Town Matters: A Podcast by Brattleboro’s Town Manager

This episode of the Town of Brattleboro's podcast covers a regular Selectboard meeting held on May 20, 2025, recaps the Special Representative Town Meeting, and previews a brief, special meeting on May 30 and the next regular meeting on June 3. Show notes: May 20: Agenda, Watch Special RTM: Watch May 30: Agenda June 30: Agenda Apply to join a board or committee here. The Planning Department will be hosting a public forum regarding an intersection study on Western Avenue. 

This episode of the Town of Brattleboro's podcast explores the budget redevelopment process, a series of meetings held throughout April in which the newly formed Selectboard took another look at the FY26 budget. This new proposed budget will be the main topic at a special Representative Town Meeting on May 27, 2025. Show notes: April 10: Agenda, Watch April 15: Agenda, Watch April 17: Agenda, Watch April 22: Agenda, Watch April 24: Agenda, Watch May 1: Agenda, Watch May 6: Agenda, Watch

It's been a minute! This episode, recorded prior to the April 10 meeting, provides a round-up of Brattleboro Selectboard meetings starting with the final meeting prior to Representative Town Meeting (RTM) up through the initial meetings regarding the FY26 redevelopment process. A schedule of future dates and topics about this process is toward the bottom of the show notes.   MEETINGS March 20: Agenda, Watch March 24 (Organizational): Agenda, Watch RTM: Watch April 1: Agenda, Watch April 8 (Listening Session): Agenda, Watch April 10: Agenda, Watch April 15: Agenda   LINKS Learn more about the local public safety organization One Brattleboro. Learn more about the Canal Street Corridor Plan. The Town has updated its zoning permit fees. Learn about Safe Neighborhoods. Take the Town Plan 2026 survey. Take the Charter Revision Commission's survey.   BUDGET REDEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE Following the RTM's vote not to approve the proposed FY26 budget, the newly seated Selectboard is working to revise and resubmit a new budget proposal. The following topics will be discussed on the dates below: Tuesday, April 15 — Finance Committee Report / Structural Budget Issues / Solid Waste Review Thursday, April 17 — Revenues / 2024-25 Selectboard Budget Reductions / Possible Service Reductions Other than Public Safety Tuesday, April 22 — Possible Service Reductions in Public Safety Thursday, April 24 — Preliminary Revised FY26 Budget Tuesday, April 29 — Possible Decision on Revised FY26 Budget / Warn Representative Town Meeting

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the first of the Selectboard's busy March 2025 scheduled. This episode discusses the meetings held on March 3, 6, and 10, and previews a meeting scheduled for March 20.  SHOW NOTES — March 3: Meeting Materials, Watch March 6: Meeting Materials, Watch March 10: Meeting Materials, Watch View the Selectboard's Legislative Priorities Representative Town Meeting will be held on March 22. The Charter Forum has been rescheduled to March 31. The Rec & Parks Department is offering programs this spring. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov.

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on February 18, 2025, and previews a special joint meeting with the Hinsdale Board of Selectmen scheduled for March 3 and a special meeting scheduled for March 6.  SHOW NOTES — Feb. 18: Meeting Materials, Watch Brattleboro voters, here's some helpful info ahead of Town Meeting Day on March 4. The Assessor's Office published a guide on the homestead declaration and the Vermont property tax credit. Business licenses are due March 15 and dog licenses are due on April 1. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov.  

