Better Connections Program

The Better Connections Program (BC) is a partnership between the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Department of Public Health (VDH).

The BC program provides technical assistance and funds to local communities to help them achieve their goals and plan for growth.  The program funds planning efforts to increase multi-modal transportation options and to improve land use, water quality, public health, and economic vitality in Vermont communities.  The interagency program provides targeted municipal assisstance to:

• help communities identify and prioritize their goals and projects;
• develop an action-oriented plan to achieve the goals and move projects directly to implementation; and
• link the communities to a growing network of public and philanthropic partners to help them implement their priority projects.

Better Connections Funded Projects story map 

The Program is open to new applications biennially.  Municipalities compete for approximately $200,000 in projects funds. A 10% local cash match is required. The Program funds physical master plans focusing on: improved multimodal connectivity; active transportation and complete streets; access management; traffic calming; parking; wayfinding; rehabilitation of buildings; redevelopment of sites; housing; land use planning; stormwater management; and zoning bylaw and form-based code development.  In addition to development of the master plan, the program can fund corresponding economic and marketing plans to ensure the market viability of the proposed improvements and inform the municipality's capital planning. 

Applicants have the opportunity to apply for additional funds to support projects that improve water quality and  public health, physical activity, and access to healthy food.

Applicant Resources

• 2021-2022 Program Overview
• 2021-2022 Grant Application Packet
• Sample work plan & budget
• Sample Resolution
• Sample RPC planning process confirmation letter
• Previous grant awardees

Grant Administration Resources

• Grant Administration Toolkit
• Funding Directory for Downtowns and Village Centers​