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OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY POLICY
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) envisions a Vermont with a vibrant sector of valuable companies and engaged employees anchored in healthy communities among healthy lands and waters. To advance this vision:
VOBA educates outdoor businesses on outdoor recreation economy policy and engages with policymakers on practices, policies, and budgets that strengthen, expand, attract, and retain outdoor recreation economy businesses in Vermont;
VOBA advocates for legislative and administrative proposals that address sector needs and advance solutions in the areas of financing, workforce development, infrastructure, and sector branding; and,
VOBA engages by monitoring policy discussions, working with aligned organizations, discussing and communicating to outdoor businesses, and weighing in with policymakers at key times during the policymaking process.
VOBA’s Board of Directors and Policy Committee of members identified four priority areas:
Workforce & economic development
Infrastructure & stewardship
Outdoor recreation economy marketing
A healthy landscape & climate economy
2023 LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP
The Legislature adjourned on May 12, wrapping up a session that focused on numerous policy proposals and budget measures related to the outdoor recreation economy. The final outcome is to be determined as the Governor considers whether to sign or veto several bills. A special legislative session has been scheduled for June 20-22. See highlights compiled in partnership with the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), Vermont Trails and Greenways Council (VTGC), and numerous advocacy organizations.
FY24 Budget - The FY24 budget is the largest in Vermont’s history and is awaiting the Governor's signature or veto. It incorporates components of the workforce development bill (H.484) such as the Vermont Serve, Learn, and Earn Program though Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation with partners including Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and Vermont Works for Women. Additionally, the budget includes:
$1 million in match funding for outdoor recreation grants which would be appropriated to the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
$100,000 in funding for the VOREC Community Grant Program which would be appropriated to the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
$1 million appropriated to the Department of Tourism and Marketing to support grants for a regional relocation network as well as the promote Vermont as a place to live and work.
The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will receive $27.5 million in the Budget Adjustment Act for housing programs.
Act relating to community resilience and biodiversity protection – H.126 establishes a goal of conserving 30% of Vermont’s total land area by 2030 and 50% of its land area by 2050 utilizing three categories of conservation. The bill requires public meetings on the plan before 2026 to solicit input from stakeholders which include outdoor recreation businesses.The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature or veto.
Recreation Omnibus bill: Three bills were introduced in the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency and Forestry:
Act relating to the creation of the Green Mountain Recreation Fund – H.131 proposes to establish the Green Mountain Recreation Fund as a sustainable source of funding for organizational capacity and recreation-related development and stewardship.
An act relating to trail accessibility – H.85 requires that at least 10 percent of each newly constructed trail on State lands or using State funds be accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.
Act relating to the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative – H.310 proposes to appropriate $5 million to the FY24 VOREC Community Grant Program.
An act relating to the Transportation Program and miscellaneous changes to laws related to transportation – H.497
Funding for eBike Incentive Program - $100,000 was allocated from the Replace Your Ride program to eBike incentives in the Budget Adjustment Act. H.497 authorizes an additional $50,000.00 in incentives to be used towards electric bicycles, electric cargo bicycles, or adaptive electric cycles used in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Individuals participating in the Replace Your Ride Incentive Program receive one $2,500 - $5,000 incentive (based on income eligibility) that can be used for a variety of alternative transportation modes including the purchasing a new or used bicycle, electric bicycle, electric cargo bicycle, and adaptive electric cycle and the necessary safety equipment.
The new Electrify Your Fleet Program provides $2,500 purchase and lease incentives for electric bicycles and electric cargo bicycles (base MSRP of $6,000.00 or less), adaptive electric cycles (any base MSRP), and electric snowmobiles (base MSRP of $20,000.00 or less). Nonprofit mobility services organizations are eligible for up to 15 $2,500.00 incentives.
$13 million for the Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Program will fund bike and pedestrian design and construction as well as Bike Ferry operations by Local Motion.
$1 million for Rail Trail Community Connectivity Grants will build out Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) amenities and improve visitor experience through infrastructure improvements, such as trailheads, picnic areas, kiosks, and connections to towns; signage; and installations.
