BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Faced with a new wave of challenges, town managers turn to a new UVM program to fine-tune their toolbox.
It’s been five months since Brent Raymond became Morristown town manager – and every day brings a new puzzle.
“There are always challenges, whether it be, you know, the budget and the unique situations that the municipalities face with budgeting,” said Raymond.
So Raymond applied to UVM’s new Vermont Local Government Institute.
He got in as one of eighteen new and mid-career municipal officials in the certificate program’s fall cohort that started in September.
Seasoned community leaders teach Raymond and his peers new skills and best practices.
“We were able to discuss amongst one another various situations that are going on in our communities and how they’re working to try to address them,” said Raymond.
UVM’s Maureen Hebert helped develop the program alongside the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Vermont Town and City Management Association.
“The goal is to really help those that are currently in their role to be successful,” said Hebert.
The institute is free for all thanks to UVM’s Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. It’s also hybrid, so participants can learn from around the state and occasionally in person.
“This kind of gives them a one-stop shop or a toolbox to be able to learn all those skills in one location, but also helps them build a network with their peers across the state,” said Hebert.
In the midst of high turnover among local leaders and unprecedented challenges like flooding, Raymond says sharp skills and networking are key.
“I think, especially in this time period of the United States, showing leadership skills that promote civility and trust in government are essential to success,” said Raymond.
Spring cohort registration opens this winter, and there are lots of spots to go around.