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on February 4, 2025, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for February 18.  SHOW NOTES — Feb. 4: Meeting Materials, Watch The Rec & Parks Department is adding new youth programs in February.  The Winter Carnival kicks off on Feb. 15. View the project page for the utility rate study. Voters may now request absentee ballots for the March 4th election through the state's My Voter Page or by contacting the Town Clerk's Office. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on January 21, 2025, and previews a special meeting scheduled for January 28 and a regular meeting on February 4.  SHOW NOTES — Jan. 21: Meeting Materials, Watch Jan. 28: Meeting Materials, Watch The Assessor's Office is accepting business license renewals for 2025. Dog license renewals are now available for 2025. The Charter Revision Commission is discussing annual town meeting on Feb. 6. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on January 7, 2025, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for January 21.  SHOW NOTES — Jan. 7: Meeting Materials, Watch The Assessor's Office is accepting business license renewals for 2025. Dog license renewals are now available for 2025. The Charter Revision Commission is discussing annual town meeting on Feb. 6. Candidate petitions are now available for the March 4 elections & RTM 2025 Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on December 17, 2024, and previews the next regular meeting scheduled for January 7, 2025. SHOW NOTES — Dec 17: Meeting Materials, Watch Visit the FY26 Budget page here. Candidate petitions are now available for the March 4 elections & RTM 2025 Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes the Selectboard meeting held on December 3, 2024, and previews the final meeting of the year, which is scheduled for December 17.  SHOW NOTES — Dec. 3: Meeting Materials, Watch Dec 17: Meeting Materials Visit the FY26 Budget page here. Improvements to traffic flow around the General John Stark Memorial Bridge is in the works. The Recreation & Parks Department is hosting numerous events this holiday season. Brooks Memorial Library is seeking feedback about technology at the library. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes a special Selectboard meeting held on November 12, 2024, and a regular meeting on November 19. He then previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 3. SHOW NOTES — Nov. 12: Meeting Materials, Watch Nov. 19: Meeting Materials, Watch Visit the FY26 Budget page here. View committee vacancies. A Special Representative Town Meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 12 to weigh whether to accept or reject an ordinance change. View the Community Safety project page here. The burn ban was extended to Dec. 2. The Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge will open to motor traffic on Dec. 5. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter summarizes Selectboard meetings held on October 30, November 5, and November 12. He then previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024. SHOW NOTES — Oct. 30: Meeting Materials, Watch Nov. 5: Special Meeting, Watch; Regular Meeting, Watch Nov. 12: Meeting Materials Visit the FY26 Budget page here. View the Community Safety project page here. A Special Representative Town Meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 12 to weigh whether to accept or reject an ordinance change. A second public forum about the Canal Street Corridor Plan is scheduled for Nov. 14. There is a statewide ban on burn permits has been extended to Nov. 18. View committee vacancies. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Selectboard meeting held October 15, 2024, and previews a special meeting scheduled during the Community Safety Fair & Forum and a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 5. SHOW NOTES — Oct. 15: Meeting Materials, Watch View the Community Safety project page here. The Budget Open House is scheduled for Nov. 12. Visit the FY26 Budget page here. A second public forum about the Canal Street Corridor Plan is scheduled for Nov. 14. There is a statewide ban on burn permits in effect through Nov. 11. Helpful info for voters about the General Election. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on October 1, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. SHOW NOTES — Oct. 1: Meeting Materials, Watch View the Pool Project page here. The pool conceptual designs are here. View the Community Safety project page here. Community Safety Fair & Forum is Oct. 30. Visit the FY26 Budget page here. The Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications. General Election ballots have been mailed to Vermont voters. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on September 17 and 19, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 1. SHOW NOTES — Sept. 17: Meeting materials, Watch Sept. 19: Meeting materials, Watch View the Community Safety project page here. Ballots will be mailed to Vermont voters during the week of Sept. 23. The Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on September 3, 2024, and previews a regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 and a special meeting to be held on Thursday, September 19. SHOW NOTES — Sept. 3: Meeting materials, Watch View the Community Safety project page here. The Police and Fire Departments are holding a charity softball game on Sept. 14 Ballots will be mailed to Vermont voters during the week of Sept. 23. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Brattleboro's Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 20 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024. SHOW NOTES — August 20: Meeting materials, Watch View the Community Safety project page here. The Downtown Safety Action Plan discussed during the Aug. 20 meeting is here. View the Fuller Park (aka the bandstand) project page here. Register for fall youth sports programs here. The Police and Fire Departments are holding a charity softball game on Sept. 14 Confirm your voter info is up-to-date. Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 6 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Show notes — August 6: Meeting materials, watch August 20: Meeting materials Confirm your voter info is up-to-date before September 1. Take the pool survey before the August 21 deadline. Register for fall youth sports programs here. More info at Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 23 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Show notes — July 23: Meeting Materials, Watch Click here to learn more about the State Primary Election. The Brattleboro Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 5-8 p.m. The pool will have reduced hours starting Aug. 4.  Take the pool survey. More info at Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 9 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024. SHOW NOTES — July 9: Meeting Materials, Watch Click here to learn more about the State Primary Election. The Brattleboro Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 5-8 p.m. Rec & Parks is hosting free concerts on Tuesday nights in July. More info at Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov  

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 18 and previews a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Show notes — June 18: Meeting Materials, Watch July 9: Meeting Materials The Fuller Park Public Forum has been rescheduled for July 10 The Rec & Parks Department will be hosting its annual pool party on July 17. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 4 and previews a regular meeting scheduled for June 18. Show notes — June 4: Meeting Materials, Watch The library will close early on June 20 for a network upgrade Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20 Pool Public Forum on June 25 Canal Street Corridor Public Workshop on June 27 For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter provides an overview of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on May 21, previews a meeting scheduled for June 4, and discusses the agenda for the 2024 Selectboard Retreat, which has been rescheduled for June 13. Show notes — May 21 Meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Apply to a board or committee Save the Date: Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20 Save the Date: Pool Project on June 25 For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on May 7 and previews a meeting scheduled for May 21. Show notes — May 7 Meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Watch the Charter Revision Commission's update Join us at the Town's first-ever Committee Fair Save the Date: Fuller Park Public Forum on June 20 Provide input about the Solid Waste Program For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

