Smart Growth Vermont (SGV) will merge with the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) effective July 1.
The merger will allow both to "more efficiently and effectively promote land use and community development policies that best serve the state’s ecological, economic and social needs," according to an SGV press release.
The organization’s key programs will be consolidated with VNRC’s Sustainable Communities Program. As a result, some Smart Growth board members may join the VNRC board, and SGV founder and former Board Chair John Ewing will serve on the Council’s advisory committee.
SGV was founded in 1998 as the Vermont Forum on Sprawl to support development patterns that reinforce downtowns and compact neighborhoods. The organization has worked with Preservation Trust of Vermont, Housing Vermont, VNRC and others on strengthening the state’s downtown program, enacting growth centers legislation, and providing assistance to communities engaged in smart growth planning.
VNRC was founded in 1963 to support good stewardship of Vermont’s natural resources and working landscape. According to VNRC Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney, the organizations’ decision to merge will strengthen VNRC’s focus on community development and smart growth issues.
The merger's the result of a five-month process that began soon after former Executive Director Noelle MacKay left the organization to become Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic, Housing & Community Development in January.