AGP Executive Report

Vermont Business & Health: A new geriatric program from Community Health is aimed at helping Vermonters 60+ stay independent, with home assessments and support for memory issues, falls, complex chronic conditions, and caregiver stress. State Policy & Oversight: VNAs of Vermont has named Eric Covey executive director, as Vermont continues health-care transformation and home health/hospice access work. Environment & Wildlife: The Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund is backing conservation projects protecting 2,163 acres, with land kept open to the public. Public Safety & Outdoors: Vermont Fish and Wildlife will hold hearings on proposed bear-hunting rule changes, including a single Sept. 1–deer-season bear season and tag requirements. Local Economy: Burlington’s former Courtyard by Marriott has reopened as The Harborvale after a $19M renovation. Elections: Vermont officials are pushing turnout ahead of the August primary, with thousands of ballots requested and returned so far. Health Care Funding: Sen. Peter Welch is urging passage of a bill to eliminate interest on federal student loans, citing Vermont’s roughly 78,000 borrowers and $2.9B in debt. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A warned customers in Vermont and nine other states that a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed data tied to Chick-fil-A One accounts. Science & Community Concern: UVM researchers report a rare transmissible skin cancer in Lake Memphremagog fish, raising new questions about how it spreads—while saying there’s no known risk to humans.

Retirement & caregiving: A new EBRI/Greenwald study finds unpaid caregivers are more likely to report lower assets, more debt stress, and weaker retirement confidence than non-caregivers—highlighting how caregiving can derail long-term financial planning. Vermont housing & rentals: Vermont towns are trying different rules for short-term rentals as the state’s housing shortage worsens; Stowe officials say the local impact is real even as state data suggests rentals are a small share statewide. Local politics & public safety: A progressive activist is challenging Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin, pitching eviction reform and a jobs-focused approach tied to the sheriff’s role in enforcing court-ordered evictions. Environment & enforcement: Vermont AG Charity Clark joined a multistate lawsuit to block an EPA rule that would weaken limits on hydrofluorocarbons, arguing it would increase emissions. Business & finance: AM Best announced an Aug. 4 briefing on the state of the U.S. captive insurance market, with Vermont regulators and industry leaders on the panel. Public health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, with Vermont among the states not reporting cases in the latest update.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Race: Three candidates—Molly Gray, Esther Charlestin, and Ryan McLaren—took part in a Vermont Public debate Tuesday ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, with housing, health care, and affordability driving the contrast. McLaren tied his run to a 2017 ski accident that left him paraplegic, while Gray and Charlestin emphasized the job’s real-world power to convene and advocate. Affordable Housing Funding: Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and housing leaders announced an expansion of the Invest in Vermont program, boosting low-interest lending capacity to unlock $25 million for housing, jobs, and affordability, after the Legislature increased the program’s lending share. Green Energy Deal: Essex Resort & Spa and Essex Experience are partnering with SunCommon on a multi-phase rooftop solar project expected to cover 75% of the resort’s energy needs, supported by USDA Rural Energy for America grants and Vermont financing. Forest Fire Wardens: A new state law taking effect July 1 automatically places the local fire chief as the town’s forest fire warden, changing how burn permits and enforcement are handled and leaving some chiefs scrambling to adjust. Refugee and Immigration Legal Fight: A federal appeals court reversed a Vermont judge’s order to release pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi, saying the lower court lacked jurisdiction—while advocates warn delays in federal legal-aid funding could leave thousands of immigrant children without representation. Trade Pressure on Vermont: Vermont manufacturers are reacting to Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, warning the move could disrupt supply chains and sales, just as tourism and cross-border business already face strain. Local Public Safety: In Pownal, deputy patrols have stopped after a contract impasse between the selectboard and the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, with the Vermont State Police covering needs in the meantime.

