Primary Focus In the election held on August 13, Esther Charlestin won the Democratic primary for Governor and will face Phil Scott in November. In the race for Lieutenant Governor, the incumbent David Zuckerman fended off a challenge in the Democratic primary from Thomas Renner. John Rodgers defeated Greg Thayer to become the Republican nominee for LG. Zuckerman will now face Rodgers in the general election. On the Democratic ballot, several candidates who were running as moderates against more progressive incumbents came up short. However, it is difficult to determine whether this pro-incumbent sentiment will continue in November since very few Vermonters voted in the primary. According to the Secretary of State, only 15% of Vermonters registered to vote cast a ballot in the primary. In the general election in November, the number will likely be closer to 70%. Find more election analysis from Meadow Hill here.
Still Low Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.1% in July. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vermont has an estimated 17,000 open jobs, down from the historic highs set in 2021 and 2022 when openings were regularly above 20,000. The most pressing barrier to economic growth in Vermont is a shrinking labor force. With more than two open jobs for every unemployed Vermonter, there are employment opportunities across the State. Click here to learn more.
Code Compliance The State of Vermont has updated its energy efficiency codes. Known as the RBES and CBES (Residential/ Commercial Building Energy Standards), these codes promote efficient designs for heating and electrical systems. Some municipalities, including Burlington and South Burlington, have adopted even more stringent versions in an attempt to limit the use of fossil fuel heating systems in new construction. EV-capable parking spaces with 200-volt capacity (aka Level II charging) are now required at residential buildings, from single-family homes to apartment buildings. The updated CBES code also requires some EV-capable or EV-ready spaces to be built in new commercial buildings. And South Burlington is considering even more stringent requirements for EV chargers in new construction. Check that out here. More details about the 2024 RBES and CBES can be found here.
Tax Time You should have already received your South Burlington tax bill. The first installment was due on August 15. You can email enorway@southburlingtonvt.gov if a copy of a tax bill is needed. The average property tax bill across vermont going up by 13.8%.
Short Term Rentals As of August 1, the state of Vermont has implemented a 3% tax on short-term rental bookings. This tax applies to all short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The tax aims to support affordable housing initiatives and local infrastructure improvements. It is separate from the state's existing 9% Rooms and Meals Tax, meaning hosts and guests will see a combined tax rate of 12% on their bookings. Airbnb and VRBO will collect these taxes on behalf of short-term rental owners. Earlier this year, the South Burlington City Council adopted a Residential Rental Registry Ordinance. The aim of this rental registry is to ensure regular inspections of the City's rental units, providing safer housing for residents. Owners must complete a registration for each of their rental units. If you have rentals to register, visit the City’s website.
