Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/96038374988?pwd=ls7crTRKk1bUXaudBLaOKCDG8ltStZ.1 Meeting ID: 960 3837 4988 Passcode: 362814 --- One tap mobile +16469313860,,96038374988#,,,,*362814# US +19292056099,,96038374988#,,,,*362814# US (New York) --- Meeting ID: 960 3837 4988 Passcode: 362814 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abYVBUp5RG 1. Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda 2. Adopt Minutes Subject 2.1. Approval of 10/24/24 Minutes Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Category 2. Adopt Minutes Department Type Recommended Action 3. Public Forum Subject 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Category 3. Public Forum Page 1 of 37  Department Type 4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report Subject 4.1. Rebecca Reese, ELI Manager - Business & Workforce Development Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Category 4. Presentation: Early Learning Initiative (ELI) 2024 Annual Report Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) Type Recommended Action 5. Update on NPA support working group - Councilor Neubieser 6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis Subject 6.1. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Category 6. Discussion: Draft Resolution re: City's affordable housing crisis Department Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) Type Recommended Action 7. Other Committee Business 8. Adjournment Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting December 18, 2024 - CDNR Committee Meeting - Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 6:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall Category 8. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action Page 2 of 37  CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE c/o Community & Economic Development Office City Hall, Room 32 • 149 Church Street • Burlington, VT 05401 802-865-7144 VOX • 802-865-7024 FAX • www.burlingtonvt.gov/cedo Councilor Carter Neubieser (CN), Chair, Ward 1 Councilor Evan Litwin (EL), Ward 7 Councilor Joe Kane (JK), Ward 3 CDNR Committee Meeting Thursday, October 24th, 2024 5:00 – 7:00 PM Queen City Meeting Room, 3rd Floor – City Hall Committee members: Evan Litwin (EL), Joe Kane (JK) City Staff: Christine Curtis, CEDO Other Attendees: Draft Minutes Meeting Started at 5:08 PM 1. Approve agenda MOTION by Councilor Kane, SECOND by Councilor Litwin, to approve the agenda VOTING: unanimous; motion carries. 2. Approve minutes: 9/18/24 MOTION by Councilor Litwin, SECOND by Councilor Kane, to approve the minutes VOTING: unanimous; motion carries. 3. Public Forum • No one spoke at public forum The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities. For accessibility information, call 865-7144. For questions about the meeting, contact Christine Curtis at ccurtis@burlingtonvt.gov Page 3 of 37 4. Work Session: Proposed Charter Change Language for Setting Rental Notice Periods Municipally • EL discussed the challenges faced by the rental market in Burlington, with a high vacancy rate and difficulty in people finding new homes when their rent is increased or their lease is terminated. He proposed a charter change to bring back local control over the notice period for rental increases and terminations, aiming to stabilize the rental market and prevent people from being forced to commute further. EL clarified that this is not rent control, but rather a matter of setting the notice period. He expressed hope that the voters would approve this change in the upcoming March vote • MOTION by Councilor Litwin, SECOND by Councilor Kane – CDNR Committee to sponsor version of the Resolution (attached) from the City Attorney’s office as written and ask City Council to vote at the 10/28/24 meeting to move this item onto Charter Change VOTING: unanimous; motion carries 5. Other Committee Business/Updates • NPA resolution is still pending 6. Adjournment • ADJOURN at 5:44 p.m. by Councilor Kane with no objection Page 4 of 37  Annual Report October 2024 Authors Rebecca Reese Early Learning Initiative Manager Alexandra Bacheller Workforce Development Manager Kara Alnasrawi Director, Business and Workforce Development Page 5 of 37 Page 6 of 37  TABLE OF CONTENTS I: Program Summary a) Indicators of Success 2018 – 2024 II: Act 76 and State Level Changes and impacts to ELI a) Key Components of Act 76 b) The Role of ELI in the New State Environment III: First Steps Scholarship, Year 5, 2023-2024 a) The Fifth Scholarship Year by the Numbers b) Increased Scholarship Tuition Rates and Added Benefits to Act 76 c) Increased Annual Income Limits IV: ELI Capacity Grants a) 2024 ELI Capacity Grants 1. ONE Arts Community School – Burlington 2. The Wilds Preschool b) Language Access Grants V: Workforce Development as a Capacity Building Tool a) Early Childhood Education Training Pilot Program b) First Steps Training Program c) Training for Current Providers a. Seed & Sew Partnership b. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion d) Substitute Teacher Pool Pilot Project e) Family Child Care Program Support Project Page 7 of 37 I: Program Summary The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) continues to adapt to the changing and challenging child care environment through developing new and innovative programs to support the community.  Enrolled and provided scholarships for 50 children, more than any previous year.  Launched an early childhood educator training program in partnership with the Workforce Development Manager of the Business and Workforce Development Department. o 31 total participants, graduating 29 newly trained educators into the field.  Funded 2 ELI Capacity Grants supporting existing and new programs. o The Wilds Preschool – Seed funding for a new nature based early childhood education and child care program. o ONE Arts Community School – Burlington – Funding to support health and safety upgrades at an existing ELI partner program.  Planning new programs to support the child care community. o Substitute Teacher Pool pilot, in partnership with Seed & Sew, to offer the service to a few Burlington programs before launching on a larger scale. o Family Child Care Program to support those interested in opening an in-home child care program.  Following Act 76 rollout and supporting the Burlington child care community through the changes and expansion of state programs Page 8 of 37 Indicators of Success, 2018-2024 Success Indicator Outcome Measure  256 applicants since 2019  230 scholarships offered over 5 years  197 scholarships accepted for an 86% More children in high-quality child care enrollment rate  50 scholarships provided in Year 5, most in any one year  Since 2019, almost $2.4 million in state funding and just over $972,000 of local dollars paid into the community through Total public funding pulled into the the First Steps Scholarship child care community through First  Year 5, through August 2024: estimated Steps Scholarship families $168,000 of local dollars spent (reduction due to Act 76) and $490,000 of state funding  90% of applicants were offered a space  Between 2018-2024, ELI Capacity Grants supported the creation of 4 new child High-quality child care is available for care centers and 124 new infant/toddler children eligible for scholarship spots, 38% of existing spots in the City.  24 First Steps Scholarship partner child care programs throughout 5 towns For Year 5, 2023-24 Scholarship Year:  58% of ELI families are single parent households Families have better economic well  83% of families need child care to stay being employed or find employment  40% of applicants have a primary language other than English o 10 different languages represented  85% of scholarship recipients stayed Young children are more prepared for enrolled through four scholarship years Pre-K and Kindergarten  Enrolled children had an attendance rate of 78% of open days, for Year 5 Page 9 of 37 II: Act 76 and State Level Changes and Impacts to ELI Key Components of Act 76 The passage of Vermont Act 76 marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to support the child care sector, early childhood education workforce, and families. The bill injects $125 million annually into the industry and is set to revolutionize the child care landscape by making it more affordable and stable, boosting the state’s workforce and economy. Changes beginning in July 2023 are significant wins for Vermont’s families, child care providers, and the broader community. While the legislature supports the child care industry in many ways, changes to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) have the largest impact on ELI. Details of those include:  Increased Income Eligibility for Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP): o April 2024: Families earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), approximately $124,800 annually for a family of four, will be eligible. An increase from the current eligibility of 350% FPL. o October 2024: Eligibility expands further to families earning up to 575% of the FPL, or about $179,400 annually for a family of four. o Impact: Upward of 8,000 more children will become eligible for financial assistance, making child care more accessible.  