Health Data Upgrade: VITL is migrating Vermont’s health information exchange to a new clinical data repository and provider portal powered by Outcome Healthcare, aiming for a Spring 2027 completion so clinicians can access more complete patient records for coordinated care. Maternal Care Pressure: Vermont clinicians are urging Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Human Services to raise Medicaid reimbursement for prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, warning that low rates are driving obstetric unit closures. Opportunity Zones: Vermont has identified 25 communities for possible federal opportunity zone designation, with public feedback open through July 24 before nominations go to the U.S. Treasury. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke is blanketing the Midwest and Northeast, pushing more than 100 million Americans under air quality alerts. Local Media: Central Vermont Community Radio says it must relocate off the Creative Campus by March 1, 2027, after a lease decision, while expanding broadcast coverage. Agriculture Bills: Sen. Peter Welch reintroduced measures to support small-scale farmers and improve protections for agricultural workers. Environment Legal Fight: Tribes and environmental groups are suing to block a Trump rule that would gut Endangered Species Act habitat protections.

Lakes Protection: Vermont officials marked July as Lakes Appreciation Month, urging residents to protect more than 800 lakes and ponds by cutting lawn runoff, planting native shoreline trees, and improving shoreline ecosystems as drought and flooding intensify. Maine Senate Race: Maine Democrats are rallying behind Troy Jackson after delegates lined up for him, but the path to facing Sen. Susan Collins is still rocky amid scrutiny of his past positions and leadership style. Public Safety & Accountability: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch joined a group of senators calling on DHS to expand ICE body-worn cameras and tighten officer identification and enforcement protocols after killings in Maine and Texas. Local Infrastructure: The Poultney Merger Committee kept debating how to structure village water and sewer, including whether to fold in fire services and how to handle village debt. Vermont Business & Health: Vermont clinicians urged Gov. Phil Scott and the Agency of Human Services to raise Medicaid reimbursement for labor and delivery to prevent more obstetric unit closures. State Civic Engagement: Vermont launched Vermont Civic Connect, offering businesses and nonprofits nonpartisan election info and incentives like paid time off to vote. Courts & Funding: A federal judge backed a coalition of states, including Vermont, ruling the Trump administration illegally misused authority to revoke billions in federal grant funding. Environment & Industry: Vermont loggers warned that a New York paper mill closure could further strain the state’s logging market.

Maine Politics: The crowded Democratic race to replace Sen. Susan Collins narrowed as Troy Jackson locked in delegates and several rivals dropped out, including Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former public health official Nirav Shah, setting up a clearer path to the nomination. Vermont Housing: A new report warns that high “vacancy” rates in northern New England can mask a shortage of year-round homes, with Vermont’s vacant stock heavily skewed toward seasonal properties. Vermont Campaigns: In the Democratic lieutenant governor primary, leading candidates Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren spar over who has the right experience and who deserves credit for past wins. Health & Community Care: Two hospices joined the New England Collaborative Health Network, expanding a regional effort to share services and strengthen local care. Vermont Business: Rail View Dairy in New Haven was named Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year by UVM Extension. Energy & Weather: Gas prices in Vermont climbed again, while wildfire smoke continues to blanket parts of the U.S., raising health concerns. Finance Regulation: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition urging federal regulators to deny bank charters to high-risk fintech companies.

Vermont Dairy: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, praising the Livingston family’s decades of herd management, land stewardship, and steady growth to 740 cows. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $6 million for Vermont under Public Assistance, including reimbursements for flood damage to bridges and parts of the Washington County Railroad in Barnet. Public Health & Safety Tech: A new free Secure Ag Farm Emergency Mapping App (SAFE MApp) helps livestock and poultry producers map disease entry points and plan for outbreaks and emergencies. Vermont History: The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration launched a free summer speaker series on Vermont’s 250th anniversary, using archival records to explore the Revolution’s legacy, state hospital burial records, and more. Cybersecurity: A major EY breach tied to an unguarded help-desk platform has triggered regulatory notifications in multiple states, including Vermont, after attackers accessed client tax files. Local Culture: The Deerfield Valley Players will stage 1776 in Wilmington as part of Vermont 250 celebrations.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in New England disaster aid, including more than $6 million for Vermont to reimburse repairs after 2024 flooding—covering bridge work in Lyndon and railroad damage in Barnet. Education Policy: A new Vermont education law pushes districts to merge, but critics say it pays for the process without clear efficiency targets or oversight on whether it saves money. Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is triggering air quality alerts across much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Vermont, with guidance to monitor local conditions. Local Economy & Jobs: A Federal Reserve Bank of Boston report finds small businesses are driving job growth in New England faster than the rest of the country. Agriculture: Vermont dairy farmers say they’re being left behind as processing closures and high costs squeeze margins. Politics: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders faces fresh backlash over endorsements, as Sen. John Fetterman urges him to “humble yourself” and stop backing candidates critics say could hurt Democrats. Culture & Community: The Estey Organ Museum in Brattleboro says a major donation paid off its mortgage, keeping the historic site open.