An act relating to housing opportunities made for everyone (HOME) – S.100 proposes to increase the supply of affordable housing, promote homeownership, and broaden housing opportunities for Vermonters. Specifically, it legalizes duplexes where single-family homes are allowed and four-lexes if the area is served by water and sewer. It increases the "10-5-5" rule under Act 250 allowing new 25-unit housing to be developed in a five-mile radius over five years in downtown development districts, neighborhood development areas, and growth centers, all of which must be designated. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature or veto.
The Child Care Bill – S.56 / H.217 In the final days of the session, an agreement between the House and the Senate establishes measures to put $120 million a year into Vermont’s child care system. The costs will be covered by a payroll tax of 0.44%, with employers covering 75%, and is set to go into effect on July 1, 2024. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature or veto.
Act related to regulating PFAS in textiles and ski wax – S.25 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution in Vermont of textiles and ski wax containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), setting deadlines for outdoor apparel and accessories to transition to alternatives. This bill passed the Senate but was not taken up by the House Human Services Committee.
Post - session update
Policymaking from this year's legislative session concluded in June when lawmakers met in a special session garnering the two-thirds majority needed to override several of Governor Scott's vetoes, including the state FY24 budget and child care bills.
Reforming the state's child care system has been decades in the making and H.217 infuses $120 million a year into the industry to address the problems of low wages for early childhood educators and high costs to working families. Funding would come from a payroll tax of 0.44% starting July 1, 2024 and employers will be required to cover at least 75%.
The $8.5 billion dollar state budget (H.494) makes significant investments in the outdoor economy, including $25.2 million for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to support conservation and housing. $41 million in one time funds is allocated for housing with a heavy emphasis on the homelessness response, adding to $27.5 million from the budget adjustment process. $1.2 million will support the Land Access and Opportunity Board in engaging organizations working on housing equity and land access.
Governor Scott let the Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act (H.126) become law without his signature, establishing a goal of conserving 30% of Vermont’s total land area by 2030 and 50% of its land area by 2050 utilizing three categories of conservation. The bill requires up to 12 public meetings to develop a conservation plan before 2026, soliciting input from stakeholders, including outdoor recreation businesses and groups.
Governor Scott signed the Transportation Bill (H.479) into law, makes the largest investment in Vermont’s infrastructure in the state's history, including $18.2 million for bicycle, pedestrian, and transportation alternatives programs and funding for the Vermont Incentive Program for eBikes. $100,000 was allocated from the Replace Your Ride program to eBike incentives in the Budget Adjustment Act. H.497 authorizes an additional $50,000.00 in incentives to be used towards electric bicycles, electric cargo bicycles, or adaptive electric cycles used in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
2022 LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP
During the 2022 legislative session, VOBA engaged in the policy process on issues related to the outdoor recreation economy in the areas of workforce & economic development, infrastructure & stewardship, outdoor economy marketing, and a healthy landscape & climate economy.
VOBA's Board of Directors, Policy Committee, and Members discussed proposals, worked with advocacy partners, gave testimony and weighed in with policymakers at key times during the legislative process, informed VOREC and state agencies about the needs of the outdoor sector, and communicated to outdoor stakeholders the status and calls - to - action on bills and budget investments.
The Legislature wrapped up the two-year biennium passing numerous bills and budget investments that will bolster the outdoor recreation economy through workforce and economic development, financing, and marketing programs as well as support for the two core pillars of Vermont's natural and recreation resources and access and participation for all. See highlights below and contact Kelly Ault, Executive Director, at kelly@vermontoutdoorbusinessalliance.org with questions and to get involved in VOBA's policy efforts.
Conservation and Outdoor Infrastructure:
$5 million dollars for the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program to fund investments by municipalities and non profit organizations that have put outdoor recreation at the center.
$21 million dollars for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to support both housing and conservation programs.
$1 million dollars for the Enhancement of Recreation and Stewardship Access (ERSA) Trail Grant Program to restore community trails and improve accessibility.
Workforce Development:
$3 million dollars for Regional Workforce Expansion and Work-Based Learning and Training to expand regional support at the Department of Labor, connect and assist jobseekers and employers who are hiring. This initiative will also fund statewide on-the-job learning and training costs for employers to create opportunity for career changes and upskilling for workers.
$3 million dollars for the Vermont Trades Scholarship Program to provide scholarships for individuals enrolled in industry-recognized training and certification programs that lead to employment in high-demand sectors in Vermont.
