I have a vision for rutland city…

and I’m not done just yet!

Innovation

  • Emphasized the need to grow Rutland’s population to sustain its infrastructure, which was designed for 30,000 residents but is currently supported by only 16,000 - This imbalance is the core challenge to making our city affordable.

  • Set an ambitious goal to build or bring online 1,000 housing units in five years, contributing to population growth, and growing the grand list.

    76 new permit applications for housing units were filed in 2024, the most since the 1990s.

  • Advocated for a transit-oriented district downtown, enabling residents to live car-free and boosting downtown activity.

ACTION

  • Promoted Rutland as a family-friendly community with excellent schools and activities to attract new residents. A perfect place for outdoor activities, and connection with nature - a true lifestyle location

  • Addressing Uninhabitable Units

    • Identified 240 uninhabitable or offline units, including vacant homes and apartments, and launched efforts to bring them back online.

    • Recognized the importance of housing development for population growth and economic stability. 

    Affordable Housing

    • Partnered with local organizations like the Housing Trust and Housing Authority to ensure affordability and prevent gentrification.

    • Focused on stabilizing rent prices by increasing the housing supply and addressing the -1% vacancy rate (essentially zero availability).

  • Focus on making downtown more welcoming and vibrant, leveraging projects like the TIF district and road reconfigurations.


    Mayor's task force on the Downtown Plaza 

    • Focused on re envisioning the plaza space of downtown with the departure of Walmart.

    • Partnering with local leaders to explore ideas for experiential spaces and downtown revitalization.

  • Planning to host a conference to showcase eight pre-identified development sites in Rutland, attracting further investment and residential development. 

ACcountability

  • Advocated for stronger state laws to combat drug-related and gun-related crimes, including:

    • Treating the theft of firearms as a felony rather than a misdemeanor

    • Implementing escalating charges for repeat drug offenses, similar to DUI laws, to deter drug trafficking.

  • Recognised 450 unhoused households in Rutland create a major stress on the systems available in the city and prioritized transitional housing for families to reduce disruption in children’s education.

    Partnered with the state and the Catholic diocese to secure short-term housing for families at the Loretta Home.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

    • Worked closely with organizations such as CEDRR, the Regional Planning Commission, Habitat for Humanity, and the library board to advance city projects.

    • Hosted listening sessions and feedback events to ensure early community involvement in major decisions, such as the library redevelopment project.

    • Established a team of key players  and enabled advanced discussions with investors and operators to bring a movie theater to Rutland, aiming to enhance quality of life and entertainment options.

  • Continue removing barriers to development and creating incentives for builders, aligning with the city’s housing and growth goals.

Imagine what Rutland will look like in 5, 10 or 20 years if we continue to unite behind a cohesive vision for our city.