Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

No. We can and should do more to address our current housing emergency, including by prioritizing building new units and ensuring that existing units are livable and affordable. This must include a review of our existing inclusionary zoning ordinance to make sure it is more advantageous for developers to build more perpetually affordable units than paying a fee. We must also be aware that many buildings are aging, and housing plans must account for buildings going offline, which includes active enforcement of our vacant building ordinance and maintaining a strong code enforcement program to ensure a healthy and safe housing stock.

It is laudable that we are building more now than in past decades and are projected to increase that pace; however, to keep up with population growth and to compensate for historical underbuilding, we must continue to prioritize development. Only by acting with urgency, and accelerating our pace to strive for numbers proposed by experts like the VHFA, can we meet the needs of current and prospective Burlington residents.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

Burlington’s current, and future pace of housing development falls short in meeting not only the state’s, but region’s housing needs. Currently, Burlington includes about 7% of Vermont’s overall population. 350 units per year better reflects our share of the 5000 unit need. In a built out City this level of growth is not easy to achieve however. We need to do a better job of holding UVM accountable for meeting their housing needs as they expand both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. There is more opportunity for building on campus than there is in much of our built out City. But that on campus growth needs to be coupled with commitments to stabilize enrollment, or match and exceed enrollment growth well into the future.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

As mayor, I will accomplish this by bringing all ideas and stakeholders to the table, including at the local, regional, and state levels. For instance, by telling Burlington’s story at the state level, we can advocate to end the “double regulation” on development in Burlington and support the proposed changes to Act 250.

Within Burlington, we must collaborate with experts — impacted communities, affordable housing providers, development leaders, legislators, and more — to create cohesive, citywide plans for rapid development. This may look like supporting existing plans, such as Neighborhood Code, or creating bold new ideas that holistically consider community impact. In addition, the mayor can and should facilitate collaboration with major institutions like UVM to ensure transparent, two-way partnerships and create agreements that prioritize community benefit, such as capping student enrollment until housing vacancy rates are at a healthier level. We must all be working together towards a common goal that includes upzoning our city to allow more density, increasing affordability, and ensuring everyone can afford to live and work in Burlington.

I will also lead the way by using existing tools to alleviate pressure on new development needs. For example, by enforcing our Short Term Rental ordinance, we can significantly increase our existing housing stock without waiting for new builds. We can also ensure more buildings remain in our stock by supporting maintenance, via tools such as the weatherization ordinance, impactful penalties for negligent landlords, and financial support for homeowners and renters.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

As a Councilor, I have advocated for, and supported the development of housing development in Burlington. I have actively endorsed several projects aimed at closing the existing gap and ensuring that Burlington plays its fair role in meeting these needs.

One important project I have supported is the South End Innovation District, a development that not only fosters innovation but also contributes to housing growth within our city. Additionally, my backing of the Neighborhood Code demonstrates my commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities, further bridging the gap in our housing market.

I also support UVM building more housing, to house students on campus. However, I emphasize the importance of aligning such developments with the overall student enrollment to ensure responsible growth and to avoid creating an undue burden on the surrounding community.

I am acutely aware that our hospital, our City, our schools, our businesses and our non-profits are all struggling to find housing for the workers our community relies on. I am committed to enhancing housing that meets our community’s needs both within and outside of Burlington but streamlining the permitting process on the City and State level.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

An overarching cause of housing unaffordability, here in Vermont and elsewhere, is that housing is treated as a commodity and an investment rather than a fundamental need and right. We can work to address this by continually pushing for culture change and leading by example from the Mayor’s Office.

A direct cause here in Burlington is decades of underbuilding compared to rising need. There are multiple reasons for this, from a long history of most of the city being zoned for single families, to the high expenses for development and construction. We can address this by working to support affordable housing at every level: collaborating with housing developers committed to the public good, exploring upzoning opportunities, reexamining our inclusionary zoning policies to ensure enough affordable units are created, partnering with large local institutions, creating a more equitable property tax system so that homeowners can retain their housing with income-sensitized tax systems and tax incentives for landlords to maintain affordable rents.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

There are a range of contributing factors that have led to both unaffordability and unavailability of housing in Burlington and throughout most of Vermont. In short, our inventory has not kept up with demand. We have had a housing shortage spanning all of the nearly 40 years I have lived in Burlington. Yet as our problem has gotten worse, we are building fewer units now than we were in the 1980’s. Act 250 existed in the 1980’s but didn’t seem to suppress housing the way it does today. We have duplicative regulatory processes that unnecessarily slow down permitting and construction. People use the appeal process to hold up projects for 5 years at very low cost to the appellant and exorbitantly high cost to the developer, which ultimately adds to the cost of housing.

Restrictive zoning laws are one factor that make it difficult to add new units to the marketplace, and I have been and will continue to work on changing zoning laws to allow for more housing while making sure that our development is right-sized for neighborhoods. Prior to the pandemic, we were already not building enough units to keep up with needed supply. That issue has only increased since the influx of climate refugees, social refugees, and Covid refugees moving to our community from out of state. Though we cannot control the increase in folks coming to reside in Burlington - ultimately, only increasing supply will address the shortage and high prices we currently face.

We should be looking to convert the glut of office space to residential. This doesn’t work for every office building (due to footprints and layout) but it is a solution for some. We need to make it easier to convert upper stories of downtown retail buildings into housing units.

We should also work to increase home ownership opportunities for first time home buyers by allowing condo conversions of apartments (an activity that is currently discouraged through tax policy) and work with area banks to finance the building of condominiums which are also discouraged by lending practices.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

A growing Burlington is a vibrant Burlington. We should not discourage our town from flourishing. Instead, we should do everything in our power to ensure that people of all income levels can afford to live and work here, that people of all identities feel they belong and are safe here, and that people continue to be excited about living in, moving to, and raising families in Burlington. We know that people relocate to Vermont because of our strong public school system; outdoor recreation; and vibrant, engaged, and safe communities. The city must continue to foster a community that protects these vital assets, while doing more to create a healthy and safe community for everyone, regardless of identity or economic status.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

First and foremost, addressing the housing shortage is paramount. The blighted properties such as Memorial Auditorium, the Old YMCA, and underused parking lots represent untapped potential for housing development. By prioritizing the redevelopment of these areas, we will provide much-needed housing options for residents. This approach aligns with the goal of expanding the tax base by welcoming more individuals to the community who can contribute financially.

One specific example is the South End Innovation District, where a formerly underused parking lot is being repurposed for workforce housing and a healthy, sustainable, affordable eco- community. This initiative not only contributes to the economic growth of the city but also fosters innovation and community development. As a leader, I would continue to support and promote similar projects that encourage smart, sustainable development in key areas of Burlington.

As Burlington is a largely built out community we have to identify infill development projects to create needed housing. Collaboration with local businesses, developers, and community stakeholders is critical. By fostering partnerships, we can create a conducive environment for economic growth, job creation, and the overall well-being of the community.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

No, we ought to be building as quickly as possible, while still maintaining adequate public process/review as well as prioritizing the needs of working people.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

I understand the importance of addressing housing needs in our community while also considering broader regional and state-level dynamics. The pace of housing development in Burlington is a crucial aspect of ensuring that our city remains inclusive, vibrant, and accessible to all residents. I do not think that the current level of future anticipated levels is sufficient to meet the demands in the market.

