FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2021 

Contact: Jordan Redell

                jredell@burlingtonvt.gov

Mayor Weinberger Issues Booster Alert

Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Weinberger issued a Booster Alert in the City of Burlington to drive up the rate of booster vaccines in Chittenden County, outlined steps the City is taking to prepare for the coming weeks, and urged residents to take additional precautions to protect themselves against the contagious Omicron variant.

“As we close 2021, we are entering yet another new stage of the pandemic with the arrival of the highly contagious Omicron variant in Vermont,” said Mayor Weinberger. As the President and Governor have said repeatedly, because of the huge progress we have made over the last year with vaccinations and our understanding of the virus this should not be cause for panic, but it should be cause for attention and taking action. Though this next stage of the pandemic will require renewed care and diligence, our City has faced difficult times before, and we have stayed focused and come together to meet the task. I know we can emerge from this challenging time stronger if we take the recommended actions, just as we have in the past 20 months. Together we can meet this moment, help those that are most vulnerable, and save lives.”

The City is taking several steps to prepare for the coming weeks:

• The City is issuing a Booster Alert. The science is now clear that receiving a booster substantially reduces a person’s likelihood of becoming infected by Omicron, versus having only an initial vaccine series. As of today, 55% of people 16 and older in Chittenden County that have completed a previous vaccine series have received a booster. Over the coming weeks, this rate needs to be driven up further.

• The City is in close collaboration with the state and local vaccine partners to identify ways the City may be able to support expanded capacity at local vaccination sites.

• On Monday, the City Council voted to extend the City of Burlington Mask Mandate Ordinance through the month of January. As a result of this ordinance, approximately 30 Burlington restaurants and bars now require vaccinations for entry. Find out more information about this ordinance at: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/covid-19/guidance

• The City is preparing to update its employee vaccination policy to require boosters.

• The City is updating its employee masking policy to require all employees, regardless of vaccination status, to once again mask when indoors in the same room as other people.

Mayor Weinberger urged City residents to take the following steps:

• Get a booster as soon as possible, which is the most impactful precaution a person can take right now. Boosters are available for anyone 16 and older that had their last dose of either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago, and people who got the single-dose J+J vaccine at least 2 months ago.

• Employers should strongly consider implementing the same changes that the City is making to its to COVID policies (per above).

• Test before and after gathering with vulnerable friends and family members. The State is working to rapidly expand their testing capacity over the coming weeks in response to the large increase in demand. Testing capacity is currently limited before Christmas, but appointments are available between Christmas and New Year’s. Find out more about where to get a test: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested.

• Use a high-quality mask, like a N95, KN95 or KF94, when in indoor public places.

• Prepare for potential disruptions in the weeks ahead. A wave of new infections could result in worker shortages, closures, or other forthcoming health measures.

COVID Vaccine Clinic Information

Because capacity at many sites is currently limited, residents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment. Residents can find information about vaccine clinics, including information on whether walk-ins and pediatric vaccines are available, and how to make an appointment on the State Department of Health website.

On December 21, the State announced additional pop-up vaccination sites and appointments during the holidays, including within Chittenden County:

December 23

• UVMMC Taft Corners, 300 Interstate Corp Center, Williston
• Community Health Centers Burlington, 294 North Winooski Ave, Burlington
• Double Tree Hotel, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington

December 30

• UVMMC Taft Corners, 300 Interstate Corp Center, Williston
• Double Tree Hotel, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington

Vermont Health Equity Initiative hosts vaccine, booster, and pediatric vaccine clinics for BIPOC Vermonters in Burlington every other weekend through March 2022.

• On December 26, there will be a clinic for 5-11 year olds from 11am to noon at the Downtown Burlington High School.
• The next regular clinic is January 8, 2022 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2 Cherry Street, Burlington.
• More information and to register for an appointments at a VHEI clinic, visit: https://www.vermonthealthequity.org/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2021 

Contact: Jordan Redell

                jredell@burlingtonvt.gov

Mayor Weinberger Statement Regarding Council Action Regarding Police Chief Search

Burlington, VT – Mayor Weinberger released the following statement regarding the Council’s action last night regarding the Police Chief search:

“My goal in re-opening the search for a permanent police chief last May was to help build a much needed new consensus about the future of public safety in this community. We started with a multi-month public engagement process, issued a report detailing the ideal candidate for the community in this moment, and assembled a diverse search committee to review potential candidates.