FEMA Funding: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in New England disaster recovery and hazard-mitigation money, including more than $6 million for Vermont—such as $3.6 million to reimburse Lyndon for bridge repairs after the late July 2024 flooding and $2.4 million for Washington County Railroad repairs in Barnet. Climate & Consumer Policy: A Vermont commentary warns that cooling rules elsewhere—like California and New York’s air-conditioning and refrigerant efforts—could eventually raise costs for Vermonters, as window units can be far cheaper than heat-pump installs. Health Care Leadership: University of Vermont Health named Marc Kosak as the next president and COO of Central Vermont Medical Center, starting July 20. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Vermont’s AOT posted a week of highway work affecting traffic, including I-89 paving and I-91 north single-lane closures, with speed limits reduced in active zones. Local Community & Work: Workforce in Motion is expanding to Northwest Vermont with a hands-on career exploration summit at the Champlain Valley Expo this fall. Air Quality Watch: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to trigger air quality alerts across the Northeast, including Vermont.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $7 million in New England funding, including more than $6 million for Vermont, to reimburse flood and storm repairs and support hazard mitigation. Public Safety & Health Care: Vermont Cares took over the Howard Center needle exchange on Clark Street, moving it to Bank Street—but some Burlington business owners say the safety problems are following, affecting foot traffic and patio dining. State Policy: Vermont’s vehicle inspection rules are being loosened so inspectors fail cars only for immediate safety risks; nonsafety issues will be flagged, with manual changes taking effect Aug. 1. Workforce & Education: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo on Sept. 29, aiming to connect students with employers and training providers. Local Institutions: University of Vermont Health named Marc Kosak as the next president and COO of Central Vermont Medical Center, starting July 20. Community & Culture: Vermont Brewers Festival returns to the Burlington Waterfront this weekend, highlighting the state’s craft beer economy and new non-alcoholic options.

Federal Funding & Flood Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $7 million for New England disaster recovery, including more than $6 million for Vermont to reimburse bridge and rail repairs tied to 2024 flooding and to support hazard mitigation. State Policy & Safety: Vermont’s vehicle inspection rules are being adjusted to reduce burdens—inspectors will fail cars only for immediate safety risks, with other issues flagged for owners. Local Business & Economy: Chester Hardware & Mercantile in Chester filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with court filings detailing separate ownership of the business and the building. Health & Community: A new nonprofit, Green Mountain Birthing Center, is forming after Copley’s birthing center closure, aiming for a freestanding center in Waterbury by 2028. Public Health Watch: New Hampshire reported five confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, with no links to outbreaks so far. Crime & Courts: Bennington Superior Court denied bail for Joseph Edward Botz in an armed robbery case, citing repeat-violent-offender concerns. Vermont Business & Jobs: UVM Health Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its next president and COO. Arts & Local Life: Vermont State Archives launched a free summer speaker series marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Vermont Civic Connect: The Secretary of State launched a new program to help Vermont businesses and nonprofits share nonpartisan voting and civic-engagement info, with “Partners” offering toolkits and “Champions” pledging paid time off or flextime on election days. Health Care Leadership: University of Vermont Health named Marc Kosak as the next president and COO of Central Vermont Medical Center, starting July 20, aiming to boost access, quality, and workforce development. Workforce Pipeline: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo on Sept. 29, pairing students with employers and training providers after a big Rutland event. Public Safety & Training: Vermont Police Academy expanded training to spot cannabis-impaired drivers, citing rising crash data and new workshops with a national impairment-detection partner. Local Justice: A Fairfax man, Kyle C. Fielden, was sentenced after being found in a stolen vehicle in Northfield, with restitution ordered. Sports: Vermont Green FC’s women’s team won the Northeast Division and will play for the USL W League championship in Seattle. Community & Culture: Vermont State Archives announced a free summer speaker series marking Vermont’s 250th anniversary, using archival records to explore the state’s history.