While meeting housing targets is essential, we must also ensure that our approach is tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of Burlington’s neighborhoods. Increased housing development brings both benefits and challenges. On one hand, it can help alleviate housing shortages, create economic opportunities, and promote diversity and inclusion within our community. On the other hand, rapid development without proper planning and community input can lead to issues such as gentrification, displacement, and strain on local resources.

I am particularly focused on ensuring that UVM development bring net new beds to the housing market, and that the Neighborhood Code changes are done so in a way that allows all parts of Burlington to share in new housing creation.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

These levels are obviously not enough. I would like to see us move up about an order of magnitude in the next decade. It’s certainly an uphill battle, but perhaps it’s more of an imperative to think creatively and get more residents and state legislators involved in the process.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

The pace of adding homes in Burlington is not adequate, although Burlington’s home building pace has increased fairly steadily since 2014 so we know we can make progress in helping to meet the region’s needs for more homes. We have finally made progress with getting Cambrian Rise and City Place to a place where they are now stable and building to their potential. I have supported all those efforts as well as the zoning changes to the South End Innovation district. I look forward to a plan for the Gateway block that will have substantial housing. Under consideration now are zoning changes to allow UVM to maximize zoning on a number of lots they own; we must make sure they build their fair share of housing and beyond that look at other institutional lands they control. Where could more housing be added?

The improvements in the city’s recent Neighborhood Code Zoning amendments will remove even more barriers to the creation of more neighborhood-scale housing in all city neighborhoods. This will be a big change for Burlington, particularly those low-density neighborhoods that will now be open to many more units. We will need continued education of residents to help them understand that we are not just paving over Burlington. Burlington can be green and accommodate many more people.

We know we need more homes near jobs and services to help reduce driving and reduce GHG.  Unlike any other municipality in terms of the number of jobs and services concentrated here, Burlington must continue to work with our neighbors in the region to enable more much-needed homes.  We must be leaders in the CCRPC Building Home Together campaign.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

No. We need more housing, and we need to build it at a much faster pace.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

These numbers are wild! Thank you for doing the research to make it clear how far and how fast we're falling short. So...no, I do not think our current pace is acceptable.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

The current and projected pace of housing development in Burlington, the region, and the state is insufficient to address our ongoing housng and affordability issues. We need to incentivize more housing development, on a faster pace, and Burlington, as Vermont's largest city, should take on a larger role in meeting this need.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

No, I think we need to create more housing units.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

I don’t think our rate of construction is fast enough.

The pandemic has made clear the weight of the social crises America has dug itself into by leaving rural economies and the bonds of community behind. Vermont is no exception, and the provision of the services people here need is greatly strained.

Allowing people-oriented space in Burlington to grow will help ease the economic pressure on working people, and have radical benefits for the state and region.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

Given Burlington’s central role in the affairs of Vermont, we also have to ask how Burlington can take a central role in building our affordable housing stock across the state. Supporting increased density and housing development in our downtown and across our city is the first step to bringing our housing stock to an acceptable level for the size of Burlington and Vermont’s populations. I’m heartened by the actions the city council has taken to do that. However, we know that creating a dense, easily-navigable city that prioritizes the people who live here won’t happen if we move slowly or without bold action.

We need courageous leadership that will push to outpace the 250 mark currently projected and get us to a place where we have the units we need to support all of our diverse communities within Burlington. Our vacancy rate is unacceptable in Chittenden County in general, and Burlington must lead the way as the dense urban center that we know it can be and should be.

This is our moment to seize; we must do everything we can to surpass these goals and to do that, we need a council with the political will and the guts to stand up for working people. I believe I bring that, along with ambitious goals for our housing future, to the council.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

Work with advocates and stakeholders to advance policy solutions that lower the cost of housing. Solutions must focus on decreasing costs on working people, our middle class, and those on a fixed income - my full platform can be viewed here.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

As a councilor, I will work to address the gap in new housing development in Burlington through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and community engagement. First and foremost, I will work to streamline the regulatory process for housing development while ensuring that zoning regulations support appropriate increased density and mixed-use development. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and incentivizing responsible development practices, we can encourage more efficient and timely construction of new housing units.

Additionally, I will advocate for the allocation of resources towards affordable housing initiatives and the preservation of existing affordable housing stock. This may involve partnering with local nonprofits, developers, and financial institutions to facilitate the creation of affordable housing units through innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships. Furthermore, I will push for the implementation of inclusionary zoning policies that require developers to set aside a percentage of new units for affordable housing, thereby promoting socio-economic diversity within our neighborhoods.

Moreover, I recognize the importance of promoting sustainable housing practices that mitigate environmental impact and enhance resilience to climate change. As a councilor, I will champion policies that prioritize energy-efficient construction, promote green building standards, and incentivize the adoption of renewable energy technologies in new housing developments. We must also continue to better mitigate water quality impacts on Lake Champlain. By incorporating sustainability principles into our housing strategy, we can create healthier and more environmentally responsible communities for current and future generations.

Lastly, I am committed to fostering transparent and inclusive decision-making processes that actively involve residents in shaping the future of housing development in Burlington. This means engaging with community stakeholders through public forums, neighborhood meetings, and advisory committees to solicit feedback, address concerns, and collaboratively develop solutions that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our city.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

Zoning and building codes are obviously important, but the city should also be talking with developers extensively to understand supply-side issues, so that public measures that will support increased supply can be developed and implemented. I am glad to see that VPOP is doing this: I saw there was a meeting with Nate Dagesse—who is a local, middle-income infill housing developer—last week. He’s probably the sort of person who should be invited to speak to a committee. I’d work with developers to make sure the public sector is doing its part in enabling much more development that meets the needs of the city. Gene Bergman also thinks we might be able to establish a public social housing authority to increase our bonding capacity, as Seattle has done. The tax code also disincentivizes construction, as I’ll detail in my next answer. Action on these fronts is urgent because the city needs more housing immediately, but of course the construction process will take a fair amount of time even in the best of circumstances.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

We must work with city Planning and Zoning staff to consider additional ways to create housing-friendly neighborhoods. An additional area we need to look at is our Planned Unit Development (PUD) standards to allow more flexibility on smaller lots. I think it is time that we reevaluate many of our building codes to see if there are impediments the city may be creating to building housing.

One of the impediments to housing development is access to land. What land resources does Burlington have to contribute? Can we do a review of potential sites for development and be more proactive? In the New North End, I really look forward to finally getting to a planning process through Plan BTV NNE. I think we have lots of potential for good growth in the NNE.

This year the legislature is again pursuing an omnibus housing bill. While I don’t know all of what is in the 90-page bill we must be an active contributor. This year I advocated with another councilor to significantly increase our resources for legislative liaison so they we could follow issues like this, not just municipal law, and finance.

