Hearing from community members is the key to building the ideas for the future that will best support Bradford's progress. Through the process, community members shared ideas in 2 ways:
At the Kick-Off event on July 28th in 6 focus forums (chosen by a steering committee of 21 localcommunity members): infrastructure & connectivity; housing & lodging; economic development, workforce & jobs; creative economy, arts & entertainment; youth & recreation; inclusivity & welcoming.
Through the online and paper survey
See the notes from the forums and ideas shared through surveys here: vtrural.org/sites/default/files/content/CommunityVisits/Bradford Notes Compiled.pdf.
VCRD distilled the notes into a list of action ideas that were presented to the community on On August 23rd. After a robust discussion, participants chose three ideas around which to form locally-drive task forces to drive forward work:
Boost Town Capacity
Advance Resiliency, Sustainability, Alternative Energy & Agriculture
Expand & Improve Recreation Facilities & Build a Skate Park
On September 20th, community members, facilitators, and resource team members came together virtually to develop action plans, identify resources, and begin work to implement the priorities. From here forward, all three “Moving Forward Together” task forces will operate independently. You can learn more about each task force and sign up to join by contacting Peter Mallary, Bradford Community Visit Chair, at peter@itsclassified.com.