Enhanced Reimbursement Rates: o July 2023: All child care programs began receiving tuition payments at the 5- STAR reimbursement rate, regardless of their STAR rating. Previously, programs with lower STAR ratings received less tuition reimbursement. o January 2024: Reimbursement rates increased by 35%, reaching up to $471 per week. o Impact: Higher reimbursement rates will help stabilize child care programs, improve their financial viability, and make tuition more affordable for families. The Role of ELI in the New State Environment ELI has been pivotal in supporting families and child care programs through its First Steps Scholarship Program since 2019. This program fills gaps in state tuition assistance and has been a model for other municipalities. With increased state funding, ELI is adapting to continue its support in innovative ways. Ongoing efforts will be crucial in ensuring that Page 10 of 37 these changes are implemented effectively, and that the community continues to receive support during this transition.  Continued scholarship support to fill the gaps in Act 76. There are still families that fall through the cracks, and ELI is able to support those who may not otherwise be able to access the system.  ELI will work closely with partners and families to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.  Capacity building has been a focus of ELI for many years and the community expects the demand for child care spots to increase significantly. ELI will continue efforts to create more child care spots and train educators who can staff programs. III: First Steps Scholarship Program, Year 5, 2023-2024 The Fifth Scholarship Year by the Numbers: The First Steps Scholarship Program continues to see strong numbers in applications, enrollments, and partnering child care providers. This year the scholarship successfully enrolled 50 children as of May 2024. This is the most enrollments to date, speaking to the strong partnerships with providers and their willingness to prioritize First Steps families. ELI continues to support non-scholarship families as they navigate the child care environment. It is a complex system with many different programs, organizations, and requirements. As of June 2024, First Steps has supported the child care needs for 82 children, including First Steps Scholarship applications and placements; connecting older siblings and/or families not eligible for scholarship funding to preschool and afterschool programs; working with families to enroll in Head Start programs; offering advice and instruction for CCFAP; and linking families to other social services. An additional eight children not eligible for the scholarship program received assistance to find care and navigate the enrollment process.  67 total applications - 48 new families and 19 returning from Year 4  50 families enrolled in Year 5 o 75% of all applications have successfully enrolled in child care o 89% of all applications have been offered enrollment spaces  8 families on the wait list in June 2024 Page 11 of 37   24 partner child care programs in 5 towns - children currently enrolled at 17 programs  83% of First Steps families need child care to remain employed or find employment  40% of applicants’ primary language is something other than English, with 10 different languages represented o Year 5 has seen the percentage of families speaking other languages double over Year 4.  70% of ELI families identify as BIPOC  58% of ELI families are single parent households  92% of First Steps families qualify at 65% area median income, with 4% of families qualifying between 66% and 80% area median income and another 4% qualifying between 80% and 100% area median income  7 families have withdrawn from care throughout the scholarship year, due to moving out of the area, lack of transportation, or changes in family care needs  Estimated $186,000 investment for the scholarship year spanning September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, with an average annual scholarship of $3,720 o Less than previous years because of increased state funding from Act 76 Increased Scholarship Tuition Rates and Added Benefits to Act 76 The First Steps Scholarship layers additional Burlington funds on top of the state-funded Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) to make high-quality care truly affordable for families. Each year the ELI tuition rate increases to keep in line with child care program tuition increases and inflation. Year 5 saw two increases due to the Act 76 rollout and higher CCFAP reimbursement rates from the state. The maximum scholarship tuition between September and December 2023 was $437/week, about a 3.5% increase over Scholarship Year 4. The delivery model remained the same as well.  Families qualifying at or below 65% AMI: Tuition is fully covered to the weekly maximum of $437 through a combination of scholarship dollars and CCFAP.  