The BE Home (Bringing Everyone Home) bill includes a variety of things including a section that would delegate Act 250 review authority to municipalities under certain circumstances, key to Burlington; a section that also addresses: building codes, water and wastewater connections, permit appeals, release and exemption of Act 250 permits, appeals of administrative officers, and appeal bonds; sets time limits on decisions of advisory and review panels, makes changes to municipal parking requirements (most of which we have done), allows hotels and motels to convert to permanently affordable housing, changes lot coverage requirements and lot density, establishes new Act 250 “Tiers”, and defines the application process for municipalities to be approved for Tiers 1A and 1B; and establishes and/or makes changes to at least nine different housing programs. We must follow all of this. We must ensure that legislative provisions that may favor more rural areas do not harm Burlington’s interest in developing as a city.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

The biggest thing I can do as a councilor is advocate for the legalization of more housing. The current Neighborhood Code proposal is a step in the right direction, but it is nowhere near enough. At the very least, the entire city should be upzoned to (what is currently called) RM, allowing six units on every parcel in the city. The biggest failure of this change in zoning is not allowing mixed-use development citywide, including the legalization of small-scale businesses like bakeries, cafes, barber shops, and doctor’s offices.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

I support densifying Burlington with affordable and mixed-income development - not luxury condos. I will also support a vacancy tax to incentivize getting existing units back online, and provide more funds to the housing trust fund. About 50% of the money in the fund is from the tax on short term rentals. The city is considering raising the tax on hotels; the city should also raise the short term rental tax, as there's no evidence this will drive away tourism dollars. We must continue to partner with Evernorth, which has access to more flexible funding for affordable units, including that folks can own. The city can and should assess vacant lots and vacant spaces and identify lots viable for upzoning, like parking lots that are now the SEID. We also must work with the region - perhaps with a grant from the CCRPC - to plan more broadly and in a coordinated way. Surrounding cities and towns must also densify and build up; this will be good for everyone. Density makes streets feel like neighborhoods. Last but not least, as dedicated folks and groups like y'all bring proposals to the council, I am committed to being responsive and open to creative solutions to this huge problem.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

Some of the most pro-housing reforms in Vermont have been enacted during my first term as a City Councilor. As chair of the City Council's Ordinance Committee, I worked hard to ensure Burlington would join the growing list of communities that is eliminating minimum parking requirements.

After eliminating minimum parking requirements, my committee turned its attention to the South End Innovation District (SEID), opening up opportunities for the development of more than 1000 additional housing units in a new neighborhood that will promote walkability, biking, and sustainability.

Since amending our zoning code to incorporate the SEID, I have been partnering with the City's Planning Department and Planning Commission to efficiently review the new Neighborhood Code proposal. As VPOP knows, the Neighborhood Code includes much-needed citywide zoning reforms to eliminate historical hurdles to housing development. I am committed to securing the passage of the Neighborhood Code and, thereafter, continuing to build off of it. Looking forward, we still need to do more to ensure the Neighborhood Code is properly allowing for mixed-use communities with neighborhood-focused businesses, there is additional work to be done to promote cottage courts and similar developments, and further upzoning will likely be necessary to the end of expanding permitted lot coverage, particularly in any neighborhoods still zoned as "low" residential.

The next City Council also needs to ensure that many of Burlington's larger development projects are completed, including those at CityPlace and Cambrian Rise, among other locations. Moreover, I support our finding a path forward that will allow UVM to construct additional housing to meet student demand.

These are among many ideas I have to address our housing concerns and, if reelected, I look forward to partnering with VPOP on next steps.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

As a City Councilor, I will push for the passage of the Neighborhood Code, if it isn’t already passed by the time I arrive. I will also work with the Mayor’s office to develop Memorandums of Understanding with various entities in the city, such as the University of Vermont, to ensure they are taking aggressive action to address their impact on the housing crisis in the city.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

In order to support growth, I’ll back efforts to legalize more high-density residential housing, throughout each part of the city. I think that CityPlace, the South End Innovation District, and the Neighborhood Code project are good steps in the right direction.

I will create and support policies intended to attract and approve developers to build apartment buildings in walkable locations with access to public transit. While supporting inclusionary zoning for affordable units, I’ll also endeavor to fund the Burlington Housing Authority and Champlain Housing Trust to expand their portfolios through new construction.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

As a city councilor, there are two key measures I can take right when I get into office. First, we can partner with our delegation to the state legislature to support, propose, and develop housing legislation that reflects the needs of all Burlingtonians. Second, I can lead from the front on the council, pushing my fellow councilors to support resolutions that would increase our housing stock and ensure our efforts go to benefit working people, rather than developers or major landlords. On my campaign, I’m hearing again and again that people want a councilor who will lead on this issue. I believe I am that councilor.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

• Lack of new housing stock being built
• Landlords price gouging residents and buying up large amounts of property in the city
• Existing housing stock being used for short-term rentals like airbnb’s (we did make some progress on regulating these but we haven’t adequately enforced these new rules)
• Units being flipped, inflating sale prices
• The 2021 reassessment that shifted a giant burden onto residential properties
• The number of students not housed by UVM is placing a massive burden on our vacancy rate - both driving up costs and decreasing incentivizes for property owners to keep rental units in better shape.

In my view, we must...

• Invest more resources in our city’s Housing Trust Fund so we can develop new housing for middle and working class families, rather than building more high end housing for the wealthy
• Invest more money supporting models like Champlain Housing Trust’s shared equity program to help first time buyers build wealth through homeownership
• Pass tax fairness reforms at the municipal and state levels to ensure those at the very top who can afford it are paying their fair share, and that working and middle class neighbors are getting a break
• Properly staff code enforcement and the city attorney’s office. We could use this increased capacity to up the regularity of inspections on rental units, as well as more regularly take the most egregious absentee landlords to court over code violations
• Give additional legal tools to the City Attorney’s office, Housing Board of Review (HBOR), and code enforcement to hold egregious landlords accountable to our community
• Pressure state leaders to respect the will of Burlington voters, who passed Just Cause Eviction by over 60% - we need Vermont to allow us to implement this critical reform, which was first introduced by then Mayor Sanders and the then Progressive Coalition
• Support tenants interested in forming cooperative housing where feasible, using past successes like Northgate Apartments as a model
• Reform our zoning laws to allow for more housing to be built for working and middle class families (in progress and needs robust public debate)
• Organize the political will to hold UVM accountable. We must organize ourselves here in Ward 1 to help pass statewide legislation that...
  • Requires the University to house all undergraduate students for all four years
  • Stops the University from increasing enrollment until they can house the number of students they already have
  • Finds ways to increase transparency around the data that the University provides to policy makers and the public

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

The primary cause of housing unaffordability in Burlington, as in many other cities across the country, is the imbalance between housing supply and demand. Simply put, there are not enough affordable housing units available to meet the needs of our community, leading to rising rents and home prices that outpace income growth. This imbalance is exacerbated by various factors, including restrictive zoning regulations, limited land availability, and insufficient funding for affordable housing initiatives.

