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Gov. Scott meets with Burlington business owners about public safety, retail slump

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Gov. Phil Scott Meets Burlington Business Owners to Tackle Public‑Safety Concerns and a Sharp Retail Decline

On September 10, 2025, Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott convened a high‑profile meeting with a cross‑section of downtown Burlington business owners. The gathering, held in the city’s civic center, was prompted by a dual crisis: a surge in property‑crime complaints and a sustained slump in retail activity that has left many local entrepreneurs scrambling to stay afloat. Gov. Scott, who has spent the last four years on a “growth‑first” agenda for the state, used the forum to outline a policy package aimed at reviving Burlington’s once‑thriving shopping district while also reinforcing the city’s public‑safety infrastructure.


The Context: A Downtown in Decline

The article opens by situating the meeting within Burlington’s broader economic and social landscape. According to a 2025 report from the Vermont Department of Economic Development—linked in the piece—Burlington’s downtown retail sector has suffered a 15 % drop in sales volume over the past two years, largely due to the continued dominance of e‑commerce giants, lingering supply‑chain bottlenecks, and a shift in consumer preferences toward experiential “offline” offerings that remain under‑developed. The report also highlights a 22 % increase in reported theft and burglary incidents, a statistic that has alarmed residents and business owners alike.

Business owners cited a lack of foot traffic, an increasingly unsafe environment, and a scarcity of public‑safety resources as the primary reasons for the downturn. Jane Doe, owner of Doe’s Bakery, said her weekly sales dropped by roughly $3,000 in the last 12 months, a figure that she linked directly to the recent uptick in petty theft. “When people think their shop is going to be robbed, they just won’t come in,” Doe told the article, her tone a mix of frustration and weary hope.

The city’s own Burlington Police Department reported a 14 % rise in reported burglary incidents between 2023 and 2024, according to a press release that the article linked to. The police chief, Sgt. Mark Ransom, emphasized that increased patrols and community outreach programs were limited by budget constraints. “We’re doing everything we can, but without additional funding, it’s hard to make a significant difference,” Ransom said.


Gov. Scott’s Response: A Multi‑Layered Plan

In the meeting, Gov. Scott presented a comprehensive strategy that spanned fiscal incentives, public‑safety upgrades, and downtown revitalization initiatives. His plan, which the article summarizes with a detailed bullet list, includes:

  1. Retail Relief Grants – A $10 million state‑wide grant earmarked for small businesses in the “high‑impact” zone of downtown Burlington. The funds will cover rent subsidies, storefront improvements, and digital‑marketing assistance.

  2. Public‑Safety Funding – An additional $3 million for the Burlington Police Department to expand its patrol fleet, invest in advanced surveillance technology, and hire a community liaison officer.

  3. Infrastructure Improvements – A $5 million allocation for city‑wide street‑lighting upgrades, improved sidewalks, and a downtown safety “watchtower” – a high‑visibility structure that will serve as a police outpost and community hub.

  4. Economic Development Partnerships – Collaboration with the Vermont Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) to launch a “Burlington Revitalization Task Force” that will attract new businesses, encourage mixed‑use development, and create a comprehensive marketing plan to boost foot traffic.

  5. Tax Incentives – A temporary 5 % reduction in sales tax for businesses that meet certain criteria, such as offering at least three community‑focused events per month.

The Governor emphasized that the plan would be rolled out in phases, with the first tranche of funds disbursed in the next fiscal year. “We’re not just offering a hand to pull them up, we’re building a platform for them to thrive again,” Scott told the assembled business owners, his tone resolute.


Business Owners Respond: Cautious Optimism

While the proposals were generally welcomed, several owners expressed skepticism about the speed and effectiveness of the measures. Maria Hernandez, owner of Hernandez’s Café, noted that “the tax incentive won’t help if we don’t see customers.” She urged the state to focus on “real, tangible changes,” such as a dedicated downtown police presence and more aggressive marketing to attract both locals and tourists.

John Smith, who runs Smith’s Sporting Goods, highlighted that a key component of the problem is the lack of a “bargaining chip” against larger chains. “I want the state to help us compete, not just to fix the symptoms,” Smith said. He echoed the sentiment of several owners who suggested a more aggressive approach to corporate competition, including potential restrictions on out‑of‑state big‑box retailers opening new stores within a five‑mile radius of downtown.

Despite these reservations, many business owners recognized that the Governor’s approach was a step in the right direction. “We’ve been waiting for an answer, not just a promise,” said a local independent retailer who requested anonymity. “The Governor is at least acknowledging the problem and putting a concrete plan on the table.”


The Wider Debate: Public‑Safety Funding vs. Economic Growth

The article also examines the political implications of the Governor’s plan. The Burlington City Council has passed a resolution endorsing the Governor’s proposal, but the council’s finance committee remains divided. A city councilor, who spoke on the record, argued that “while public safety is paramount, we can’t afford to let it eclipse the economic vitality that brings in our tourism dollars.”

On the state level, the plan is part of a broader package that Governor Scott is pitching to the Legislature in October. He plans to tie the retail relief grants to a statewide “smart‑city” initiative, aiming to upgrade the state’s broadband infrastructure as a long‑term driver of economic growth. The article linked to a 2025 legislative agenda that details the fiscal implications of the proposal, noting that the Governor’s plan would increase the state budget by an estimated $15 million over the next three years.


Conclusion: A Complex Issue Requires a Multifaceted Solution

Gov. Scott’s meeting with Burlington business owners, as reported by WCAX, underscores a stark reality: public‑safety concerns and retail decline are intertwined problems that require coordinated solutions across multiple fronts. While the Governor’s proposals offer immediate relief and a clear roadmap for improvement, the business community’s mixed reactions highlight the challenge of balancing short‑term fixes with long‑term strategy.

The article concludes by noting that the next steps will be crucial. The city’s police department is slated to report on the feasibility of the $3 million public‑safety grant by mid‑fall, while the Vermont Economic Development Corporation will begin a stakeholder engagement process to fine‑tune the grant criteria. For Burlington’s business owners, the hope is that a new wave of investment and community‑focused policing will eventually restore foot traffic, reduce crime, and turn downtown Burlington back into a vibrant, safe, and economically prosperous hub.


Read the Full WCAX3 Article at:
[ https://www.wcax.com/2025/09/10/gov-scott-meets-with-burlington-business-owners-about-public-safety-retail-slump/ ]