“Unfortunately, Progressives City Councilors have made this goal of consensus impossible by denying the Administration the tools and conditions we need to recruit a broad pool of candidates. Progressive City Councilors have blocked the Administration since September from increasing the salary for the open Chief’s position, a step routinely taken by the City to ensure that our leadership positions are competitive. 

“On November 12, I outlined a clear path forward to strengthen the search by requesting that the City Council take five actions (full letter here):

1. Increase the Police Chief compensation.
2. Support retaining an executive search firm to lead the search process.
3. Create civilian recruiter position and resource Department recruitment efforts.
4. Create a civilian Public Information Officer (PIO).
5. Retain the Police Chief’s leadership over officer discipline.

“The action taken by the Council last night is non-responsive to realities facing the City today. As the Council acknowledged last night, this resolution only authorizes an expenditure of $75,000 for an executive search firm. It does not bind or constrain my authority to complete the search process and bring forward a candidate. Without the Council commitment to raising the salary cap, hiring a PIO and recruiter, or to retaining Police Chief’s leadership over discipline, this action does not give the Administration what it needs to successfully re-start the search process. Instead, it is nearly certain to squander months of valuable time and waste tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer resources and could well result in the loss of the two qualified candidates that have applied and are eager to serve Burlington.

“It remains within the Mayor’s authority under City Charter to select and make department head appointments, and I believe it is my duty to do so urgently. Consistent with my November 12 memo to the City Council, I will move forward with our current pool of candidates, with the goal of putting forward an appointee for Council confirmation early in the new year. The community and our police department need a permanent chief now. Our efforts to rebuild the department, to protect public safety, and to create a community in which everyone feels safe and welcome are all suffering from an extended period without permanent leadership.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2021

Contact: Jordan Redell

                jredell@burlingtonvt.gov

Burlington Wastewater Monitoring Program Detects Very Limited Presence of Mutations Related to COVID-19 Omicron Variant

Overall Sars-Cov-2 levels remain stable; Walk-in vaccination and booster appointments available this weekend through VHEI BIPOC clinic and at University Mall.

Burlington, VT – Late Wednesday evening, the City of Burlington received results from its Wastewater Monitoring Program that detected mutation signatures associated with the Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa in late November. The presence of the Omicron-related mutations was very limited. Though the finding is not definitive until it has been confirmed through genomic sequencing of a laboratory-confirmed positive PCR test result, these results indicate that the Omicron variant may be present in Burlington at a low level. The Omicron variant has been confirmed in 39 states according to the C.D.C, including in all of Vermont’s neighboring states and Quebec, but has not yet been identified in Vermont.

“As public health officials have projected, we now have an indication that the more transmissible variant of COVID-19 that was first detected in South Africa may be here in Burlington,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “By identifying this possibility early, when it would be at a very low level, we have an opportunity to heighten our vigilance and follow the recommendations of public health experts as we head into the holidays in the coming weeks—get vaccinated, get a booster, and get tested before and after gathering with friends and loved ones.”

The mutation signatures associated with the Omicron variant were detected in samples from both the East and Main Wastewater Treatment Plants, which serve all parts of the City except the New North End. The City first began testing for evidence of the Omicron variant two weeks ago, and will continue to test over the coming weeks.

Wastewater monitoring data is best used to indicate the detection or non-detection of the virus and to indicate trends over time; it cannot be used to determine how many people may be sick with COVID-19. The identified volume of mutation signatures associated with the Omicron variant is low enough to suggest that, if the variant is present in the Burlington community, it is not yet widespread. Additionally, the overall concentration of Sars-Cov-2 across the City’s three wastewater treatment plants generally has been stable following the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information about the City’s wastewater testing program, please visit https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/covid-19/wastewater.

Guidance for Burlingtonians

Early data suggest that Omicron could be twice as transmissible as the Delta variant, which is the current dominant strain of Sars-Cov-2. Early evidence also suggests that, while the Omicron variant may evade immunity from infection for individuals who have been fully vaccinated or infected, vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical adviser on the coronavirus, indicated this week that boosters provide powerful protection against Omicron infection.

The possibility that the Omicron variant is now present in our community makes it even more important for Burlington residents to follow the City’s current COVID-19 recommendations, which include:

• If you are not vaccinated, you should get vaccinated. If you have received only one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, receive a second dose as soon as you are eligible.