To address housing unaffordability in Burlington, I will work to tackle these root causes head-on. Firstly, I will advocate for the reform of zoning regulations to promote increased density and mixed-use development, particularly in areas with access to public transportation and amenities. By encouraging the construction of more housing units, we can help alleviate the pressure on housing prices and expand affordable housing options for residents.

Secondly, I will work to increase funding and support for affordable housing initiatives. These resources can be used to finance the construction of new affordable housing units, provide rental assistance to low-income households, and preserve existing affordable housing stock through rehabilitation and maintenance programs.

Additionally, I will prioritize efforts to address homelessness and housing instability by investing in supportive housing programs, mental health services, and wraparound support for vulnerable populations. By addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and providing stable housing options, we can prevent individuals and families from falling into cycles of poverty and housing insecurity.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

Lack of supply is the fundamental problem but the fundamental policy issue is the tax code: a version of a land value tax (perhaps an abatement on improvements), a vacancy tax (right now there is a weak ordinance), a split rate based on occupancy (following state education funding program), a reappraisal (2021 appraisal shifted burden to residential and used cost basis to assess which leads to things like the golf course getting a 40% tax cut), and an abatement on the first $75,000-$300,000 of assessed value (as Allentown PA is in the process of implementing). These are mostly suggestions that Joseph Minicozzi of Urban 3 presented to the Board of Finance about a month ago. I will also work diligently to remove roadblocks to development with the new zoning, looking into possible changes to building code like the single staircase reform from Seattle and oversized elevator requirements or anything else that’s a priority of VPOP. My primary focus will be tax reform and pushing the council to take a more active role in part two of the Neighborhood Code which should be on the agenda as soon as late Summer or early Fall.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

Long standing causes: (1) Demand for living in a particular location exceeding the supply of housing in that location.  We have been experiencing this for years in the Burlington region and haven’t kept pace with demand. (2) Incomes not keeping pace with the cost of renting or owning a home. There are unique additional, hopefully short-term, causes right now: The cost of new homes is extremely high right now because of the elevated cost of building materials, other construction expenses and interest rates.

The issues of income and wages and creating capital are complex to tackle at the municipal level; we must continue to work with legislators and the federal delegation. As a municipality in a Dillon’s law state, we have limited capacity to add revenue. We must be fierce advocates for creating programs that will create more local housing and preserve its affordability.

Building more densely increases opportunities although may not always reduce capital cost but can reduce operating cost over time. We need to build for sustainability, so the housing lasts for the future. Key to this in a changing climate are making sure energy costs are controlled.

As the former Executive Director of Cathedral Square some of the things I am proudest of in my housing career are creating and championing the community land trust model and the requirements that we steward our public resources by maintaining permanent affordability. That is still not the norm in many programs; we cannot lose the public subsidy we invest. Early on, by bringing together community interests and the finance community interests, we were an early creative user of the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits. This is the largest federal housing subsidy program, but an exceedingly difficult program for small developments. As new ideas develop in the state and nationally, Burlington must be aggressive to see how they can be adapted to the city’s needs.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

The primary cause of housing unaffordability is historical and current exclusionary zoning. First, this limits the total amount of housing in the city. Second, this economic segregation separates people by income level. This is also de facto racial segregation due to the racial wealth gap in Vermont and throughout this country. Exclusionary zoning upholds racism.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

Housing scarcity, largely due to long-term resistance to densification and upzoning. Had we heeded past calls to allow Burlington to grow through upzoning and otherwise, we wouldn't be in such a tight spot now. Given the extreme scarcity of open units to rent or buy, landlords, including the few who own most rental properties in town, have been able to justify driving up rents. The city must investigate rent stabilization, which is just good economic policy - if folks are not spending most of their budgets on housing, they are more likely to shop at local businesses, eat dinner at local restaurants, so on. We also urgently need a property tax reassessment, which places undue burden on homeowners and renters to whom that cost is passed on.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

Among the metrics that are within Burlington's control, I see our too-low vacancy rate as the primary cause of housing unaffordability. The best way to increase our vacancy rate to a more healthy figure is to develop more housing, and lots of it, including more affordable units under reasonable inclusionary zoning regulations. To do this, we need to continue to support needed zoning reforms to eliminate obstacles to development.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

There are many macro-economic drivers to housing unaffordability, primarily the lack of wage growth our nation has seen over the past few decades. On a more local level, I see the lack of housing supply, as well as a lack of a clear roadmap to ensure housing is built for renters and buyers across all income spectrums, as the primary causes of unaffordability.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

Simply put, I think the primary cause is supply- a supply that’s too low, and ought to increase in order to meet demand.

The problem is far from simple economics however, because housing brings geographic and political variables into the equation. Burlington has historically resisted growth in housing despite the growth of our institutions and economy, and this has made the housing market tighter and tighter for working people, while becoming more profitable for the landlords and the realtors.

I will address housing unaffordability by allowing the supply of housing to increase, while implementing new policies to help keep rents down.

These policies would include a rent stabilization measure tying the maximum annual increase for a unit to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for the past year, and changing our tax structure so that landlords pay a marginally higher local tax rate than homeowners. These new revenues ought to be dedicated in turn, along with as many other monies as possible, to expanding our portfolio of social housing.

In the long-term, I would like to see social housing take root in Burlington as it has in many European cities, where the public portfolio makes up a large share of rental housing in the city, with a variety of units and rents across buildings. Abundant and well-maintained municipal housing makes competition for private landlords and drives rents down. As in the case of Helsinki, it can also give a city the ability to eliminate homelessness.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

Right now, I think there are two major issues that we have to address. In my previous answers, I’ve focused on increasing our affordable housing stock. The second piece of that is moving away from our regressive, flat property tax system. For too long, our city has been funded off the backs of working-class and middle-class folks who don’t have the means to deal with these hikes. We need to link these taxes to income so that we make sure our neighbors aren’t getting squeezed out. This has to be a priority for the new council because Burlingtonians – our neighbors – can’t wait any longer.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

I am supportive of us growing, and want to ensure that as we do, we don’t drive working people out of their homes, are thoughtful in our approach, and engage the public rigorously as we do so.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

The prospect of a growing Burlington presents both opportunities and challenges for our community. Responsible and sustainable growth is vital, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and community engagement.

As a City Council candidate, I am committed to ensuring that our city's infrastructure keeps pace with population growth by investing in transportation, affordable housing, public safety, and environmental sustainability. I advocate for inclusive and equitable development strategies that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and diversity, including mixed-income housing developments and community land trusts. Preservation of our neighborhoods' unique character amidst growth pressures is essential, and I will work to engage with residents and preserve historic landmarks while supporting small businesses. By prioritizing smart growth policies and engaging with stakeholders, we can create a vibrant and inclusive Burlington for all residents.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

Affordable housing is the key issue. Currently in the US, large numbers of people are leaving California and moving to Texas (and other places) because of the affordability difference. Burlington has the space and the natural amenities to be home to significantly more people than we have now; the main thing we lack is enough housing. I think a key to attaining more housing is persuading the folks who are not desperate for housing that it is in their interest for the city to grow. A more dense city center would support more businesses and more residents means lower taxes per-capita. Things like Neighborhood Code will allow property owners to add units to their property that also diffuse their individual tax burden. A larger city would make it possible to get a rail connection to Montreal and at least better bus service to Boston. As detailed in the previous answer, I would start by working on tax code reform and seeing the Neighborhood Code ordinance through to completion, and then would lean heavily on grassroots housing advocates like VPOP for direction on policy. The main reason I’m running for office is to give a voice to our highly engaged community.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

As a lifelong resident of Burlington I welcome new folks to the community I love. Nothing bothers me more than to have people move in and then want to close the door behind them. I honestly believe that if we build the housing they will come.