Families qualifying between 66% and 80% AMI: Tuition is covered up to the weekly maximum of $437 through a combination of scholarship dollars, CCFAP, and a family copayment capped at no more than 5% of the family’s weekly income. Page 12 of 37   Families who qualified at or below 80% AMI in previous years continue to qualify up to 100% AMI for a flat rate scholarship of $165/week to be layered with CCFAP. A major aspect of Act 76 included significantly higher CCFAP reimbursement tuition rates, increasing by 35% for all ages. Distribution of these new rates to programs began at the end of December 2023. Infant Toddler Preschool Before Dec 2023 $349 $328 $325 Max CCFAP Rate After Dec 2023 $471 $443 $439 Max CCFAP rate ELI rates followed the state changes, causing the delivery model to adjust slightly as well. Previously, ELI always paid more than the state, ensuring true affordability for families and supporting programs contending with state rates that were not meeting tuition needs. With the large increase of the state CCFAP payment, ELI began paying to the maximum state rate, but not over. This means a weekly scholarship is not always paid out for every ELI First Steps family. Some families are already funded to the $471/week maximum by the state, so ELI does not contribute additional dollars.  For the remainder of Year 5, between January and August 2024, ELI continues to operate in the three-tier scholarship system with a maximum of $471/week. Families qualifying at or below 65% AMI: Tuition is fully covered to the weekly maximum of $471 through a combination of scholarship dollars and CCFAP.  Families qualifying between 66% and 80% AMI: Tuition is covered up to the weekly maximum of $471 through a combination of scholarship dollars, CCFAP, and a family copayment capped at no more than 5% of the family’s weekly income.  Families who qualified at or below 80% AMI in previous years continue to qualify up to 100% AMI for a flat rate scholarship of $180/week to be layered with CCFAP. The increase in CCFAP rates will greatly benefit our community and provides much needed funding to both families and child care programs. It also impacts the ELI budget, reducing individual scholarships on average by $80-100 each week. The City is Page 13 of 37 expecting to pay out an estimated $80,000 less in scholarship dollars due to the increased state funding. Although the state CCFAP program is now covering more of the tuition needs for many families, the First Steps Scholarship Program continues to benefit the community in a variety of ways.  Helping families find available spots and work through the enrollment process  Facilitating interpretation and translation needs for families who do not speak English  Supporting child care programs to fill open spots and ensuring full enrollment  Helping families navigate the CCFAP application process and state system  Funding families who are approaching a benefits cliff within the City-defined income limits o Families who do not qualify for CCFAP o Families who only qualify for part-time funding but are enrolled in full-time care and could be responsible for an unaffordable family share of tuition  This often occurs with families on shift work, second shift, or who work weekends.  Families who begin to do better financially but still fall under the 100% area median income and can benefit from another small boost for child care costs. Increased Annual Income Limits As expected, the area median income limits increased in 2024. HUD released new income numbers in April 2024, with totals increasing by about $5,000 to $6,000 for the Burlington area. April 2024 Federal Low-Income Limits for Burlington – 80% Area Median Income Family size 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 80% area median $76,100 $85,600 $95,100 $102,750 $110,350 $117,950 income Page 14 of 37 Act 76 State-Wide Changes Act 76 is increasing income limits for all Vermont residents, allowing many more families to qualify for CCFAP. April 2024 saw the first increase, moving from 350% to 400% of the federal poverty limit: 3 or fewer 6 or more Family size 4 people 5 people people people 400% of FPL $103,284 $124,800 $146,316 $167,844 The final income increase will come in October 2024 including all families up to 575% of the federal poverty limit. First Children’s Finance expects up to 80% of Vermont families to qualify. 3 or 6 or more Family size fewer 4 people 5 people people people 575% of FPL $148,464 $179,400 $210,336 $241,272 IV: ELI Capacity Grants 2024 ELI Capacity Grants ONE Arts Community School – Burlington ONE Arts Inc. received an $11,415.15 ELI Capacity Grant to address interior health and safety concerns at the ONE Arts Community School - Burlington, a childcare center located at 294 North Winooski Avenue. The site cares for up to 26 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a diverse population and nearly 60% of families receiving tuition support. ELI funded the initial startup of the program with a 2021 Capacity Grant. The 2024 grant was used to improve the physical space of the child care program, including HVAC and airflow needs, space-dividing measures, and a security system for entry points into the program. Page 15 of 37 The Wilds Preschool The Wilds Preschool, in connection with Crow’s Path, received $26,275 to support the startup of a new nature-based