by BDN staff

Governor Phil Scott on Thursday unveiled a short-term action plan aimed at addressing public safety and revitalization challenges in Burlington, developed in coordination with state and city officials, service providers, and community members.

The plan, released to the media by email Thursday, builds on earlier collaboration among the Judiciary, State’s Attorney, and Defender General to strengthen accountability, improve access to services, and restore confidence in the downtown area.

“I believe this collaborative effort will help Burlington turn the corner, so residents, students, visitors, business owners and their employees feel safe,” Scott said. “We’ll learn a lot from this initiative … and I believe this is a model for how, despite differences in political party, we can put that aside and work together to solve problems and help people.”

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak called the plan “a good step forward for community health and safety,” saying it complements her administration’s work to rebuild police services, expand social supports, and implement the city’s new “City Circle” response program.

Under the plan, the state will launch a Community Accountability Court in Chittenden County to prioritize prosecutions for repeat offenders. The court will be staffed by a special prosecutor, a designated judge, and a lead public defender, with support from additional personnel.

Other measures include:

• Immediate use of Department of Corrections pre-trial supervision in Burlington.
• Expanded substance use treatment and recovery supports in DOC facilities.
• Formation of a multi-disciplinary team of state, city, and service agencies to connect individuals with treatment and housing.
• Increased state police presence through foot patrols and marked units.
• Enhanced city ordinance enforcement and coordination with Burlington’s City Circle program.
• Direction to state-funded service providers to involve law enforcement when necessary for violent or disruptive behavior.
• New partnerships on syringe disposal and street cleanup, with support from the Vermont Department of Health and local organizations.
• Collaboration with UVM to deploy another mobile addiction treatment van.
• Stronger oversight of mental health orders of non-hospitalization to ensure treatment compliance.
• Beautification and revitalization efforts downtown, including volunteer cleanups and increased events.

Scott said the short-term plan will be implemented over the next three to four months, while the state continues to pursue long-term solutions related to housing, treatment, and public safety.