Planning for a vibrant Burlington for years to come involves welcoming additional households who want to live here as the families of current residents expand and our employment base grows and attracts new workers. We must support ways to welcome those from other cultures and countries. We all came here from somewhere!

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

We must embrace the fact that Burlington is a city and lean into the fact that it will grow very quickly. I will work to support a growing Burlington. Not only are we far behind on our housing and must play catch-up, but Burlington is a relatively good place to be as the climate and ecological crises accelerate. Burlington lies in the mid-latitudes next to a giant freshwater lake. Climate migrants have moved here, are moving here, and will move here in greater numbers in the future. We must create a loving, welcoming, inclusive Burlington for all people, regardless of where they come from. Furthermore, if we don’t “build up,” then we will “build out,” creating car-centric development, sprawl, carbon emissions, habitat destruction, and social isolation.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

There's nothing we can do to discourage people from moving to Burlington. Compared to much of the country and the world, we're in a place that will fare relatively well in the face of climate disaster. People will move here no matter what - the question is, who will be welcome? If Burlington is so expensive that only wealthy people can afford to move and live here, working and middle class people will continue to get pushed out. Our city can do better than becoming a climate bunker for the rich. We must embrace and welcome people of diverse economic identities, and in order to do that we need to build more housing. Upzoning, densification, regional planning, and affordability measures are all an essential part of that work.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

I am dedicated to ensuring that Burlington always remains Vermont's largest city and the economic engine of our state. To maintain this status, we need to allow many areas of Burlington to start looking more like a city. The upzoning included in the Neighborhood Code, allowing at least four-unit buildings on a citywide basis, is a great first step. There is more to do, though, and I look forward to supporting a bigger, better Burlington.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

The future of our city depends on our ability to address our housing crisis. We need to build more housing, which also has the added benefits of increasing our tax base and making the distribution of city resources more efficient and climate friendly.

I also think it is important to address the housing crisis in a method that fits our collective vision for Burlington. The aesthetics and liveability of our neighborhoods are distinct from the towns that surround us, and it will be important that we add housing in a way that adds to the character of our neighborhoods and is welcoming rather than exclusive.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

My thought is that Burlington must grow. Vermont needs a real city to serve as a hub for the services that our people need. Our advantageous location and abundance of institutions, along with our traditions of neighborhood democracy, freedom, and unity, make us one of the more attractive cities in the country.

If we let Burlington grow the way it needs to, we can attract more innovation, more art, and more business to nourish our lives. More people-oriented space means more interaction, more community, and more money.

As your City Councilor, I will seize on every opportunity to legalize the construction of more apartment buildings, located and designed with enough accessibility to transit as to allow convenient car-free living. That is, every opportunity that can prove it will not place an undue strain on our public works, and our local ecology.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

For far too long, there has been a deep fear about building Burlington into a livable, easily-navigable city, rather than a small urban center. Folks are concerned we could lose the unique feel and culture of our neighborhoods, and I want to ensure we acknowledge that when we redevelop, we need to place the average Burlingtonian at the center of the discussion. Building spaces that are roped off for the very wealthy and no one else is not “building a better Burlington.” We need to move our development plans towards public spaces, affordable housing, and opportunities for BIPOC and New American members of our community. We need to encourage growth and development, but it cannot be a movement away from the city we love; it must enhance and improve the city we love, making it a place for everyone. We can do that by keeping working people at the center of the discussion, as well as the folks most historically affected by inequities in our system.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

Active transportation is a core need in Burlington for multiple reasons, from addressing our climate emergency to creating equity in access for people who walk or wheel in our town. There are numerous delayed infrastructure initiatives in our town, and active transportation cannot be an afterthought.As mayor, I will prioritize active transportation precisely because it is an issue of equity. We can think creatively about ways to deliver on the promises of existing initiatives without sacrificing due to budget or timeline concerns: for instance, we can create protected bike lanes with cement planters and install solar-powered lighting along bike paths to reduce ongoing costs and climate impact.

We must also partner with stakeholders to identify and prioritize infrastructure repairs within Burlington, such as sidewalks and crosswalks. For instance, the Old Spokes Home neighborhood mobility audit is a strong representation of the insights provided by local stakeholders, including people of different backgrounds and physical abilities. Our city can and should leverage these partnerships to understand infrastructure needs — then follow through on addressing those needs. We also must do more to meaningfully engage residents in setting priorities for capital improvements in response to the initial work in PlanBTV so that we can be responsive and strategic to both people’s needs and our limited resources to implement the plan.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

The future of active transportation means that people who walk, bike, and use public transportation should be able to do so efficiently and safely. One action I can take as Mayor is appoint someone to the GMT Board committed to this vision. Our failing infrastructure is harmful to all modes of transportation. While we have made major investments in sidewalk infrastructure in recent years, there’s so much more work to do. Local taxpayers are reaching their limit and the best way to fund the needed infrastructure improvements is through building our tax bases....which brings us back to housing. New housing should be built looking to supporting innovative transportation such as Car Share, and concentrating dense housing on our transportation corridors.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

We must reverse these trends with conscious policy decisions. For instance, we can use the 7/70 approach to assess whether new or existing infrastructure is safe for both a seven and a seventy year old. We can continue to implement common sense safety infrastructure such as pedestrian crosswalks with flashing indicators or time-delayed traffic lights. We can also look at regulations on motor vehicles based on conversations that have already started at the national level, such as the height and brightness of headlights.

We must be creative in this space, consider all options on the table, and continue to involve key stakeholders such as the Walk Bike Council in these conversations. This includes ensuring we use viable, affordable solutions to protect bike lanes rather than removing them from the conversation due to budget or timeline. We should also engage large employers to continue important work already underway to encourage employees to use public transportation and leave vehicles outside the city when working at a Burlington-based employer.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

I bike a lot around Burlington, for work and pleasure. There are places that I will not ride my bike because it doesn’t feel safe. As someone who is not among the strongest and most able bodied bikers, (nor do I have an e-bike) I struggle to get up the hill. We need safe connected bike routes to navigate our City. As an avid biker and walker, I have seen first hand the dangerous situations happening around town. We need more wayfinding, signage, and built infrastructure to help drivers be more aware of bikers and pedestrians. We also need to do more to educate the public about how to best share the road and the dangers that come with not being aware of bikers and pedestrians. I also add that we should have zero tolerance for aggressive drivers that break our laws. They should be ticketed, which is currently very rare in Burlington.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Progressive) says:

As mayor, I will use my skills as a coalition builder to strengthen our relationships with other towns in our region and our state to ensure that Burlington is not an outlier in public transit. We must be a solidarity player. I strongly support continued funding for our fare-free bus service, but if we are unable to continue that programming, we must find creative ways to collaborate with our surrounding towns to ensure people can access Burlington’s public transit services, particularly when coming from other areas.

