Are We Doing Enough? Removing Barriers to Workforce Participation

Designed for employers and workforce leaders, this session examines what systemic and internal barriers may prevent full workforce participation. Topics include childcare, transportation, reentry, mental health, and inclusive hiring.

Key Takeaways:

• Internal audit checklist for businesses
• Community partnership models
• Policy and practice alignment opportunities

Policy Roundtable: Shaping Legislation to Support Vermont’s Economic Future

Join business and municipal leaders for an open, solutions-oriented discussion on how current and future legislation aligns with the Vermont Economic Action Plan and the long-term vision of the Vermont Futures Project. This roundtable is designed to gather insights, identify challenges, and explore legislative opportunities that can better support economic growth and community resilience. Participants will have the opportunity to share real-time feedback and help shape policy priorities for upcoming legislative sessions.

Key Takeaways:

• Current policy landscape snapshot
• Input channels for grassroots and business communities
• Opportunities for local-state alignment

Aligning Education with Workforce Demand: Practice Strategies for Vermont Employers

How can Vermont employers actively shape and benefit from education and training systems that meet their workforce needs? This breakout session explores how employers, educators, and policy leaders can work together to close persistent workforce gaps by aligning programs with real-time labor market demand. With deep ties to both education and industry, Mary Anne Sheahan of the Vermont Talent Pipeline and Vermont Business Roundtable and Elizabeth Mauch, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System, will highlight effective models of collaboration and offer concrete strategies employers can use to influence program design, partner with educational institutions, and attract and retain skilled talent. This session will equip participants with:

• Tools to engage with regional training providers and postsecondary partners
• Tactics for articulating and advocating for hiring needs
• Examples of successful partnerships across Vermont
• Insights on how evolving educational programs are adapting to Vermont’s economic reality

Participants will leave with actionable ideas for strengthening their talent pipelines—without waiting for policy shifts or slow-moving systems to catch up.

Public-Private Partnerships for Housing: A Local Implementation Toolkit 

This practical how-to session walks through the mechanics of starting and funding public/private partnerships build housing in your community. Hear from community leaders who have done it successfully.

Key Takeaways:

• Partnership structure
• Funding mechanisms
• Community engagement & risk mitigation

Networking and Discussion

Mythbusters: Addressing Pushback and Building Buy-In

You’ve probably seen, heard, or even unknowingly repeated persistent stories and sentiments such as: “Growth will turn Vermont into New Jersey”, “There aren’t enough jobs and Vermont’s wages are not competitive”, “Vermont doesn’t have the carrying capacity for more people”, “Development threatens our landscape and natural resources”. When’s the last time you stopped to look at the data to fact check some of these statements? We’ll collide numbers with narrative to dispel some of the most common myths that so that you can be a data-informed ambassador for growth. 

Mobilizing Community Stakeholders: How to Empower Local Voices for Economic Action

Revitalization starts with the right people at the table. This session provides tools to identify local champions, anchor institutions, and civic groups in your community. Learn how to convene, engage, and mobilize them toward shared economic goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Stakeholder mapping techniques
• Community meeting toolkits
• Examples of successful community-led mobilizations

Zoning and Sustainable Growth: Building Vibrant, Affordable Communities 

Dive into zoning reform, sustainable development practices, and how to overcome barriers to smart growth. This session will highlight case studies and regulatory approaches that can help Vermont towns create livable, affordable communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Zoning reform strategies
• Real-world examples from Vermont and beyond
• Policy alignment tips for local planners and leaders

What’s Possible: Investing Now for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods

This keynote panel explores how Vermont can embrace economic growth while advancing climate resilience, affordability, and abundance. Moderated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and grounded in their publication What’s Possible, the conversation will feature voices from Vermont and beyond, highlighting how innovative cross-sector collaboration can drive sustainable development.

Attendees will gain insight into practical, forward-looking strategies and examples of success that align investment with impact. The takeaway is that economic development and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities and can be powerful complementary forces. Through real-world experience and cross-sector collaboration, panelists will share what’s working, and what’s scalable, and what solutions can come next as we collectively explore what’s possible for Vermont’s future.