Health Care Leadership: Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak as its new president and COO, starting July 20, as UVM Health faces layoffs, cost-cutting, and GLP-1 coverage changes. Disability Services: Vermont risks losing up to $2.4 million a year in federal special education funding after a U.S. Education Department review found the state meeting fewer than 60% of required accountability measures. Homelessness Response: CVOEO and Champlain Housing Trust are searching for a site for a new 100-bed year-round emergency shelter, aiming to open by end of 2026. Adult Day Care: Springfield Hospital will close its adult day program Sept. 30, citing financial strain and leaving fewer respite options for caregivers. Public Safety & Health: A rabid bat was found in Royalton, prompting warnings for residents and pets; nearby demolition in Royalton also hit delays due to asbestos. Business & Community: Ledyard Bank’s 35th Anniversary Community Impact Awards announced winners, and Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo this fall. Politics & Policy: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled the “Great Divide Act” to cap resale ticket prices and fees, with Noah Kahan backing similar Vermont efforts.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: The National Weather Service issued air quality alerts across 17 states, including Vermont, as Canadian wildfire smoke pushed conditions to “very unhealthy” and even “hazardous” in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes. Public Health & Vaccines: In a Senate hearing, CDC director nominee Erica Schwartz said she won’t “betray science” on vaccines, but she declined to commit to removing vaccine-related autism content from the CDC website. Vermont Libraries: Vermont’s Department of Libraries is sending $350 grants to 148 public libraries to expand summer programs for children and teens. Workforce Development: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo on Sept. 29, with a student summit followed by a community career fair. Community Giving: National Life Group’s Do Good Fest raised $200,000 for five Vermont nonprofits supporting youth mental health. EV Snapshot: Vermont ranked No. 22 for EV market share in Q1 2026, with EVs at 4.76% of new light-duty sales. Corrections Oversight: A court-appointed remediation manager ordered major changes at Rikers Island, including new misconduct investigations and expanded detainee programs.

Workforce & Education: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo on Sept. 29, with a student summit followed by a community career fair, building on last spring’s Rutland event that drew 1,150 students and 65 businesses. Healthcare Leadership: UVM Health–Central Vermont Medical Center named Marc Kosak its next president and COO, starting July 20, aiming to boost access, quality, safety, and workforce development. Local Business & Community Giving: Ledyard Bank’s 35th Anniversary Community Impact Awards handed out $35,000 to six nonprofits, including a $15,000 grand prize to the Hand to Heart Project. EVs & Infrastructure: Vermont ranks No. 22 for EV market share (about 9%) and has 1,365 public charging outlets, or 14 EVs per port, in Q1 2026 data. Privacy Law: Vermont’s new Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act (effective Jan. 1, 2028) lays out consumer, controller, and processor definitions and rules for data handling. Public Safety & Civic Life: Vermont’s Civics Bee highlights student-led solutions, while a separate piece notes ongoing challenges getting people to serve on boards and volunteer. Lottery: Vermont Lottery Mega Millions and Gimme 5 results for July 14, 2026 were published.

Data Privacy: Vermont is getting $154,000 from a multistate $18 million 23andMe settlement tied to a 2023 genetic data breach that affected nearly 14,000 Vermonters, with the state AG pointing to the need for stronger protections. Public Health & Safety: A CDC director confirmation hearing is set for Dr. Erica Schwartz, while another story highlights a nonmedical approach—contingency management—for treating stimulant addiction. State Policy & Economy: New York signed the first statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers, a move aimed at slowing strain on energy and water; Vermont’s own policy debate continues as communities watch costs rise. Workforce & Education: Workforce in Motion is bringing hands-on career exploration to the Champlain Valley Expo this fall, building Vermont’s talent pipeline. Local Life: Plainfield says its town office is fully staffed again and reports of dogs chasing neighbors are being addressed. Environment & Outdoors: The Velomont trail is pushing for more accessible mountain biking, including adaptive rider improvements.