preschool and child care program located at the North Avenue Alliance Church at 901 North Avenue. The startup costs allowed the program to be furnished with supplies, toys, and educational materials; the space to be organized and operate as a nature-based early learning program; and the outdoor space to be equipped for children to spend the majority of their day outside. Opening in October 2023, the program began with 12 spots in Year 1, with up to 4 toddlers and 8 preschoolers. They have plans to expand in Year 2 to 20-24 enrollment spots. Backed by the long-established and well-known outdoor education program, Crow’s Path, The Wilds is the group’s first step into early childhood education. The Wilds Preschool provides outdoor education at an accessible location and is committed to enrolling a diverse population. Language Access Grants Language Access Grants continue to support the community. Launched in 2023, details of the program include:  Grants are available to all Burlington child care programs and First Steps Scholarship partner programs located outside of Burlington  Individual grant maximum of up to $800/project  Programs can apply for up to 3 projects in a 12-month period for an annual maximum of $2,400  Costs must have been incurred after January 1, 2022  Funds administered through a reimbursement model The Early Learning Center in Colchester received an $800 grant to support an on-going contract to communicate with enrolled families. Several other programs have reached out for technical support on the application and finding reliable, affordable translation and interpretation services. Page 16 of 37 V: Workforce Development as a Capacity Building Tool At the state level, Act 76 has implemented many changes throughout the child care community. The increase in funding is welcomed in an industry that has been woefully underfunded. It has also provided the opportunity for ELI to shift focus and turn toward other needs. The COVID-19 pandemic focused a light on the understaffed and underfunded child care community. Many programs lost teachers during that time and have yet to rebound to pre-pandemic staffing and enrollment levels. Based on a Spring 2024 survey of ELI parent programs, 11 child care programs currently have 28 open staff positions. ELI has taken the opportunity to build child care capacity through training programs for new and existing educators. Early Childhood Education Training Pilot Program ELI partnered with Let’s Grow Kids to offer a pilot training program hoping to bring new people into the field. The Early Childhood Education Training Program launched in May 2023 with seven participants. The program was designed to offer the required trainings with wraparound supports for participants to successfully complete the work. Trainings included a 3-credit Community College of Vermont course – Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 2-sessions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, Introduction to Northern Light Individual Professional Development Plan and Bright Future Information Systems, and pediatric CPR and first aid among other offerings. The course ran with seven participants, graduating six new educators into the field in August 2023.  4 participants completed all trainings  2 qualified for an Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1  2 are employed full-time in center-based programs  1 is currently a substitute at a center-based program  2 are interested in starting family child care programs This model was considered when the BWD Workforce Development Manager took over management of early childhood education training programs. Page 17 of 37 First Steps Training Program The First Steps Training Program launched in the fall of 2023. This program offers Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training; pediatric first aid and CPR; as well as observation placement in area child care centers and advising support from Northern Lights staff. Specifically, the program offers:  Intro to Child Development  Early Childhood Environments  Intro to Licensing  Observation and Assessment  Building Meaningful Curriculum  Social Emotional Development  Basic Specialized Care  Advanced Specialized Care  Language and Creative Expression  Family-Centered Practice  Professionalism, Leadership and Ethical Practice  Pediatric First Aid and CPR  Diversity training with a focus on culturally responsive care  Office and advising hours with Northern Lights staff  Support from the Workforce Development Manager  Observation positions at local childcare centers The First Steps Training Program was offered in the fall of 2023 and the spring of 2024. Overall:  31 educators started, 29 educators completed Data Fall 2023 + Spring 2024 % Female 71% % Male 6% % Non-binary 23% % BIPOC 35% % ESL 42% Employment Rate 77%  22 in centers  2 as substitute teachers Page 