A Year on City Council

Dear neighbors,

It has been an honor to serve as your East District City Councilor. I want to take a moment to share a few highlights from my first 15 months in office and thank you for the trust you've placed in me.

When I first ran for office, I promised to lead with thoughtfulness, collaboration, and a commitment to bringing people together around the issues that matter most to Burlington while delivering real results. While our city continues to face significant challenges, this past year has reminded me how much is possible when we work together with respect, determination, and optimism.

Here are some highlights from the past year:

WELCOMING DR. TROMP: My first resolution last August welcomed Dr. Marlene Tromp as the University of Vermont's new president. UVM is one of Burlington's largest and most important institutions, and I wanted to send a clear message from the start that the City looks forward to being a strong partner as we work together to address pressing challenges like expanding high-quality, affordable student housing and creating more opportunities for UVM grads to build their lives and careers in Burlington.

PROMOTING COMMUNITY DIALOGUE: In January, as our community continued to wrestle with deep divisions surrounding the Middle East conflict, I introduced a resolution supporting facilitated community dialogue sessions. Rather than allowing polarization to define and divide us, I believed Burlington could choose a different path rooted in listening, empathy, genuine conversation, and peace-building right here in our own community. I am proud that we committed to creating space for neighbors to hear one another and strengthen relationships between community members. These dialogue sessions will kick off this fall, and I’ll be sure to share the details as they’re finalized.

REINSTATING THE AGING COUNCIL: I was honored to co-lead the effort, with Councilor Sarah Carpenter, to reinstate Burlington's Aging Council. Older adults are an essential part of our community, and restoring this body ensures that their voices once again have a dedicated place to shape city policy. I am grateful to the Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office for providing a home for this group.

CAUCUS LEADERSHIP: This spring, I was humbled to be elected Chair of the Democratic Caucus. In that role, I had the opportunity to lead our caucus through one of the most challenging budget seasons in recent memory. Budget negotiations are tough, particularly when our city faces financial pressures alongside growing community needs. I worked hard to help build consensus among the Democratic Caucus, my Progressive colleagues, and the Mayor’s Administration. Those conversations weren't easy, but by approaching them with curiosity, collaboration, and mutual respect, we secured important investments in downtown vitality, support for our workforce, and the essential services residents rely on every day.

CONSTITUENT ENGAGEMENT: Meeting and advocating for many East District neighbors has been the true highlight of the past year for me. As your elected representative, this is a responsibility I hold dear and take seriously. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to reach out, attend meetings, stop me on the street, or simply share your perspective. Your ideas, questions, and concerns shape how I approach this work every day.

Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about Burlington's future. We have difficult work ahead of us, from addressing our housing and affordability challenges, to meeting our climate goals, strengthening public safety, and responding compassionately and effectively to substance use, houselessness, and mental health. These challenges are complex, but I believe in our ability to meet them.

Burlington has always been a place of creativity, compassion, and resilience. Our best days are ahead if we continue to listen to one another, focus on practical solutions, and remember that we all share the same goal: building a city that is welcoming, vibrant, and full of opportunity for everyone.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your City Councilor. I look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead. As always, I can be reached at aschachter@burlingtonvt.gov, (802) 448-4227, or on Instagram @allieforburlington.