First Aid & CPR with Tamara
  McLaughlin, through VT Safety Net

  Additional support with licensing and
  professional next steps, through Northern
  Lights



 Page 31 of 37
First Steps Training
Two cohorts - Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

  31 educators accepted
  29 educators completed
 71% female
 6% male
 23% nonbinary
 35% BIPOC
 42% ESL
 77% employment rate
 22 in centers and 2 as substitute teachers


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Trainings for Current Educators
Seed & Sew partnership
 S.E.E.D. Certification - Schools Excelling in Emotional
 Development
 online social-emotional training to “build emotional
 intelligence and reduce teacher burnout”
 15 child care programs, both centers and family child care
 piloted with 5 family child care programs
 Recertified 14 child care programs

 Substitute Teacher Pool
 Partnering with Seed & Sew to coordinate community
 partners across state to offer a pilot to ELI partner programs
 Currently working with 4 child care programs and 5
 substitutes
 Utilizing existing technology and innovating with the State


GOAL: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
  11 partner programs have indicated interest
 Page 33 of 37
Family Child Care Programs
 Only 10 family child care providers in the City
 65% decrease over the last 10 years, 19 in just 2018

Strengthening State and City Early Education Systems and Policy for Today and Tomorrow
 1-day conference through the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative
 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
 The team - Kara, Rebecca, Alex, Will, and Jo
 Engaging community and organizing program
 Part 1
 current First Steps Training Program
 Part 2
 ELI Capacity Grant
 financial support and budgeting courses
 Licensing and insurance support
 small business support


 Page 34 of 37
Thank you!
Rebecca Reese
Early Learning Initiative Manager
City of Burlington
rreese@burlingtonvt.gov
802.865.7533

Alex Bacheller
Workforce Development Manager
City of Burlington
abacheller@burlingtonvt.gov
802.829.6047


 Page 35 of 37
A Resolution Related to: Investing an additional one million dollars into the Burlington Housing
Trust Fund

Whereas:
The vast majority of Burlingtonians cannot afford to buy a home and struggle to afford rent. The
median sale price of a home in Burlington is over half a million dollars. 31% of renters pay more
than half of their income on rent in Burlington. We are experiencing record levels of families and
individuals forced to sleep outdoors.

Whereas:
Healthcare costs are out of control and are eating up a large part of Burlingtonians’ household
incomes. UVM Health Network has a monopoly on healthcare in Vermont - controlling upwards
of 60% of the market (the highest of any hospital in the US). Vermonters pay the highest
average premiums in the US - more than $1,200.

Whereas:
Our municipal and state property tax systems are unfair and untenable. During the last
reassessment, when COVID hit, the burden of funding our city’s general fund shifted away from
commercial property owners, leaving residents with significantly higher tax bills. Statewide, the
highest-income Vermonters pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than many in the
middle.

Whereas:
The University of Vermont does not take enough responsibility for its effect on our local and
regional housing market. The Governor and State Legislature have not taken action to force a
change in UVM’s approach. Many colleges house students all four years, but not UVM. This is a
major driver of Burlington’s vacancy rate of 1%, leading to skyrocketing rents and poor housing
conditions.

Whereas:
The Burlington Housing Trust Fund has proven highly effective in funding the creation and
maintenance of permanently affordable housing

Whereas:
Burlington’s benefits from a cost efficient, effective, and dedicated web of nonprofit and public
affordable housing providers and developers including but not limited to the Champlain Housing
Trust, COTS, the Living Well Group, Homeshare Vermont, Cathedral Square, Spectrum, Dismas
House and many more;

Whereas:
Burlington Community Land Trust (BCLT) and Lake Champlain Housing Development
Corporation (LCHDC), which were later merged to create the Champlain Housing Trust, were
each founded in 1984 with the financial support of the City of Burlington in partnership with
neighboring communities and citizen groups;




 Page 36 of 37
Whereas:
The Champlain Housing Trust and other nonprofit housing organizations originating in
Burlington have served as models to communities globally, to build and maintain affordable
housing;

Therefore be it resolved:
The city’s Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) in collaboration with the city’s
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and other relevant city staff (as determined by CEDO, the
CAO, and Mayor’s office) will identify a variety of pathways the city could increase money
dedicated to the Housing Trust Fund by at least 1 million dollars annually;

Therefore be it resolved:
The pathways identified should include those that we could pursue with existing powers we hold
under charter, and others that would require a charter change with final approval from the
General Assembly and the Governor.

Therefore be it resolved:
The funding for these proposals will either
1. generate new revenue only through progressive-taxation, meaning those residents and
businesses with the highest incomes and largest amount of wealth pay more than Burlington’s
working and middle class. Revenue may also be generated from tourists visiting our city.
2. Be revenue neutral in relation to their impact on property taxpayers.

