Economic Development Economic Development
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The primary goals of the Rockingham Development Office:
- Oversight of the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, advised by the Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
- Seek new businesses and collaborate with existing businesses to help residents work, thrive and play in Rockingham
- Identify and implement redevelopment opportunities, increase contribution to the grand list and lessen tax burden
- Collaborate with local and regional development corporations on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS)
- Obtain and manage grants on behalf of local partners and for municipal projects
- Align work with the Town Plan Economic Development chapter
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Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
The Development Office administers two low-interest loans, recommended by the five-member RLF Committee, and approved by the Selectboard as a source of capital to assist start-up or business expansion and housing rehab and preservation.
- Business Revolving Loan Fund to assist local business owners, up to $100,000
- Housing Revolving Loan Fund to assist owner-occupied houses with Housing Preservation, up to $25,000
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Housing Redevelopment Fund
This program is to encourage the purchase and redevelopment of Vacant, Underutilized or Town Owned properties. Grants awarded of up to $25K, with eligible development costs.
Funding made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Basic Rules
- Use of funds toward development activities for Bellows Falls Village lots only
- Eligible development costs include: utility and site work, curb cuts, demolition of dilapidated structures, and surveys.
- There is a 2-year claw back restriction, to ensure redevelopment and additional residence is accomplished within 2 years of the award date.
- All work must be paid for and completed by December 31, 2026
A five-member Housing Redevelopment Grant Fund Committee will recommend grants to be approved by the Rockingham Select Board. This Selection Committee is made up of a member each of the Select Board, Village Trustees, Planning Commission, the Revolving Loan Fund and one At-Large member.
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Tax Stabilization Program
Requests for stabilization of taxes for business property or equipment. Businesses may receive a reduction in the municipal portion of local property and equipment taxes for up to 5 years. This program is committee recommended, Select Board approved.
Development Organizations
The Development Offices works with the Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce (GFRCC), Rockingham Arts and Museum Project (RAMP), the Bellows Falls Historic al Society (BFHS), the Rockingham Meeting House Association, Rockingham Help & Helpers and other local nonprofits, committees and organizations where possible and appropriate.
Certified Local Government (CLG) Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission (RHPC)
Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission CLG Coordinator, Walter Wallace administers the program, funded by the National Park Service to empower Rockingham to oversee historic preservation efforts consistent with the 1966 Historic Preservation Act (HPA). s
Wallace serves as staff, the CLG Coordinator for the RHPC, and is available to the Town and its residents to provide information and technical services concerning historic preservation resources. Responsibilities include attention to historic, Town-owned properties, including the Rockingham Meeting House, a National Historic Landmark. The coordinator also administers events that celebrate, enhance and promote the Town’s historic resources. Through these activities the RHPC seeks to engage and inform the public, integrate historic preservation into Town policies, provide informational and technical support to owners of historic properties, and promote preservation generally within the community. The Commission is engaged in two municipal projects, Rockingham Meeting House Project and Kchi Pôntegok: Revisiting the Historic Landscape of the Bellows Falls Petroglyphs
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Regional and Local Development
The Development Director serves as Executive Director of the:
Bellows Falls Area Development Corporation (BFADC), a non-profit partner with the VT Economic Development Authority (VEDA) since 1984 supporting the creation and expansion of businesses in Rockingham.
Sustainable Valley Group (SVG), a non-profit partner since 2003 supporting sustainable local economy through education, job expansion and sustainable business.
The Development Office works on industrial, commercial and workforce development in collaboration with the:
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) who continues to grow the Windham Region economy through business assistance & financing, commercial real estate and development, community development & capacity building and workforce development & training
and collaborates with BDCC's nonprofit affiliate:
Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS) , a 2007 partnership to improve broadband and cell service.
and collaborates with SeVEDS on the 5-Year CEDS Plan, a federally defined planning process used to guide Southern Vermont's economic growth over a five-year period. The process brings together public, private, nonprofit, and academic stakeholders to:
Analyze the regional economy
Define shared economic goals and priorities
Identify key investment opportunities
Align local needs with potential funding sources
For more information on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Plan visit: CEDS)
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The Development Director serves on the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance (BFDDA) board.
The Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance (BFDDA) was founded in 1999 and is one of 24 Designated Downtowns in the State of Vermont's Downtown Program as part of Main Street America's 4-point approach.
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