Vermont Evaluation of Rural Technical Assistance (VERTA)

This initiative partners UVM, state agencies, and Technical Assistance service providers to create actionable recommendations for an integrated approach to delivering rural technical assistance to Vermont’s towns.

The Challenge

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Vermont’s rural communities face significant threats from extreme weather, aging infrastructure, outdated governance, population decline, and limited municipal capacity. These challenges are further exacerbated by a lack of cohesive support from state agencies and partner technical assistance (TA) providers.  While technical assistance support exists, anecdotal evidence from communities suggests significant room for improvement. 

The Proposed Solution

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In 2024, the Vermont Legislature directed the VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) to develop recommendations for enhancing technical assistance and resources for rural communities under Act 181. 

The Vermont Evaluation of Rural Technical Assistance (VERTA) project charts a path forward, advancing rural prosperity through capacity building, research and data collection, student and university engagement, and strategic coordination of state agency and rural TA providers to leverage better outcomes.

More info available in this VERTA flyer

Project Details

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Community Partner:Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development 
UVM Partner:Center for Rural Studies
Amount:$250,000 Partnership Grant
Primary Region:

Statewide

Focus Areas:Policy & Governance