We select quotes that capture residents' main points about the economy, then group similar quotes by theme. Each theme includes the original quotes, so you can read them, cite them, and see what the theme is based on.
#3 Theme:Raised by 16% of respondents
Local businesses are struggling while local jobs and salaries do not cover Burlington's high cost of living.
What people are saying:
Affordable housing continues to be a major concern for our city, and making sure we have a diverse population of citizens here. The national economy is a major concern, but also concern over our local economy; it feels like local businesses are struggling, and that Burlington hasn't really found an economic identity. Public safety is ongoing with concerns over the homeless and drug usage, and what the best way to treat these problems humanely is.
I'm very worried about our Main Street businesses given the ongoing construction. They are important members of the the city community and their closure due to limited/burdensome access would be terrible shame.
Economy is important because it is very difficult to find local jobs that cover the cost of living in Burlington. I spent 3 months last year looking for work as my primary task, and ended up only with a part time non-profit job that doesn’t fully cover my monthly expenses.
Concerned about economics as salaries are low but cost of living to high.
#6 Theme:Raised by 13% of respondents
Property taxes and living costs are too high for the salaries available here.
What people are saying:
Property taxes to high for salaries in vermont
Taxes are too high. Services have gone to hell. Downtown is an out-of-bounds place - we don’t go there for ANYTHING. Make Burlington a livable Vermont town again.
As a single woman, property taxes are a burden.
A few more quotes worth reading, about topics outside the main themes above.
As senior citizens living on limited, fixed incomes, my wife and I see our hometown becoming less affordable, more dangerous, less responsive and more politically stupid. We raised kids here. Wouldn’t recommend it now. City government is bloated, with too many supervisors and directors and not enough workers.
The planetary emergency is the biggest challenge we've ever faced. Climate solutions also happen to be good for our health, economy, and community
Every response is counted toward the next edition.