• If you are 16 and older, and it has been over six months since you became fully vaccinated with a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two months since you became fully vaccinated with a Janssen vaccine, you should get a free vaccine booster (only the Pfizer booster is approved for 16 and 17 year olds).

• If you are the parent or guardian of a child five to 11 years old who has not been vaccinated, you should know that the vaccine is safe for children and that there are appointments available around the country.

• If you travel, host guests, or attend large gatherings, get a COVID test before and after—either through a state testing site or by using an at-home rapid test from a local pharmacy. At-home rapid tests now are required to be free or reimbursable for individuals with private insurance plans in Vermont.

• Improve ventilation and air quality when gathering indoors by opening a window or using a portable HEPA air filter.

Vaccine and Booster Information

• The Vermont Health Equity Initiative (VHEI) is hosting a vaccine and booster clinic for all BIPOC Vermonters and their households tomorrow, Saturday, December 18. Walk-ins are welcome. More information about VHEI can be found at https://twitter.com/VTHealthEquity/status/1470772598850084865. 

• The Vermont Department of Health is hosting a vaccine clinic at the University Mall Saturday and Sunday, December 18 and 19, and walk-ins are welcome.

• For more information about how to get a vaccine or booster:
  
  • Visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine; or
  • Call 855.722.7878.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2021

Contact: Jordan Redell

                jredell@burlingtonvt.gov

Mayor Miro Weinberger Releases Action Plan to

Fulfill the Promise of Housing as a Human Right in Burlington

Ten-point plan outlines roadmap to double rate of housing production and end chronic homelessness

Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger released his “Action Plan to Fulfill the Promise of Housing as a Human Right in Burlington,” a 10-point plan that outlines a roadmap to double the rate of housing production and end chronic homelessness in our community. The Action Plan, developed in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO), Office of City Planning, and Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB), begins with the premise that Burlington must redouble its efforts to combat the housing crisis.

“The path to making good on the promise that decent, stable housing is a human right is to build a lot more  homes throughout the City and throughout the region,” stated Mayor Weinberger. “This will require community change and understanding from us all.”

The Mayor’s Action Plan will implement 10 specific initiatives, including: investment of at least $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; creation of a new position in CEDO to work on this housing effort; supporting the creation of 1,250 total homes, including 312 permanently affordable homes, by the end of 2026; full funding of the Housing Trust Fund in fiscal year 2023; and more.

The work outlined in the Action Plan already is underway, and Mayor Weinberger also released a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several partners to create an Enterprise Innovation District in the South End. The new zoning aims to support employees, makers, and local businesses through the creation of new affordable and market-rate homes to support and grow a vibrant creative economy, land conservation, and multi-modal transportation. The signatories of the executed MOU are: CHT, the Vermont Land Trust, HULA, the Davis Company, Champlain College, the Burlington City Arts Foundation, and the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA).

The following City and community housing advocates delivered remarks during the announcement, sharing their support for the Mayor’s Action Plan:

Paul Dragon, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO):
“CVOEO is looking forward to working with the City and our partners to deepen our coordinated approach to ending chronic homelessness. The additional resources will support more infrastructure and services and improve our data collection, which will help us understand and better tailor our services to people experiencing homelessness.”

Michael Monte, Chief Executive Officer, Champlain Housing Trust (CHT): “We welcome and applaud the leadership of the Mayor and the City of Burlington in establishing a goal that will significantly increase the supply of new housing and also sets aggressive and achievable goals in creating new affordable housing and in housing the homeless.”

Meagan Tuttle, Director, Office of City Planning: “Together with the other zoning reforms in the Mayor’s Action Plan, identifying opportunities for new homes to fit seamlessly into the scale and pattern of our neighborhoods will also help us address many interrelated goals: providing more affordable housing choices, advancing racial equity in housing, expanding economic opportunity, and increasing our community’s resiliency to the climate emergency. These zoning changes provide an important foundation and complement to the immediate capacity-building initiatives and commitments of funding by the City and many local partners, to ensure that we have a place for more permanent homes for all in the City.”

Many additional stakeholders and community leaders joined the Mayor for today’s announcement and offered further support for the Action Plan:

Will Towne, Co-Chair, Chittenden County Homeless Alliance (CCHA) and Director of Housing & Operations, Spectrum Youth & Family Services: “The CCHA is excited to continue our partnership with the Mayor and City of Burlington in an effort to ensure that homelessness is rare and brief in our community. This investment to address the housing crisis, as well as to bolster some systems, comes at a welcome time. We thank the Mayor and the City of Burlington for their efforts in this area.”

