Burlington officials urge Governor Scott to address homelessness and safety

The Burlington City Council and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak have unanimously passed a resolution calling on Vermont Governor Phil Scott to assist the city in addressing a trifecta of challenges: homelessness, untreated mental illness, and substance use disorder.

The resolution outlines a 10-point request for state intervention, including opening a new 100-bed homeless shelter through the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity and expanding daytime shelter space in Chittenden County. City officials are also seeking expedited access to $83 million in state funds designated for emergency shelter programs and are asking the state to reverse a planned reduction in mental health services and motel housing limits.

Additionally, the measure requests increased support from state law enforcement and improved acute and short-term care through collaboration with the University of Vermont Medical Center. While the resolution directs the mayor to present these requests to the governor, there is currently no guarantee of a state response.