We must also listen to people who use our services each day to understand where the most urgent improvements are needed, including covered bus stops, more consistent sidewalk cleaning and snow removal, more regular routes, and so on. More support for our transit services is an equity issue, a climate issue, a disability justice issue, and a central need for a thriving Burlington.

Joan Shannon (Democrat) says:

I am proud to have the support and counsel of a number of GMT drivers. I am disheartened at the stories I hear about the challenges drivers face on a daily basis. GMT drivers and staff are critical to our community’s efficient and safe public transportation system that serves so many. Their working conditions continue to deteriorate. As Mayor, I want to ensure that drivers and staff are treated with the dignity they deserve. I also know that the transit center in Downtown Burlington has become a hot spot for crime and dangerous situations. As Mayor, I am focused on fully staffing the police department so that we can better respond to and prevent dangerous situations at the transit center.

Christopher Haessly (Independent) did not respond.

William Emmons (Independent) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

Ideally we would see regular, fare free transit routes established that are convenient and realistic for folks with busy lives to use. Honestly, my partner and I can’t imagine having to figure out my family's morning commute given the current state of our bus system in Burlington.

The other piece is continuing to build densely and create walk/bike infrastructure that makes it easy for more of us to bike, walk, and ride rather than drive our cars.

I look forward to working with stakeholders and advocates to identify realistic paths to push our city in that direction.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

My vision for the future of active transportation in Burlington is one where walking, biking, and other forms of non-motorized transportation are safe, convenient, and accessible to all residents. I believe in promoting a culture of active transportation that prioritizes sustainability, public health, and community connectivity.

I will advocate for the development of safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout the city, including protected bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared-use paths. By prioritizing investments in active transportation infrastructure, we can create a connected network that encourages residents to choose walking and biking as viable transportation options for their daily commute, errands, and recreational activities.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

The more non-car transportation, the better, yet our city does not even support cycling enough to leave bike racks at city hall in the winter. It sounds like the Main St redesign hit real funding issues, which I think is unfortunate because a protected cycling connection from the waterfront to downtown would be a huge benefit to both residents and businesses. Missing or crumbling sidewalks are a well known issue in this city and both encourage car use and exclude those with impaired mobility. Many concerned citizens have publicly called for policies that more accurately account for the cost of car infrastructure, like implementing dynamic parking prices in high-traffic areas, which can both make room for and fund improvements in sidewalks and bike lanes The Burlington–Winooski bridge redesign which is currently planning to widen the existing car lanes could instead be allocating that width to dedicated space for active transportation, instead of incentivizing upper middle class folks to continue to sprawl to surrounding suburbs and drive into the city. Cars are currently deeply entrenched in ‘the American way’, but other cities around the world—including Montreal, close by and with harsher winters—demonstrate that walking and cycling can be a central component of our urban transportation system. What I would hope to achieve relatively quickly would be gathering information that would enable new and better policies, and again just being a conduit for VPOP. One thing that city councilors and the mayor should be doing now is minimizing their own use of personal cars so that we can maximize our first-hand understanding of some of the challenges faced by non-car travelers. Personally, I’ve lived my entire adult life without a car and don’t fly, but I’m also very inspired by the commitment that Dan Castrigano (council candidate in Ward 4) has made to taking the bus from the NNE, which is much more challenging than it is for me right now since I live near downtown.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

My vision is a city where everyone can easily get to work, services, entertainment, and get goods with the least amount of pollution and congestion as possible. I have no magic answer; I think we need to approach this in many ways. I will answer the bus system question below which is really the most critical place to start.

By far and away I would guess that one of the biggest draws of drivers into Burlington is the University of Vermont Medical Center and the UVM academic campus. We of course need good data on that, so we should start there and work with the institutions on how they can help manage the flow and use of cars in and out of Burlington. What is their transportation plan? How can they be pushed to take more responsibility with that. They do want to expand their main campus for many reasons, and that is better than building in the suburbs, but as part of that expansion we need them to take responsibility for the transportation effects – more shuttles, more carpooling, incentives to employees, better ways to coordinate scheduling to reduce trips – a front door on Colchester Ave! Also, can we push UVM to disallow/incentivize students from having cars?

There probably are a lot of short-term trips in Burlington – to and from schools and stores. Again, we need the data. What would incentivize less trips affordably? Years ago, I was in Netherlands and saw that many older and disabled people had the right to effectively use an electric trike with a cover and carrying capacity on the roads. Can we license more of those? I also noted that many of their housing complexes were built with enough indoor storage to accommodate that type of bike and many others. For those of us who can’t ride a traditional bike, motor assisted options should be encouraged. We should pursue that.

Burlington’s approval of ride share companies (Taxis, Uber, Lyft) is not working and needs to be incentivized. It doesn’t work. How do we incentivize that affordably with customer protections? You often can’t get a “cab” to my end of town in the New North End. We often don’t think of “taxis” as public transportation, but if we had a working system, it might require many less people to have cars. One of the simplest public transportation programs I was involved with back when I did more senior services was just contracting with taxi drivers. (FYI – The City Vehicle for Hire Committee is desperate for members. Anyone interested?)

The city, finally, has gotten out the door for a Transportation Demand Study. I really look forward to that. We need that information.

I also want to add that we also must continue to advocate for increased Amtrak service and any ways the city can accommodate that, as well as robust longer range bus service. For example, Dartmouth Coach is a great service; too bad it doesn’t come to Burlington.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

I have a vision for an immediate and equitable shift to walking, biking, rolling, and public transportation. This vision for Burlington is one that is cleaner, quieter, healthier, and more economically just. We can look to other cities around the world to see how active transportation has made their cities significantly better. I would immediately introduce resolutions to prioritize the 2017 planBTV Walk/Bike plan and work with the city and the activist community to create this reality as quickly as possible.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

In a city that purports to care about reducing emissions, supporting public health and safety, and welcoming outdoor enthusiasts, it just doesn't make sense that we aren't more aggressively supporting active transportation. We have to finish implementing the existing walk/bike plan - right now, it reads like a fantasy. We must advocate for the indefinite extension of the fare-free bus program. Maybe we should ask a slime mold to reassess existing bus service, so we can improve service without necessarily needing a huge capital infusion (which would also be great). We must see and treat our transit issues as climate issues, as affordability issues, and as having the huge impact on public health that they do. This will make it clear, hopefully, that active transportation investments are not extras - they make our city more accessible, safe, and resilient. We can also raise standards for every development that comes through the council - abundant covered or indoor bike parking, curb cuts, narrow driveway aprons, speed bumps, lit pedestrian infrastructure, so on.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

While Burlington's walk/bike plan is now seven years old, it still includes plans for many forward-thinking infrastructure projects that would significantly improve pedestrian and bike access throughout Burlington. It is worth revisiting this plan, making updates, and securing long-term resources to secure its completion.