Kim Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, Cathedral Square: “We are pleased that these initiatives recognize the importance of providing on-site, personalized support – not simply housing alone – if we are truly going to address the crisis of homelessness. We at Cathedral Square are committed to continuing this important work in collaboration with our partners and the City of Burlington.”

Hilary Melton, Executive Director, Pathways Vermont: “We welcome Mayor Weinberger's focus on and investment in ending chronic homelessness in Burlington by the end of 2024. Pathways Vermont's ongoing commitment to utilizing Housing First to end homelessness for persons experiencing chronic homelessness will be strengthened with broader recognition that housing is a human right. All of us at Pathways Vermont look forward to building our collective capacity to meet the needs of everyone in our community.”

Charlie Baker, Executive Director, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission: “The CCRPC is very appreciative of Burlington’s commitment to addressing our housing crisis including the important elements of homelessness, affordable housing, and missing middle housing. We look forward to working with the City, our other member municipalities, and partners in addressing the significant and fundamental need for more housing in Chittenden County and throughout Vermont.”

Kelly Stoddard Poor, Director of Outreach, AARP: “There is a mismatch between the available housing stock and what Burlingtonians want and need. This is partly due to shifting demographics, such as a rapidly aging population and shrinking household sizes, and partly due to the growing demand for walkable, livable neighborhoods. Missing Middle Housing is a critical part of the solution. Housing needs change as we age, but it’s possible for our homes and communities to be livable for people of all ages and life stages by creating a diversity/variety of housing types that meet the needs of the people living in Burlington.”

Please see attached documents:

• Mayor’s Action Plan to Fulfill the Promise of Housing as a Human Right in Burlington
• MOU for the Enterprise Innovation District in the South End

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2021 

Contact: Jordan Redell

               802.503.7664

Voters Strongly Support Net Zero Energy

Revenue Bond

Mayor Weinberger and Administration to evaluate next steps to

continue investment in City streets and sidewalks

Burlington, VT – Today, voters overwhelmingly approved the $20 million Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond for Burlington Electric Department with 70% of voters supporting the ballot measure.

Largely cost neutral to ratepayers, the Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond will allow Burlington Electric Department to continue and expand the Green Stimulus incentives that have helped hundreds of Burlingtonians switch from fossil fuel-burning cars and furnaces to electric vehicles (EVs) and cold-climate heat pumps. The bond also will support grid updates for reliability, technology systems to better serve customers, and new EV charging stations.

“The Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond is a first of its kind, fiscally-responsible opportunity that will bring Burlington one step closer to achieving some of the most ambitious climate goals nationwide,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “Thanks to the widespread support of Burlingtonians, the City now moves even closer to our critical goal of becoming a Net Zero Energy City.”

“Burlington Electric Department thanks our community for supporting the Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond which will provide a foundational investment for climate progress and grid reliability,” said Darren Springer, General Manager of Burlington Electric Department. “Through this bond, we’ll continue and expand our efforts to support our customers in switching from fossil fuels to clean technologies such as electric vehicles, cold-climate heat pumps, and more. Today’s vote not only moves us toward a Net Zero Energy future but also offers a compelling financing model for other public power utilities around the nation to consider as we all look to meet our climate commitments.”

“Thank you, neighbors, for believing in your municipal utility and for choosing to invest in our collective future!” stated Gabrielle Stebbins, Chair of the Burlington Electric Commission. “You asked that Burlington work to reduce our climate impact, and now you have voted your support. Our Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond is a critical step to making key investments in our electric grid and to continuing BED’s Green Stimulus program which helps us all invest in cleaner, more efficient technologies. It’s smart policy, all around.”

While the majority (57%) of voters supported the $40 million General Obligation (GO) Bond, it did not receive the two thirds majority required for approval. Mayor Weinberger reaffirmed the City’s commitment to investing in public infrastructure.

“Before the 2015 Capital Plan, Burlington faced numerous challenges due to chronic underinvestment and deferred maintenance of some of our essential public infrastructure,” stated Mayor Weinberger. “This bond was an opportunity to continue the high level of investment in our City’s future of the last five years and address outstanding challenges. Over the coming weeks, the City team will evaluate how to most effectively move forward in this period of uncertainty and many competing challenges to find another route to address our public infrastructure needs that the  taxpayers can support.”

