Winooski leaders meet to hash out long-term city priorities

Winooski city leaders gathered late last month in an annual summit to discuss the city’s strategic plan and set top priorities — among them managing a major grant, funding affordable housing and creating an equity commission. 

The annual session began in 2017 as an effort to make a shared list of priorities for achieving the city‘s priorities, according to the meeting minutes.   

In a discussion led by Mayor Kristine Lott, the team ranked the city’s list of proposed activities by priority level. At the top of the list were the Working Communities Challenge Grant management, identifying potential funding streams for the Housing Trust Fund, and the formation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. 

This year’s meeting included a conversation about the White Dominant Culture and Something Different Worksheet.

Each member read the document prior to the meeting and shared their thoughts. Members collectively agreed that even though efforts have been made, there is a substantial amount of work to be done in the areas of equity and inclusion. This discussion seemed to set the stage for a larger conversation on equity, inclusion, transparency and accessibility throughout the remainder of the meeting. 

Deputy Mayor Hal Colston noted that he wanted to ensure the newly passed all-resident voting law received the respect and attention it deserves during the planning session and in the strategic plan.

Much of the recent, in-depth focus on diversity and creating equitable practices is thanks to the city’s first Equity Director, Yasamin Gordon, who was hired earlier this year. Gordon was also in attendance at this year’s session. 

In addition to their plans for the next year, council members addressed the current economic situation and an immediate need for more revenue. One of the main challenges identified by the team is Winooski’s slow-growing tax base. A member of the public chimed in to ask about the city’s current grant revenue and noted this avenue may be a better option than introducing new taxes. 

A final draft of the Fiscal Year 2022 Policy, Priorities & Strategies will be presented for approval at a future City Council meeting.