In this episode, Town Manager John Potter covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on April 16 and April 25, and previews an upcoming regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. Show notes — April 16 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch  April 25: Meeting Material, Watch Provide input about the Solid Waste Program Join us at the Town's first-ever Committee Fair Brooks Memorial Library's Tool Cottage is now open The Town has put out a call for Black artists for its second annual Juneteenth Art Show For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or check it out here.

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on April 2, 2024 and previews an upcoming regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 as well as a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 25. Show notes — April 2 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch  Summer Day Camp registrations are open now. The Planning Department is holding an Open House on April 18. Super Fun Bike Day is April 20. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on March 21, 2024, the reorganizational meeting held on March 26, and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for April 2. Show notes — March 21 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch View the latest conceptual designs of the pool at Living Memorial Park here. Representative Town Meeting was held on March 23: Watch, Minutes The Selectboard's Reorganizational Meeting was held on March 26: Watch Summer Day Camp registrations are open now. Dog licenses are due April 1. Southeast Transit will hold two informational meetings about the MicroMOO on April 9. The top floor of the Transportation Center is temporarily closed. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on March 5 and previews an upcoming special meeting scheduled for March 21. Show notes — March 5 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Visit the Pool Project page here. The Rabies Clinic is March 16. Representative Town Meeting is March 23, 2024. The Annual Egg Hunt is March 30. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on February 20 and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for March 5 at 7 p.m. Show notes — Feb. 20 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Apply to a board or committee. Learn about Election Day, March 5, in Brattleboro here. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meetings held on February 1 and February 6, and previews an upcoming meeting scheduled for February 20. Show notes — Feb. 1 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Feb. 6 meeting: Meeting Material, Watch Feb. 20 meeting: Meeting Material View the Representative Town Meeting warning. Apply to a board or committee. Learn more about absentee ballots. Sample ballots for the March 5 election are here. How to become a write-in candidate for RTM Member. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on January 16 and previews a special meeting on February 1 and a regularly scheduled meeting on February 6. Show notes — Watch the January 16 Selectboard meeting here; meeting materials are here. More info on the February 1 special meeting here. View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material Learn about dog licensing here. Apply to a board or committee. For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on January 2 and 5, and then previews the meeting scheduled for January 16. Show notes — Watch the January 2 Selectboard meeting here; meeting material is here. Watch the January 5 Selectboard meeting here; meeting material is here. View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections The Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic, which was promoted toward the end of the episode, was canceled after this episode was published. Click here for more info.  For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov Reach out at townmatters@brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on December 19, 2023 and previews the meeting scheduled for January 2, 2024. Show notes — Watch the December 19 Selectboard meeting here View more info about the FY25 Budget here, which includes a timeline with helpful background material Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections For more updates, visit Brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on December 5 and previews the meeting scheduled for December 19. Show notes — Watch the December 5 Selectboard meeting here Learn more about petitions for March 2024 elections Brooks Memorial Library has published its strategic plan View the Rec & Parks holiday season brochure For more updates visit Brattleboro.gov

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on November 21 and previews the meeting scheduled for December 5. Show notes — Watch the November 21 Selectboard meeting here. Take the second round of the ARPA Survey. View the Rec & Parks holiday season brochure.

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on November 7 and previews the meeting scheduled for November 21. Show notes — Watch the November 7 Selectboard meeting here. Read more on the Town Legislative Agenda for 2024 here. Check out the redesign Town of Brattleboro website at Brattleboro.gov. Take an online survey about the future of the pool at Living Memorial Park. For more info about the winter parking ban, click here.

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on October 17 and previews the meeting scheduled for November 7. Show notes — Watch the October 17 Selectboard meeting here. The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for FY25 Human Services Funding. The application is available here.

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on October 3 and previews the meeting scheduled for October 17. Show notes — Watch the October 3 Selectboard meeting here. The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Human Services Review Committee is accepting applications for FY25 Human Services Funding. The Application, as well as instructions and guidelines, are available here. Brattleboro was the subject of a video produced by the nonprofit Strong Towns. View that video here. Join a board or committee! Fill out an application here.

