By Kolby R. LaMarche

Building Burlington’s Future (BBF) has launched in Burlington with a lofty promise to make the city more affordable, safe, and vibrant. 

Since during and before the pandemic, Burlington has been impacted by an increase in the cost of living and concerns over public safety. 

The BFFs mission says it hopes to push for policy changes and grassroots advocacy to address those continuing crises. But as the nonprofit steps into the spotlight, the group’s initial plans have raised eyebrows about whether it’s the fresh voice Burlington needs—or just another well-connected group repackaging old ideas.

BBF describes itself as a coalition of former city leaders, business owners, advocates, and residents determined to tackle Burlington’s challenges. Their email to supporters yesterday, Tuesday, painted a very rosy picture of a community where people “care deeply” and are ready for “bold action.” 

The BBF outlines four “focuses” which it hopes to organize Burlingtonians around: community wellbeing, safety, the economy, and more housing. The non-profit “envision[s] a Burlington where families can afford to live and thrive, neighborhoods feel safe, and where local businesses can grow.”

Using NGP VAN – a Democratic-aligned data and volunteer application – the group is urging Burlingtonians to join the campaign and take its priorities survey on their website to gauge what residents want and need right now.

Who’s Running the Show?

BFFs staff and board reads like a who’s-who of Burlington’s advocacy and business circles. 

The nonprofit employs Sam Donnolloy and Emily Healy, both veterans of Let’s Grow Kids, a lobbying group well-known for its childcare campaigns. Donnolloy also recently worked for the Burlington Business Association and in 2020 was fined by the Vermont Attorney General’s office for campaign finance violations.

The board, chaired by Michele Ashe, Vice President at Twincraft Skincare, is stacked too with heavy hitting names. Ashe, a regular donor to Let’s Grow Kids, serves alongside her husband, Peter Asch, on the only six-member board. 

Other members of the board include Ernie Pomerleau, the real estate mogul behind Pomerleau Real Estate, Carina Driscoll, a former city councilor and candidate for Burlington mayor, and Brian Lowe. 

When asked about how the non-profit is funded, board chair Asch didn’t directly answer the question. Rather, she told Seven Days that people were actively donating and volunteering.