If passed, the $40 million bond would have continued Capital Plan investments in streets, sidewalks, bridges, civic assets, and information technology and public safety infrastructure. Approval of the GO Bond would have resulted in moderate tax impacts over time.

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Jordan Redell

Chief of Staff

Office of Mayor Miro Weinberger

City Hall | 149 Church Street

Burlington, VT 05401

Pronouns: she, her

Sign up for email newsletter updates from the Mayor’s Office.

Please note that this communication and any response to it will be maintained as a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Vermont Public Records Act.

OFFICE OF MAYOR MIRO WEINBERGER  

149 Church Street | Burlington, VT 05401 | (802) 865-7272  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 23, 2021 

Contact: Samantha Sheehan 

802-734-0617 

Mayor Miro Weinberger to Advance Masking Mandate, Exempts Businesses with Vaccine Requirements 

New Ordinance would require masks or proof of vaccination in indoor public spaces  

Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced he will bring forward a Mask Ordinance that would require facial coverings in indoor public settings except for in situations where all employees and customers are verified to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The ordinance will be before the City Council for approval at a special meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.  

“We have reached a confusing and uncertain moment in our long battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “On the one hand, vaccinations have made the great majority of us far safer than we were at the beginning of 2021. On the other hand, we have repeatedly seen record numbers of cases here in Vermont in recent weeks, bucking the national trends in a concerning way. In drafting this new mask mandate the City team has sought to strike a balance with a structure that both protects public health and supports the local businesses we are asking to partner with us on the frontline of our community pandemic response.”   

“We know that vaccination is our best line of defense against further community spread of COVID-19, and masking indoors during periods of high transmission when the vaccination status of those around you is unknown adds an important layer of protection,” said the Planning Director and COVID-Response Leader Meagan Tuttle. “We all want to see the risk of community transmission diminish as quickly as possible to protect our most vulnerable from serious illness, and so  we can return to fully and confidently to community life.” 

The Mayor’s proposed mask mandate would: 

• Exempt all businesses and public institutions that affirmatively verify the vaccination of all patrons and require employees to be vaccinated or take regular COVID-19 tests.  
• Exempt vaccinated workers who do not interact with members of the public. 
• Exempt places of worship and schools within the Burlington School District (which follow guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education). 
• Include all public transportation including buses, trains, taxis, and ride shares.  
• Be reconsidered every 30 days for the following 30-day period and could be suspended if the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Chittenden County has dropped to a “moderate” level as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 
• Sunset no later than 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022, consistent with State Act. 1.  
   

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OFFICE OF MAYOR MIRO WEINBERGER 

149 Church Street | Burlington, VT 05401 | (802) 865-7272 

PRESS RELEASE 

Contact: Samantha Sheehan 

ssheehan@burlingtonvt.gov 

(802) 734-0617 

November 23, 2021  

Mayor Weinberger and Partners Announce New Community Resource Center 

Community Resource Center will provide food, clothing, hygiene products, housing & emergency housing resources, and connection to safe recovery resources to neighbors 

Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger and local partners announced the opening of the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Downtown Burlington. Located at the VFW Post 782 at 176 South Winooski Avenue, the CRC will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Center will serve as a low-barrier daytime warming shelter providing food, coffee, and hygiene products and connecting guests with housing, emergency housing resources, and safe recovery resources. 

“Covid has seriously exacerbated the already vulnerable gaps in our regional housing and social safety nets,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “Making sure there is a safe, warm place for any neighbor to receive the support they need, especially in the winter months, has been an absolute priority of the City team.”  

The City of Burlington collaborated with experienced, local service providers to provide this critical resource, including the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Feeding Chittenden, and Community Health Centers of Burlington. The VFW Post 782 offered their space for a second winter. Joining Mayor Weinberger at Tuesday’s press conference: 

• Anna Thomson, CVOEO Community Resource Center Housing Advocate/Project Coordinator   
• Rob Meehan, Feeding Chittenden Director   
• Kerry Goulette, Director of Quality and Homeless Health Program at Community Health Centers of Burlington 
• Kevin Fleming, VFW Post 782 Commander  
• Kara Alnasrawi, City of Burlington Economic Recovery Director   
• Brian Pine, CEDO Director 

CVOEO Executive Director Paul Dragon said, “The Community Resource Center provides critical resources and services for people experiencing homelessness including those living on the street, in encampments, and in temporary shelter. CVOEO will provide essential and immediate services while helping people build their future through a wide range of CVOEO programs and services.”   