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting held on September 19 and previews the meeting scheduled for October 3. Show notes — You can view the September 19 meeting on YouTube. The Town will host a Budget Engagement Open House on September 28 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street in Brattleboro. Meet with staff from Town departments, learn more about what they do, and share your ideas about how the Town's $1.4 million in ARPA funding should be allocated.

This episode covers the Selectboard meeting(s) in early September, previews the meeting on September 19, and announces a Budget Engagement Open House to kick off the start of the budget season.   Show notes — The Selectboard meeting originally scheduled for September 5 was recessed to September 7. Watch the September 7 meeting here. A Public Forum on Fire-EMS Alternatives was held on September 12. Watch here. The Town will host a Budget Engagement Open House on September 28 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street in Brattleboro. Meet the Town departments that provide your services and share your ideas.

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on August 15 and a preview of a meeting scheduled for September 5. Show notes: Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from August 15 here.  Selectboard meeting material can be found here. Visit the EMS Transition Project page here. Brattleboro residents are eligible for trees to plant in their yard through Community Canopy, an Arbor Day Foundation program. Sign up by calling 855-234-3801 or visiting vtcommunityforestry.org/trees Register for Rec & Parks programs here. View their fall brochure here. “Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on July 25 and a preview of a meeting scheduled for August 15. Show notes: Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from July 25 here.  Selectboard meeting material can be found here. Visit the EMS Transition Project page here. “Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

Show notes — Selectboard meeting materials can be found here. Watch the July 11 Selectboard meeting courtesy BCTV. During the July 11 meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard adopted five major goals for fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2025. Those goals are: making the Transportation Center a good place for parking; developing an expansive vision for the Town pool; finding a path forward for Community Safety; developing the concept of safety zones; and advancing housing initiatives. Watch the July 18 Selectboard meeting courtesy BCTV.  The Fire-EMS Transition Project will be discussed at the Selectboard meeting scheduled for July 25. You can find more details, including background info, on the project page. Save-the-date: There is a Downtown Community Safety Fair scheduled for Aug. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gibson-Aiken Center. The top floor (4th floor) of the Transportation Center will be closed for repairs. The floor will be closed through July 28. The steps in front of the Municipal Center are being reset. Please enter and exit the building through the rear parking lot.   “Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

This episode of "Town Matters" provides a recap of the Brattleboro Selectboard meeting held on June 20 and a preview of a special meeting, which is scheduled for July 11. Show notes: Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from June 20 here.  Selectboard meeting material can be found here. Visit the EMS Transition Project page here. The Selectboard summer schedule is as follows: July 11 – Special meeting July 18 – Canceled July 25 – Special meeting August 1 – Canceled August 15 – Regular meeting (and then back to the regular schedule) “Town Matters” is recorded at Brattleboro Community Television. Provide feedback to the show at townmatters@brattleboro.org.

This episode of "Town Matters" offers a quick overview of three Selectboard meetings that were scheduled throughout June 2023.   Show notes: Watch the Selectboard Retreat here.  Watch the regular Selectboard meeting from June 6 here.  Selectboard meeting material can be found here. Listen to VPR's Vermont Edition regarding security services.  Visit the EMS Transition Project page here. This show was recorded at Brattleboro Community Television.

Brattleboro Town Manager discusses the Selectboard meeting from May 16 and what's ahead in June 2023. Follow "Town Matters" wherever you listen to podcasts.   Show notes: The Brattleboro Selectboard meeting materials can be found here. Watch the May 16 Selectboard meeting here. The Selectboard summer schedule: June 20, July 11 & 25, Aug. 15. Visit the EMS Transition Project page here. Sign up for alerts about the VTrans project on I-91. There will be a Planning Commission public hearing on amendments to the Land Use Regulation on June 5 at 6 p.m. in the Selectboard meeting room and on Zoom. The dog warrant is being presented to the Selectboard on June 6. Anyone who has not yet licensed their dog for the year should do so with the Town Clerks office prior to that date or risk being fined $100. The Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up for summer programs and camps. Parents can register online or in person at 207 Main Street at the Rec & Parks Office. Brooks Memorial Library cardholders can borrow gardening equipment from the Big Red Shed. In celebration of Juneteenth, the Town of Brattleboro is inviting Black artists to display and sell their work in the Municipal Center on select dates this June. Exhibition space will be available later in June. For more information, contact HR Director Sally Cruz Nix at snix@brattleboro.org. This show was recorded at Brattleboro Community Television.

In the debut episode of "Town Matters," host John Potter, Brattleboro's Town Manager, provide brief updates from the first half of May 2023.   Send us feedback at: townmatters@brattleboro.org   Show notes:  Selectboard info can be found here. VTrans at May 16 Selectboard meeting Brattleboro Fire Department Open House   Recorded at Brattleboro Community Television.