Additionally, I believe one of the best ways to promote active transportation is to support greater density throughout the city. Everyone in Burlington should be able to walk or bike to secure their basic necessities, and zoning reforms like the Neighborhood Code and South End Innovation District are important steps in that direction.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

Since transportation is such a critical piece of life in Burlington, I believe City Councilors have a responsibility to look at every major development or maintenance effort through the lens of transportation. I will advocate for maintenance of sidewalks, improved bike lanes, and better service from GMT. I also think we can learn a lot by looking at other towns and cities across the globe who are leaders in active and public transport and apply the principles that they have used successfully.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

My vision is one in which everyone who lives here can do so conveniently without a car. Although public transportation is a key part of this goal, active transportation is perhaps even more so, since it has a positive impact for our health and a near-zero carbon impact on the atmosphere.

I will encourage the city to swiftly commit to, and begin implementing an infrastructure program that prioritizes the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists, with a focus paid to the mobility needs of children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

We need more biking, bussing, and walk options in general, and it is the responsibility of the city to push for that. Specifically, accessible walkways are a vital part for an inclusive and environmentally strong community. All citizens, regardless of mobility needs, should be able make their way around our city. This is a matter of principle – Burlington ought to be a place where everyone can feel safe.

If elected to the council, I will immediately begin work on a resolution that will engage community volunteers to audit walkways for accessibility and maintenance needs. The results of this audit will be submitted to the proper city council committee, where the most effective pathway and funding sources to implement updates can be identified. Then, I’ll work with the mayor and the full council to pass it, because this isn’t controversial. We all want to build a city that supports everyone and that starts with our infrastructure and transit.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

I think working towards safer street designs that make walking, biking, and the use of public transit easier makes a lot of sense. I have advocated for solutions like this as early as 2019 in Burlington when I was active in pushing for protected bike lanes up/down Colchester Ave here in Ward 1.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

To ensure that Burlington does not follow the dangerous trends of increased pedestrian and cyclist injury and death caused by larger, faster, and heavier motor vehicles seen nationally over the last decade, we must prioritize safety, infrastructure improvements, and policy initiatives that prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

First and foremost, we must continue to invest in the development of safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout the city. This includes implementing protected bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and shared-use paths that separate cyclists and pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic, reducing the risk of collisions and injuries. I regularly bike and walk around Burlington on my own and with my family and while we’ve made improvements we have more work to do to make these modes of transportation safe for all users, regardless of ability.

Additionally, we must prioritize policies and initiatives that promote traffic calming measures, reduce vehicle speeds, and improve visibility at intersections and crosswalks. Furthermore, we must prioritize education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness about pedestrian and cyclist safety, provide safety tips, and encourage behavior change among residents, motorists, and cyclists alike. Lastly, we must explore innovative solutions and technologies to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, such as traffic signal improvements, pedestrian detection systems, and improved lighting and signage at high-risk locations.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

This is a serious concern and the city should carefully monitor accident data—every significant accident should trigger a review of safety factors at that location. Where it is appropriate to slow motor vehicles down, research shows that tighter lanes and corners are an effective way to do so. In addition to studying the accident data, for bicycle safety, the city needs to have a regular dialogue with bicyclists: what are you seeing out there in terms of safety issues? I am supportive of traffic calming measures, removing car lanes, protecting bike lanes, and any other anti-car policy. I am well aware of the history of how motor vehicles initially had very limited rights on roads, and how human beings have become increasingly displaced from the streets over the past century. Cyclists are stigmatized for not following traffic rules, when in reality they’re in a uniquely dangerous position on our roads. The safest answer for both cyclists and drivers is to respect how different those modes of transportation are, and keep them physically separated. I’ve had more than a few close calls and my father woke up in the ER this summer after an accident. A friend of mine was killed by a truck while riding her bike across the country. This is absolutely a priority of mine.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

I am not a traffic engineer, but we must look at where we are in the most danger. Where are those intersections? We should add traffic calming and protected lanes, particularly if we want to incentivize more motor assisted bikes like mentioned above. We also need to incentivize smaller vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles. BED is doing ok; let’s up the ante with the state as well. With our shortage of public safety personnel, isn’t it time we look at more ways to stop speeding by camera and motor vehicle violation by camera? People don’t like that, but I think it works. Driving on a road should be a privilege not a right.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

The best thing we can do as a city to achieve zero vehicular fatalities and injuries is to change our built environment to force motorists to slow down. Motorists are far more likely to kill and injure pedestrians and cyclists at higher speeds. This includes immediately deploying traffic calming infrastructure throughout the city, especially adjacent to our schools. We must also discourage the use of larger, heavier, and more deadly vehicles through any means necessary. I am unsure of the specific means within the city’s control, but other cities have implemented higher fees for car registration or car parking for motorists who own cars over a certain weight. Not only does this make sense from a safety standpoint, but motorists with bloated vehicles are also disproportionately responsible for destroying our city’s roads. They should be paying more than other people who don’t drive, drive infrequently, or drive smaller vehicles.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

Let's stop deluding ourselves that electric vehicles are the secret to solving the climate crisis. It's great to see more people driving electric than gas cars, but these are still cars. We must redirect some of the energy we spend evangelizing EVs to making our public transit and walk/bike infrastructure connected, accessible, and welcoming. Let's invest in traffic calming measures like speed bumps and corner bump outs. We could lower the speed limit in Burlington to 20 mph, and shut down low-traffic streets to through traffic, opening up more corridors for cyclists and pedestrians, especially near schools. Along the lines of some of the South End planning that's under way, we could provide parking at the perimeter of Burlington so folks coming into town rely on buses and walking, rather than driving into our downtown core. We could provide reliable buses for commuters on the Route 2, Route 7, and I-89 corridors, which would reduce traffic.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

I am particularly interested in our infrastructure projects doing a better job of incorporating dedicated and protected bike facilities. A new bridge between Burlington and Winooski presents a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to building for a more car-free future that promotes active transportation. If reelected, I look forward to working with VPOP on this generational project.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

There are many ways we could address this serious issue, and I’m open-minded to any of them but here are a few I’m interested in exploring:

• Upgrades to the size and safety of our bike lanes
• Conversion of some two-way streets to one-way streets
• A pilot program that tests the effectiveness - as well as the privacy degradation
• of traffic cameras at particularly busy intersections
• Incentives for citizens and visitors who use active transportation or public transportation
• Incentives for large employers to support active or public transportation for their employees

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

We should build protective bike lanes wherever possible. These lanes provide protection for pedestrians as well as cyclists. The city of Montreal ought to serve as a model for us in the implementation of this infrastructure.