Kerry Coulette, Director of Quality and Homeless and Health Program at Community Health Centers of Burlington said, “We’re so grateful to have this resource right next door to the Community Health Centers’ Safe Harbor Health Center. The low-barrier model of accessibility empowers our vulnerable community members experiencing homelessness to have a safe place to be during the cold winter months during the day. We look forward to being a healthcare resource to our CVOEO neighbors and the folks who will be staying warm right next door!” 

Kevin Fleming, Commander of VFW Post 782 said, "As a community partner, Burlington VFW Post 782 is delighted to be affiliated with the city officials and staff operating this year's Community Resource Center (CRC). The VFW Post is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Burlington and thus will provide safe access and a daytime respite to a local, previously underserved public. The VFW, within its capacity, is duty bound to contribute to the CRC's success this season. We wish the CRC team the best of luck!" 

Kara Alnasrawi, Burlington’s Director of Economic Recovery said, “The Community Resource Center plays an important role in our economic recovery by adding an extra layer of support for those hit by the impacts of the pandemic. The City was pleased to be able to utilize our ARPA funds to support this important center.” 

CEDO Director Brian Pine added, “Every day, people awake in our community and build their lives despite the challenges of living without shelter or a regular address. Life on the street is as varied and complex as life anywhere, but having a safe, warm place to be on cold winter days can save lives and build a better tomorrow. No matter what their daily routine, every person deserves dignity and the CRC offers that for those who have no other place to go.” 

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Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement Following the Acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse  

Burlington, VT – Today, a Kenosha, Wisconsin jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all five charges in the gun deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz. Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger made the following statement:  

"It is disappointing that Kyle Rittenhouse was in no way held accountable today for his role in two deaths in Kenosha a year ago. Our anger over this heartbreaking loss of young lives should also be focused on the permissive gun laws that make it possible for a seventeen-year-old to easily access and openly wield an AR-15 style rifle, and in opposition to the public officials and loud voices who encouraged vigilantism in the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake.  It is in our power to forge a future where such tragedy and discord cease to be a part of American life." 

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Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement Regarding Next Steps to Stabilize the Police Department and the Chief Search  

Burlington, VT – On November 5, 2021, Mayor Miro Weinberger notified the City Council by letter that the Police Chief Search Committee determined the current applicant pool was insufficient for a permanent appointment, and that he had suspended the search pending further Council action. Friday, November 12, he sent a communication to the Council outlining what steps would be necessary to support a successful search and stated that without those actions by Council by its next scheduled meeting on December 13, he would instead move forward interviewing the two strong candidates already identified through the months-long search process and bring an appointment to the Council for confirmation. Mayor Weinberger made the following statement: 

"Burlingtonians want us to choose a Chief from a large and competitive pool of leaders eager to serve our City. I am prepared to continue working towards this goal with the Council’s support. However, we are at a crossroads and must make a decision soon that results in the appointment of a permanent Police Chief. This is a critical step toward stabilizing the Department in order to provide the quality of emergency services that Burlingtonians expect and deserve, and to advance the many expansions to Public Safety already underway and that we all want to see realized. 

I trust that the City Council shares the Admiration's goal, and the community’s rightful expectation, that we reach agreement soon and appoint a permanent chief in order to rebuild and re-envision a world-class police department for Burlington." 

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Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement Honoring Senator Patrick Leahy’s Career of Service to Burlington and Vermont  

Burlington, VT – This morning, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy announced he would not be seeking reelection, from the Vermont State House where he announced his first run for U.S. Senate in 1974. Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger made the following statement:  

“Senator Patrick Leahy’s contributions to Vermont have been vast and profound.  In Burlington alone, his hard work, wisdom, and persistence have rebuilt the post-industrial shores of Lake Champlain into one of the country’s best 21st century lakefronts, transformed Church Street into one of America’s great pedestrian marketplaces, and strengthened our vital institutions for the future, from the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to the Burlington International Airport.  

The Senator has personally impacted the lives of so many Vermonters over his long and steady career of service. I will always be grateful for the eight months in 1991 when I served as an intern and mail clerk in Senator Leahy’s D.C. office learning lessons of collaboration, commitment, and the impact of public service that have stayed with me to this day.  Stacy and I congratulate and thank the Senator and Marcelle for their incredible service to our state and wish them all the best for the momentous year ahead and all their future endeavors. Burlington and Vermont look forward to welcoming them home.” 

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