18 of 37 Training for Current Providers S.E.E.D. Certification ELI partnered with Seed & Sew to offer social-emotional trainings to child care programs within the City. Schools Excelling in Emotional Development (S.E.E.D.) Certification is an online, asynchronistic training, which allows programs and teachers to learn at their own pace and schedule. Developed by Alyssa Campbell-Black, it is a nationally sought-after program, that Burlington is lucky enough to have as a local resource. The training uses “research-backed practices in the classroom to build emotional intelligence and reduce teacher burnout.” The initial partnership focused on a cohort of Burlington family child care providers. This program gave five seasoned educators access to both the training and associated platform, and also to each other as they worked through the 8 modules. The monthly meetings offered community, support, and education for at-home providers, who often work alone and feel quite isolated. The success of the first group led to an expanded partnership with Seed & Sew offering S.E.E.D. Certification to all untrained Burlington programs and supported the financial needs of S.E.E.D. Certified schools’ annual membership. To date, ELI has funded:  S.E.E.D. Certification for 15 child care programs, both centers and family child care providers, at $22,473  Recertification for 14 child care programs at $11,358. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings are being offered throughout the community to many organizations – the City, large companies, the Burlington School District, etc. ELI has established a relationship with Yasamin Gordon, a certified diversity trainer, currently the Director of Inclusion and Belonging for Shelburne Farms. Inclusion of DEI trainings follows the city-wide goals of expanding opportunities for DEI training and education. Child care providers are very interested in participating. ELI and Workforce Development collaborated to offer available spaces in the First Steps Training Program DEI to partner programs. Many were very interested, and the spots filled within minutes. Several have reached out asking about additional DEI opportunities and resources to fund this important professional development. In the Annual ELI Partner Survey, 11 centers indicated interest and willingness to host or attend DEI trainings. Page 19 of 37 Substitute Teacher Pool Pilot Project Continuing our partnership with Seed & Sew, ELI and Workforce Development are supporting work to pilot a substitute teacher pool with a few select Burlington based child care programs. The City and Seed & Sew have learned from trusted community partners and past attempts at such programs. An already existing database is being implemented to offer administration support for posting and assigning positions. The state Child Development Division has also been helpful explaining licensing requirements and how to operate within the parameters. Interested educators are signing on to the project, including several First Steps Training participants. The City and Seed & Sew hope to launch in the summer of 2024. Family Child Care Program Support Project The City has seen a significant decrease in family child care providers, with over 65% of them closing in the last 10 years. The community now only has 11 home-based providers. ELI sees this an area to increase capacity of available spots and support new entrepreneurs in the City. ELI, Workforce Development, and Burlington’s Small Business Support have collaborated to create a program supporting individuals who are interested in opening child care programs in their homes. This project is working closely with the First Steps Training Program, which equips participants with the training and basic certifications needed to open an in-home program. The efforts were also recognized by the Harvard Graduate School of Education Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative with the team being accepted into the 1-day conference - Strengthening State and City Early Education System and Policy for Today and Tomorrow. The City was 1 of 12 teams selected out of a national pool of 50+ applicants. Rebeca Reese, Alex Bacheller, Will Clavelle, Johanna Schneider, and Kara Alnasrawi attended in early December, learning from experts and advancing the project. The team plans to launch in the summer, supporting a small group of two to three participants initially. This will allow everyone to learn from each other and ensure the best designed program is being offered to the community. Following the pilot, ideally ELI support will support two to three new family child care providers annually. The training will include:  First Steps Training Program, if needed Page 20 of 37  o Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals which meet the education requirement o Pediatric First Aid and CPR o Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training  Support with State licensing regulations and background checks  Registering and insuring a new small business  Learning about family child care program finances and how to access CCFAP tuition support dollars  Connecting with state-level organizations that support the child care community Page 21 of 37 Appendices Appendix A: Capacity Grant Program Totals, 2017-2024 Center & Grant Award Total Spots Funding Totals Year ONE Arts Community 28 spots, 16 infant/toddler and $115,091.76 (2 grants) School – Burlington - 2021 12 preschool newly created (new child care center) The Wilds Preschool 12 spots, Up to 4 toddler and 8 $26,275 (new child care program) preschool newly created Next Generation – 18 infant and toddler newly $19,200 Burlington created (new child care center) - 2020 Champlain Valley Head 23 infant/toddler and preschool $90,849 Start newly created (new child care center) - 2019 Fletcher Free Library - 2019 50 students reached at home- $17,300 based centers Pine Forest – 2018 & 2019 69 stabilized and future $50,000 (2 grants) expansion planning Burlington Children’s 51 stabilized through building $150,000 (2-installments Space - 2018 ownership of $75,000) YMCA - 2018 38 newly created $130,000 Sara Holbrook Community 8 newly created $150,000 Center - 2018 Full Circle Preschool – 4 newly created $19,000 (2 grants) 2017 & 2018 Robin’s Nest - 2018 46 improved by $10,275 teacher/director certification The Family Room - 2018 Community center stabilized; $45,000 CCFAP started Page 22 of 37 Appendix B: ELI Advertisements First Steps Scholarships Page 23 of 37 First Steps Training Program Page 24 of 37 2024 Annual Report Rebecca Reese Early Learning Initiative Manager Alexandra Bacheller Workforce Development Manager Page 25 of 37 Early Learning Initiative in Business and Workforce Development Support for both child care programs and families First Steps Scholarship Program ELI Capacity Grants First Steps Training Program Page 26 of 37 5 Years of Family Support, 2019-2024 Help for families to find and afford 256 applications submitted high-quality child care 230 scholarships offered Reserved enrollment spots Support for both City and State 197 scholarships accepted applications 86% enrollment rate Case management throughout child care partner programs through 5 enrollment process 24 towns Page 27 of 37 First Steps Scholarship Scholarship Year #5 2023-2024 50 scholarships awarded 58% single parent households 70% BIPOC families 67 applications accepted 48 new families as of Year 5 19 families returning from Year 4 40% families speaking languages other than English 10 languages represented 89% of all applicants offered enrollment 83% of families need childcare spaces to stay employes or find employment Page 28 of 37 Act 76 Vermont’s Historic Child Care Bill Passed in June 2023 and roll out began July 1, 2023 Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) reimbursement rates increased by 35% ex. Infant rate of $349/week increased to $471/week Family income limits increasing significantly April 2024 to 400% FPL- $124,800 October 2024 575% FPL- $179,400 Estimates that 80%+ of Vermont families will qualify Page 29 of 37 ELI Capacity Grants Supports creating more capacity within high-quality child care, and protects existing spots and programs within in the community. $823,000 awarded since 2018 46% increase in capacity in Burlington 4 new child care centers up to 124 new high-quality spots stabilize 166 spots at high-quality centers Supporting 38% of all existing spots in the City New Grants: The Wilds Preschool - $26,275 ONE Arts Community School - Burlington - $11,415 ELI Language Access Grant to the Early Learning Center in Colchester Page 30 of 37 First Steps Training Program Components Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals, through Northern Lights Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training, with Yasamin Gordon Pediatric First Aid & CPR with Tamara McLaughlin, through VT Safety Net Additional support with licensing and professional next steps, through Northern Lights Page 31 of 37 First Steps Training Two cohorts - Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 31 educators accepted 29 educators completed 71% female 6% male 23% nonbinary 35% BIPOC 42% ESL 77% employment rate 22 in centers and 2 as substitute teachers Page 32 of 37 Trainings for Current Educators Seed & Sew partnership S.E.E.D. Certification - Schools Excelling in Emotional Development online social-emotional training to “build emotional intelligence and reduce teacher burnout” 15 child care programs, both centers and family child care piloted with 5 family child care programs Recertified 14 child care programs Substitute Teacher Pool Partnering with Seed & Sew to coordinate community partners across state to offer a pilot to ELI partner programs Currently