Celebrating Inclusion – A Path Towards a Brighter Future in Vermont

Vermont Declaration of Inclusion Logo

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

Part 4 – Consumption

Chart of expenditures by age showing that consumption is low for young and old people, and high in middle age.

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

Part 2 – Labor force participation

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

Four Key Population Trends Shaping the Vermont Economy – Part 1: Age Composition

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

The People Paradox

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