$1.8 million dollars for the Vermont Serve, Earn, and Learn Program to expand paid service and learning through the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Vermont Works for Women, Vermont Audubon and Resource Vermont.
$250,000 for BIPOC business coaching and training including activities such as networking, workshops, and career support for BIPOC workers.
$3 million dollars to continue the Relocating Worker Program which recruits new residents to the state through grants that help pay for their moving expenses.
$15 million dollars to fund a COVID Paid Leave Grant Program to offset the costs of providing COVID-related paid leave to employees after using up paid leave.
Economic Development:
$40 million dollars for Community Recovery and Revitalization Grants to support municipalities, businesses, and non-profits in sectors severely impacted by COVID-19, through investments to recover and revitalize their businesses and local communities. Hospitality and tourism are considered impacted sectors, along with arts and culture, food service and accommodations, agriculture, and low to moderate income housing projects.
$19 million dollars for a Forgivable Loan Program through the Vermont Economic Development Authority up to $350,000 to businesses experiencing continued working capital shortfalls due to the COVID-19 emergency mitigation measures.
Housing:
$20 million dollars for the Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) which will provide property owners with grants or forgivable loans to rehabilitate rental units that are out of compliance and bring them back online at affordable rates.
$15 million dollars for the Missing Middle Income Home Ownership Program which will providing incentives to developers to build modest homes that can be sold at prices affordable to middle-income Vermonters.
$4 million dollars for the Manufactured Home Program to allow manufactured home communities to invest in improvements and continue to provide affordable, safe housing options.
More than 2 million dollars that expand the Downtown and Village Tax Credit benefitting neighborhoods adjacent to downtown centers and creating more housing opportunities in new areas.
$1 million dollars for a First-Generation Homebuyer Program intended to support households through down payment grants.
Environmental Justice:
Act 154 is Vermont’s first environmental justice law codifying the definition of environmental justice, making it the state’s policy that no segment of the population should, because of its racial, cultural, or economic makeup, bear a disproportionate share of environmental benefits or burdens.
2021 POLICY ENGAGEMENT
In 2021, VOBA monitored, informed, and advocated for legislative and administrative budgets and bills on significant investments in recreation infrastructure, economic and workforce programs, outdoor consumer marketing and diversity initiatives for the outdoors.
VOBA contributed to policy discussions by the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), which advises Vermont’s Governor and his Administration on outdoor investments. VOBA presented to the Legislative Tourism Caucus and the House Commerce and Community Development Committee in February 2021.
VOBA worked closely aligned organizations to secure investments in the Fiscal Year 2022 State Budget, including: 1) Continued funding for state GAP economic recovery grants to businesses and organizations, prioritizing the tourism sector; 2) $10.1 million in funding for forests and parks on public land and trail networks on private land as well as development and maintenance of recreation infrastructure and rustic cabins; 3) $5 million for the VOREC grant program, an increase from $100,000 the pervious year to be granted to outdoor recreation friendly communities and nonprofit organizations committed to growing outdoor recreation business opportunities; and, 5) $6.5 million in outdoor recreation marketing to support consumer stimulus and regional marketing initiatives to drive customers to local outdoor businesses.
VOBA also worked with aligned organizations on Act 250 reform as it relates to recreation trails.
2020 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
September 2020
The Legislature returned in late August for the purposes of passing a state budget for the rest of fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021), spending the remainder of the federal $125 billion in Coronnavirus Relief Funds (CRF) allocated to the state, and wrapping up key pieces of policy legislation. Read the updates below, listen to committee discussions in the remaining weeks of the session, and reach out to your legislators on issues you care about. Committee member contact information, agendas, and live-stream links can be found on each committee webpage.
State Budget for Fiscal Year 2021
H. 969, the FY21 state budget was passed by the House of Representatives last week and has been taken up by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week. Highlights:
The bill spends $100 million on business relief, including $88 million in economic recovery grants. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development will revise eligibility requirements that could be eased for non-profit organizations and include start-up businesses. Funds were also included for skis areas to make health modifications for winter and for state colleges to offer a workforce training program. Last week, the Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee heard a report by the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation on administering close to $1.5 million in economic recovery grants to outdoor recreation businesses and nonprofits (with input from VOBA and the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council). The committee also discussed the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing's consumer stimulus proposal building on the recently launched Buy Local Vermont gift card campaign that directed $425,000 of CRF dollars to 950 businesses.