Therefore be it resolved:
A representative from CEDO and the CAO will present a report with their findings to the
Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization (CDNR) committee of the City
Council by March 15, 2025




 Page 37 of 37

CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT
 CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
 NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
 c/o Community & Economic Development Office
 City Hall, Room 32 • 149 Church Street • Burlington, VT 05401
 802-865-7144 VOX • 802-865-7024 FAX • www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo




Councilor Carter Neubieser (CN), Chair, Ward 1
Councilor Evan Litwin (EL), Ward 7
Councilor Joe Kane (JK), Ward 3

 CDNR Committee Meeting
 Wednesday, December 18th, 2024
 6:30 – 8:30 PM
 Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor – City Hall

Committee members: Carter Neubieser (CN), Evan Litwin (EL), Joe Kane (JK)
City Staff: Marcella Gange, CEDO
Other Attendees: Brian Pine, Sarah Russell, CEDO; Rebecca Reese, Kara Alnasrawi, Business
and Workforce Development


 Draft Minutes

Meeting Started at 6:33 PM

 1. Approve agenda
 MOTION by Councilor Kane, SECOND by Councilor Litwin, to approve the
agenda
VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

  2. Approve minutes: 10/24/24
 MOTION by Councilor Kane, SECOND by Councilor Litwin, to approve the
minutes
VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 3. Public Forum
 • No one spoke at public forum

 The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities.
 For accessibility information, call 865-7144. For questions about the meeting,
 contact Christine Curtis at ccurtis@burlingtonvt.gov
4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report
 • Rebecca Reese, the Early Learning Initiative manager, discusses the
 2024 annual report on the First Step Scholarship program.
 • The program supports Burlington families in accessing and affording
 high-quality childcare through scholarships, capacity grants for
 providers, and workforce training.
 • In its fifth year, the program received 256 applications with an 86%
 enrollment rate across 24 partner providers.
 • Rebecca highlights that 50 scholarships were awarded, assisting
 single parents, BIPOC families, non-English speakers, and those
 needing childcare for employment.
 • She notes the recent state legislation increasing childcare subsidies
 by 35%, with an estimated 80% of Vermont families qualifying for
 some tuition assistance.
 • The program aims to fill remaining gaps for families still needing
 extra support.
 • The ELI Language Access Grant supports interpretation and
 translation services for non-English speaking families.
 • To address the workforce shortage, the First Steps training program
 has brought in 29 new educators, and they are partnering with a
 local organization to provide social-emotional training and establish a
 substitute teacher pool.
 • Rebecca presented on the work of the Family Room, a community
 organization that provides childcare and support services to families.
 She highlighted the organization's efforts to bridge the health equity
 gap, particularly for families with limited English proficiency.
 • Discussed the challenges of the childcare industry, including high
 costs and low profit margins. She mentioned the state's Act 76,
 which aims to increase reimbursement rates for childcare providers,
 and the Vermont model as a potential solution.
 • EL expressed interest in how to effectively communicate health-
 related information to diverse communities, and Rebecca suggested
 that the Family Room could play a role in this. The conversation
 ended with Rebecca’s mention of a forthcoming workforce training
 program at the Family Room.

5. Updates on NPA support working group – Councilor Neubieser
 • CN provided a verbal update on the progress of the Neighborhood
 Planning Assemblies (NPAs) project. The second meeting had taken
 place a few weeks ago, and another meeting was scheduled for the
 following day.
 • CN also discussed the scope of the project, which includes defining
 the role of the NPA, discussing open meeting law, and addressing 1st
 amendment protections. CN mentioned that the NPA is independent
 within city government but not completely independent from it.
 • CN also mentioned that the project involves discussions around best
 practices and guidelines for the NPA.
 • JK expressed concerns about the project, stating that the NPA is
 legally part of city government and should be subject to certain
 guidelines and safeguards. He suggested that the city council should
 have a role in defining these guidelines and that the NPA should not
 be completely independent.
 • EL also shared his experiences with the NPA, highlighting the
 differences between various NPA meetings and the challenges of
 balancing the needs of different stakeholders.
 • CN acknowledged these concerns and promised to take them back to
 the working group for further discussion.


6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City’s affordable housing crisis
 • CN discussed the city's ongoing efforts to address the affordable
 housing crisis, emphasizing the need for immediate action and the
 potential for expanding the Housing Trust Fund.
 • JK raised concerns about the current funding sources and the
 potential for competition with other revenue-raising initiatives.
 • EL suggested adjusting the tone of the resolution to be more
 collaborative and less confrontational, particularly when addressing
 institutions like the University of Vermont.
 • Sarah Russell highlighted the need for dedicated homeless units and
 suggested linking funding to requirements for accepting households
 exiting homelessness.
 • EL and CN discussed the potential for progressive taxation in
 Burlington, with EL expressing concerns about its impact on
 businesses and the middle class. Members also discussed the
 possibility of taxing property owners who exceed a certain number of
 rental units, with EL suggesting that this could encourage property
 owners to sell some of their units.
 • CN agreed to these suggestions and planned to bring the matter back
 to the next CDNR meeting for further discussion. Members also
 discussed the need for a report on the various options for addressing
 the affordability crisis, with CN emphasizing the importance of
 considering the impacts on all classes of people.

7. Other Committee Business
 • None

8. Adjournment
 • ADJOURN at 8:01 p.m. by Councilor Neubieser with no objection