working with 4 child care programs and 5 substitutes Utilizing existing technology and innovating with the State GOAL: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training 11 partner programs have indicated interest Page 33 of 37 Family Child Care Programs Only 10 family child care providers in the City 65% decrease over the last 10 years, 19 in just 2018 Strengthening State and City Early Education Systems and Policy for Today and Tomorrow 1-day conference through the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education The team - Kara, Rebecca, Alex, Will, and Jo Engaging community and organizing program Part 1 current First Steps Training Program Part 2 ELI Capacity Grant financial support and budgeting courses Licensing and insurance support small business support Page 34 of 37 Thank you! Rebecca Reese Early Learning Initiative Manager City of Burlington rreese@burlingtonvt.gov 802.865.7533 Alex Bacheller Workforce Development Manager City of Burlington abacheller@burlingtonvt.gov 802.829.6047 Page 35 of 37 A Resolution Related to: Investing an additional one million dollars into the Burlington Housing Trust Fund Whereas: The vast majority of Burlingtonians cannot afford to buy a home and struggle to afford rent. The median sale price of a home in Burlington is over half a million dollars. 31% of renters pay more than half of their income on rent in Burlington. We are experiencing record levels of families and individuals forced to sleep outdoors. Whereas: Healthcare costs are out of control and are eating up a large part of Burlingtonians’ household incomes. UVM Health Network has a monopoly on healthcare in Vermont - controlling upwards of 60% of the market (the highest of any hospital in the US). Vermonters pay the highest average premiums in the US - more than $1,200. Whereas: Our municipal and state property tax systems are unfair and untenable. During the last reassessment, when COVID hit, the burden of funding our city’s general fund shifted away from commercial property owners, leaving residents with significantly higher tax bills. Statewide, the highest-income Vermonters pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than many in the middle. Whereas: The University of Vermont does not take enough responsibility for its effect on our local and regional housing market. The Governor and State Legislature have not taken action to force a change in UVM’s approach. Many colleges house students all four years, but not UVM. This is a major driver of Burlington’s vacancy rate of 1%, leading to skyrocketing rents and poor housing conditions. Whereas: The Burlington Housing Trust Fund has proven highly effective in funding the creation and maintenance of permanently affordable housing Whereas: Burlington’s benefits from a cost efficient, effective, and dedicated web of nonprofit and public affordable housing providers and developers including but not limited to the Champlain Housing Trust, COTS, the Living Well Group, Homeshare Vermont, Cathedral Square, Spectrum, Dismas House and many more; Whereas: Burlington Community Land Trust (BCLT) and Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation (LCHDC), which were later merged to create the Champlain Housing Trust, were each founded in 1984 with the financial support of the City of Burlington in partnership with neighboring communities and citizen groups; Page 36 of 37 Whereas: The Champlain Housing Trust and other nonprofit housing organizations originating in Burlington have served as models to communities globally, to build and maintain affordable housing; Therefore be it resolved: The city’s Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) in collaboration with the city’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and other relevant city staff (as determined by CEDO, the CAO, and Mayor’s office) will identify a variety of pathways the city could increase money dedicated to the Housing Trust Fund by at least 1 million dollars annually; Therefore be it resolved: The pathways identified should include those that we could pursue with existing powers we hold under charter, and others that would require a charter change with final approval from the General Assembly and the Governor. Therefore be it resolved: The funding for these proposals will either 1. generate new revenue only through progressive-taxation, meaning those residents and businesses with the highest incomes and largest amount of wealth pay more than Burlington’s working and middle class. Revenue may also be generated from tourists visiting our city. 2. Be revenue neutral in relation to their impact on property taxpayers. Therefore be it resolved: A representative from CEDO and the CAO will present a report with their findings to the Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization (CDNR) committee of the City Council by March 15, 2025 Page 37 of 37