Where protected bike lanes are not feasible, we could use more clear bicycle path markings, for the benefits of cyclists and drivers both. On the pedestrian side of the street, we should be more aggressive about updating footpaths, and in the long-term, I believe we would benefit from more pedestrian-only spaces, akin to Church Street. Again, Montreal deploys these spaces, not just through the Ruelles Vertes program, but through the rotating closures of streets to cars, that enable new pedestrian areas throughout the year.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

We do want to be asking how we can begin transitioning away from motor vehicles and towards greener, more cost-effective forms of transit. However, we need to balance that with understanding the needs of folks who do drive in Burlington. I firmly believe that we can begin decarbonizing and moving away from these modes of transportation, but to do that, we need to provide people with an option in public transit that is fast, efficient, and constant. Most notably, our bus system is the best way to begin encouraging Burlingtonians and other Chittenden County residents to move away from driving. We need to bolster Green Mountain Transit and begin getting our community to a place where it is no longer solely reliant on cars; rather, we need to find creative alternatives that move us towards a healthier, more effective transit system.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.

Carter Neubieser (Progressive, Ward 1) says:

Burlington needs to advocate to the State, GMT leadership, and other entities that benefit from bus service to increase funding for fare-free transit and increased bus routes / regularity. As part of this effort, is it essential that the Council appoint a GMT Board member who will be a strong advocate on these issues.

Geoff Hand (Democrat, Ward 1) says:

While GMT operates independently of any one municipality, the city of Burlington can play a crucial role in enhancing the utility and dignity of public transit within its jurisdiction. First and foremost, the city can work collaboratively with GMT to improve the accessibility, reliability, and efficiency of public transit services. The city can prioritize policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to public transit for all residents, including those from marginalized communities and low-income households. Furthermore, the city can support efforts to enhance the overall experience of public transit riders by promoting cleanliness, safety, and comfort on buses and at transit facilities. GMT staff and drivers are a critical part of our community’s transportation network.

Joe Kane (Progressive, Ward 3) says:

Routes, frequencies and fares are obviously big factors. The optimality of these are undoubtedly studied already, but we probably need to gather more information from residents: what do you need for buses to work for you? The answer, from what I gather as a VPOP member, is more service and the need to engage at the state level to add the ability for municipalities to directly pay for more service, and even quality of life changes at all of the bus stops in the city–perhaps Burlington can work with GMT to better fund and maintain dignified bus stops within the city. Further subsidizing some routes may also catalyze significant increases in usage. Irregular service is a major deterrent, so the system needs investment that will not be covered by user fees alone in order to expand frequency. This obviously takes money and political will, which again is why it’s important to pass the tax reform I referenced earlier, and to get it done in a non-revenue neutral manner. I have the economics background to be helpful here.

Sarah Carpenter (Democrat, Ward 4) says:

Unfortunately for Vermont we have no real county governance to tackle real shared services like this, something I would like to see more of. Is this something CCRPC could take the lead in? Right now, we pay for GMT out of general funds from the property tax. That is not sustainable because that is also how we pay for the majority of our school taxes. Our ability to assess some other kind of tax is limited by the state. We need the state to partner in this. Perhaps there is a way to tie traditional funding for roads more closely to support for public transportation.

In terms of the city’s maintenance of sidewalks; we need to pay more attention and be more diligent. Capital for sidewalks seems perennial. Although TIF (tax incremental financing) can be controversial I do support its use where appropriate to improve our sidewalk infrastructure.

Dan Castrigano (Progressive, Ward 4) says:

Burlington needs a public transit champion to fight for dignified and robust public transit within Burlington and throughout the rest of the state. Currently, there are very few on the city council who champion this issue. I ride our buses, especially the #7 North Avenue bus, at least 1-2 times per week. I am intimately familiar with the current state of public transit and know what we must do to make it better.

Lena Greenberg (Independent, Ward 5) says:

Electing a mayor who understands how to draw down state funds, and coordinate across municipalities, will help! And, working with CCRPC and convening a regional transit committee focused on GMT might also help address this challenge. Really, we should ask the slime mold - robust understanding of where our transit needs are will make a better case for regional cooperation. Some of this is also narrative work. Public transit has a bad reputation in this majority-rural state; talking about transit as a way to ease the affordability crisis and congestion from a growing population supports the need for regional transit planning.

Ben Traverse (Democrat, Ward 5) says:

Our goal should be to support a public transit system that is more often used as a convenience than a necessity. For most Burlingtonians, if they have a choice between taking public transit or using their car, they are choosing their personal vehicle. I would support GMT putting more resources into urban service in communities like Burlington and would like to work more closely with State lawmakers on how to promote this. I also acknowledge GMT's statewide mission, though, and recognize real change will require substantially more funding for public transit. I will continue to encourage the next mayoral administration to review how Burlington can best direct additional revenues to public transit, including by reviewing whether Burlington can exercise more autonomy over its public transit options.

The next City Council will also have an opportunity to review the results of a citywide study on how to improve our regulations on transportation demand management plans. If reelected, I look forward to receiving that plan and building upon the TDM requirements we stood up when eliminating minimum parking requirements.

Becca Brown McKnight (Democrat, Ward 6) says:

I’ve been surprised to learn about the lack of coordination that currently exists between Burlington’s City Council and our delegation in Montpelier. I know this is something that many folks are working to improve upon and I will be committed to improving the frequency and quality of our communication. We need to work with our State Representatives and Senators to work towards improving the GMT experience for all Vermonters.

Will Anderson (Progressive, Ward 6) says:

At the core of the problem is the fact that GMT has a mandate to serve an extremely broad area of the state, in terms of what is typical for a public bus authority. In fact, the municipality is one of only a small handful nationwide that deploy full programs for both urban and rural service.

GMT is stretched to its limits in terms of what it can do with the resources that the state and its member towns and cities can provide. Even with the reintroduction of fares, growing costs and needs are placing the municipality on a fiscal cliff.

The city ought to encourage increased state funding for GMT, in recognition of the outsize benefits that the buses provide for the state. If this is not successful, structural reforms of GMT ought to be considered and recommended. Burlington needs a bus provider that is adequately resourced to provide reliable, frequent transportation around, to, and from the city.

Immediate action also needs to be taken for bus safety. As a Councilor, I will not compromise on the provision of police services to the transit center, and to bus drivers when it comes to trespassing individuals that would disrupt the peaceful transit and personal safety of other passengers.

In the long-run, I believe we should endeavor to provide a far greater frequency and variety of public bus and train transportation around the city, and throughout the region.

Lee J. Morrigan (Progressive, Ward 7) says:

It’s critical that we move towards a transit system that is not just free and efficient, but expansive and easy to use. We know that folks in the Chittenden County Metro Area are not just accessing Burlington, but the entire surrounding area. We need to collaborate with our partners in other towns to expand our system to reach more people. We should be talking to folks across the state to link our many towns and communities through common channels; a strong transit system will help create a strong, united feeling across Vermont and once again, Burlington can lead this effort. For many years, Vermont’s railroad system was a critical engine that drove the state’s economy. Now, we must reinvest in transit infrastructure across the state to rebuild those ties, both economic and social. We have a tremendous opportunity to push for that in Burlington and as a councilor, getting our transit system up to date is a top priority.

Gene Bergman (Progressive, Ward 2) did not respond.

Christopher Aaron-Felker (Republican, Ward 3) did not respond.

Evan Litwin (Democrat, Ward 7) did not respond.

Hannah King (Democrat, Ward 8) did not respond.

Marek Broderick (Progressive, Ward 8) did not respond.