This commentary is by Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project Personal growth is universally celebrated. We encourage people to pursue education, seek professional development, and advance in their endeavors. We applaud entrepreneurs who take risks, innovate, and build successful enterprises. We praise people who overcome adversity and become more resilient in the … Read more
Montpelier, VT (January 29, 2025) –Yesterday, the Vermont Futures Project announced the launch of its much-anticipated Economic Action Plan, a comprehensive, data-informed roadmap designed to address Vermont’s workforce and housing challenges and secure a prosperous future for the state. It was shaped by public engagement with over 5,000 Vermonters across all 14 counties. The plan … Read more
In 2021, Governor Phil Scott first established the second week of May as Inclusion Week. Annually, the event recognizes that the State of Vermont condemns discrimination in all forms and welcomes all people who want to live, work, and visit Vermont. The Vermont Declaration of Inclusion is an ongoing grassroots initiative advancing diversity, equity, and … Read more
This is the last section of a four-part series that explores how population changes impact the Vermont economy. Previous posts explored the economic impacts of age composition, workforce participation and the age dependency ratios in Vermont. Part four considers how consumption rates impact the everyday economic life of Vermonters. Lifetime Consumption Patterns How we consume goods … Read more
This is part three of a four-part series that explores how population changes can impact key aspects of the Vermont economy. In part one and two we discussed the importance of age composition and workforce participation on the Vermont economy. Part three looks deeper into how a changing Age Dependency Ratio may impact the Vermont … Read more
This is part two of a four-part series that explores how population changes impact key aspects of the Vermont economy. In part one we discussed the importance of age composition. This article looks deeper into how labor force participation impacts the everyday economic life of Vermonters. Labor force participation rate The labor force participation rate … Read more
A common economic saying predicts that “our destiny lies in our population trends.” Vermont’s population challenges have become apparent to anyone waiting for restaurant seating or for an appointment with an electrician. Some of this trend is due to early retirement by an older workforce, while other factors are also playing a role in the … Read more
In true Vermont fashion we have come together, regardless of political party, on the top threats facing our state. From the State House to the kitchen table, Vermonters agree that something must be done to fix the workforce and housing crises. The data circulated in recent months has rapidly become common knowledge; 26,000 open jobs, 2.2% unemployment, … Read more
