BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak this week proclaimed “the city is back,” citing economic and public safety improvements, but some are warning about taking a premature victory lap.
Building Burlington’s Future, a nonprofit focused on effective policy and community action, said it agrees there is momentum in the city but believes there is still a long way to go.
The group’s Michele Asch says they spent the first year making connections within the city and that one of its prime goals is calling attention to issues before the mayor and City Council, including open drug use and promoting a more sustainable economy.
“We need to make sure that Burlington has the conditions for kids to grow up and feel safe, be healthy, and that families feel comfortable all over the city,” Asch said.
“We have to keep our foot on the gas pedal. It’s not going to sustain itself, and it’s going to take a community-wide effort from a lot of different stakeholders to keep that momentum going,” said the group’s Sam Donnelly.
The group says it has worked with the Peace and Justice Center to conduct syringe cleanups, held recovery events, and promoted more housing. They also worked with the governor’s office last fall on his 14-point plan promoting public safety.
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