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Burlington, VT

Community Dashboard

Pop. 47K

Residents Registered94797%Engagements Past 24hrs2904%

This dashboard shows a live, representative picture of what Burlington residents are thinking and feeling — based on answers from verified residents across the city.

Next update expected Saturday, January 5th, 2026

This Report:Updated Monday, January 2nd, 2026Representation Score: 37%Data From Past 3 MonthsSample: Representative

Burlington residents are most concerned about housing affordability and public safety downtown, while expressing appreciation for green spaces and local schools.

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In this report:

Most Tagged Issues #1Transportation29%#2Education22%#3Other18%

Top Themes #1Sustainable Housing5 #2Downtown Safety3 #3Childcare Crisis2

Resident Ideas #·Total Ideas & Proposals3

Appreciations #·Total Appreciations4

Based on 1,739 Responses from the past 3 Months :

#1Transportation29%

#2Education22%

#3Other18%

#4Health15%

#5Rights13%

#6Spaces11%

#7Environment9%

#8Families8%

#9Safety6%

#10Economy5%

#11Neighborhood3%

#12Housing2%

#1 Theme: Sustainable Housing

More focus on environmentally sustainable housing.

Residents express a desire to see more environmental projects in the city, especially around housing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Mentioned by 12% of Respondents78% Agreement

What people are saying:

Mid 30s Woman inWard 2The Old North End

Most Representative Quote

We need more energy-efficient affordable housing. My heating bill is insane and the insulation in my apartment is terrible. The city should be investing in weatherization programs.

February 12th, 2026

Late 50s Man inWard 5South End

The city should require all new construction to meet passive house standards. It saves money long-term for everyone and reduces our carbon footprint.

February 10th, 2026

Early 20s Nonbinary Person inWard 6Hill Section

I'd love to see more community solar projects tied to affordable housing developments. Not everyone can put panels on their roof.

February 14th, 2026

Late 40s Woman inWard 7New North End

Affordable housing has to be the priority. Working families are being pushed out and it's changing the character of the city.

February 11th, 2026

Senior Man inWard 3Old North End

Sustainable housing needs to be accessible too. Stairs and steep entries lock seniors out of half the new builds.

February 13th, 2026

#2 Theme: Downtown Safety

Concerns about public safety, particularly downtown.

A growing number of residents report avoiding Church Street and surrounding areas after dark, citing encounters with aggressive behavior and insufficient lighting.

Mentioned by 9% of Respondents65% Agreement

What people are saying:

Mid 30s Woman inWard 4The Old North End

Most Representative Quote

I used to walk Church Street at midnight without a second thought. Now I avoid it after 9pm. Something has changed.

February 15th, 2026

Late 50s Man inWard 1South End

Better lighting and more community presence would go a long way. It doesn't have to be more police — just more people looking out for each other.

February 12th, 2026

Early 40s Woman inWard 2Old North End

As a business owner on Church Street, my customers tell me they feel unsafe parking nearby after dark. It's affecting our evening revenue.

February 13th, 2026

#3 Theme: Childcare Crisis

Working parents struggle to find affordable childcare.

Parents across income levels describe a childcare system at capacity, with long waitlists and costs that consume a significant portion of household income.

Mentioned by 7% of Respondents82% Agreement

What people are saying:

Mid 30s Man inWard 7The Old North End

Most Representative Quote

We pay $1,800 a month for one kid in daycare. That's more than our mortgage. How is anyone supposed to get ahead?

February 14th, 2026

Economy

Convert Empty Storefronts to Pop-Up Markets

Use vacant Church Street spaces for rotating local vendor pop-ups, reducing blight while supporting small businesses.

Late 20s Woman inWard 4Downtown

There are so many empty storefronts. Let local makers and food vendors use them on weekends at least.

February 11th, 2026

Housing

Community Land Trust Expansion

Expand the Champlain Housing Trust model to keep more homes permanently affordable.

Mid 40s Man inWard 3Old North End

The land trust model works. My neighbor bought through CHT and it's the only reason they could stay in Burlington.

February 9th, 2026

Safety

Late-Night Community Safety Ambassadors

Trained civilian ambassadors on Church Street evenings, providing help and de-escalation without police.

Early 30s Person inWard 5South End

Other cities have ambassador programs downtown. It makes people feel safe without feeling policed.

February 13th, 2026

Appreciation

Mid 40s Woman inWard 5The Old North End

Most Representative Quote

The new bike path extension along the waterfront is wonderful. Thank you to everyone who made it happen.

February 8th, 2026

Appreciation

Late 20s Person inWard 4Downtown

Shoutout to the Burlington Parks department. Battery Park has never looked better.

February 10th, 2026

Appreciation

Late 50s Man inWard 7New North End

The free summer concert series at Waterfront Park is one of the things that makes this city special.

February 12th, 2026

Appreciation

Late 30s Woman inWard 6Hill Section

My kid's teacher at Edmunds Elementary is incredible. Burlington schools have amazing people.

February 14th, 2026