Better Connections Program
Better Connections Program supports Vermont municipalities with master planning that links transportation, land use, and water quality improvements to build resilience and strengthen community centers.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Transportation
Due Dates: October 9, 2026 (Pre-application) | October 16, 2026 (Interview) | October 30, 2026 (Application and RPC confirmation) | December 4, 2026 (Grant agreement documents) | February 28, 2028 (Project completion) | March 15, 2028 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: $35,000–$67,500 base awards, plus up to $30,000 optional Clean Water funding; 12-month projects
Summary: Supports Vermont municipal master planning that integrates transportation, community development, and water quality improvements.
Key Information: Only municipalities outside Chittenden County are eligible; base funding requires a minimum 10% local cash match.
Description
Better Connections is a competitive reimbursement grant program administered by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), in partnership with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and Agency of Natural Resources. It supports municipal and inter-municipal master planning that coordinates land use decisions with transportation investments, builds resilience, and strengthens economic vitality in community centers.
Plans establish a community-driven vision for regions, downtowns, villages, neighborhoods, streets, or corridors over the next 10 years. Supported topics include multimodal connectivity, active transportation, Complete Streets, access management, traffic calming, circulation, parking, wayfinding, building rehabilitation, redevelopment, housing, land use, stormwater management, and zoning or form-based codes. Related economic and marketing plans may assess market viability and inform capital planning. Technical assistance helps communities prioritize projects, develop implementation strategies, and connect with public and philanthropic partners.