The bill holds steady funding for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), which makes investments in recreation, such as public access to 7,600 acres with multi-use trail systems this year. More importantly, VHCB provides a match for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars, which are expected to increase with the Congressional passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. The budget also increases funding for VHCB’s Rural Economic Development Initiative, which helps communities apply for grants with a priority on outdoor recreation.
The bill continues funding for the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant program, providing $100,000 for a third year of grants to outdoor recreation friendly communities committed to growing outdoor recreation business opportunities. Previous grants have been awarded to Newport, Randolph, St Albans, Brighton, Craftsbury, Montpelier, Poultney, Rockingham, and Springfield for investments in recreation infrastructure.
Act 250 Related to Recreation Trails
A slimmed-down version of H. 926, the bill relating to Act 250 changes, passed out of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee last week. If passed by the full Senate this week, it would return to the House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Committee for concurrence on amendments or to be changed. The current version includes a section related to recreation trails that had been crafted by the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), Vermont Trails Alliance, and the Forest Partnership during the spring legislative session. Specifically, the language clarifies existing Act 250 trails-related definitions and requires ANR to report to legislative committees by January 15, 2021, with recommendations for a best management practices-driven program for the Vermont trails system. Stakeholders would be engaged in developing the recommendations by proposing revisions to mapping, administration, funding, staffing, and the possible inclusion of additional recreational trails.
Global Warming Solutions Act
The Legislature has passed H. 688, the Global Warming Solutions Act, which would legally require the state to meet carbon emission reduction targets in the coming years, and creates a framework of accountability and community input to meet the requirements. Governor Phil Scott has until Wednesday, September 16 to act, though he is expected to veto the measure. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility has partnered with Burton Snowboards and other businesses to publish an ad advocating for its signage into law.
June 2020
The Vermont Legislature adjourned on June 26 after a prolonged session that focused on the impact of COVID-19 on Vermonters and Vermont businesses. The Scott Administration and legislative committees worked through proposals to appropriate the $1.25 billion allocated to the state from the federal CARES Act. Legislation has provided $750 million so far in recovery assistance, including over $200 million in grants specifically for businesses in various sectors. The Legislature is scheduled to return on August 25 to finish the state budgeting as well as work on other issues, such as changes to Act 250 related to recreation trails.
H.966: The second economic relief bill included $82 million in emergency economic recovery grants, adding to the $70 million allocated in S.350 already signed into law by the Governor. An additional $1.5 million was set aside in H.966 for the Agency of Natural Resources to provide grants through an Outdoor Recreation Business Assistance Program. Additional highlights include $5 million to the Vermont Community Loan Fund for grants to women-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses; $2.5 million to the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing to encourage visitation when appropriate and incentivize consumer spending in specific regions hit hard by the pandemic; and, $2.5 million to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) for a business assistance program to provide access to professional support and technical services including financial management and digital strategies. ACCD is expected to begin rolling out some of the eligibility guidelines and business grants as early as this week.
H.926 - The Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee spent a limited amount of time discussing Act 250 legislation passed by the House in early March which proposed significant changes to Act 250, including a section related to recreation trails. Throughout the session, the Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Trail Alliance, and the Forest Partnership have crafted language to clarify existing Act 250 definitions and require Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation to file a legislative report that proposes a process to develop an alternative oversight program for recreational trails based on best management practices for the Vermont Trails System. The changes to Act 250 were originally proposed as an amendment to a Senate affordable housing bill, but were eventually just substituted for H.926 to stand on its own. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee and then it will go to the Senate Appropriations Committee but there was not enough time for those committees to take up the bill before the adjournment. The bill is expected to be taken up when the Legislature reconvenes in late August.
Winter 2020
H. 705, a bill in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee that proposes $1 million in additional funding for economic development, tourism, and outdoor recreation marketing. Who's involved? The Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Ski Areas Association are among those involved in supporting this funding.
H. 926 bill with changes to Act 250 related to trails development passed the House. Who's involved? The Vermont Trails Alliance and Forest Partnership are among those involved in proposing changes as it relates to recreation trails.
H. H. 688, the Global Warming Solutions Act, which would turn the state's climate goals into binding requirements to make Vermont net zero by 2050, passed the House. Who's involved? Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Vermont Natural Resources Council.