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Mission & Structure

Artist banner detail by Steve Clark, 2007

Vision and Mission

Vision: Montpelier is a vibrant community center with a thriving downtown and unique sense of place.


Mission: To achieve our vision, Montpelier Alive will:

  • Collaborate with Montpelier businesses, civic and governmental organizations and the wider community to enhance the city’s position as a preferred location for business.
  • Focus on keeping Montpelier an accessible and pedestrian-friendly working downtown with aesthetically pleasing streetscapes and design.
  • Support compact, land efficient development that enhances the city’s environment and preserves its historic character and unique sense of place.
  • Develop Montpelier as a center for social, cultural, retail and culinary experiences.
     

Structure

Montpelier Alive accomplishes its mission though a Board of Directors, Executive Director and Committees made up of citizen volunteers. Like other downtown organizations across the country, we use the National Main Streets Program’s  suggested structure of four committees:

  • Design Committee focuses on improving the physical aspects of Montpelier's Downtown (streetscape, lighting, facades, circulation, etc.) and developing strategies to ensure an attractive appearance highlighting the city's unique assets and heritage.
  • Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on developing and implementing a market strategy that will result in an optimum mix of businesses, retail, services, lodging, residences and cultural activities for Montpelier to ensure its economic viability within rapidly changing local and global economies.
  • Organization Committee focuses on managing the organizational structure to assure there will be the basis for a long-term, self- sustaining and stable Downtown Revitalization program.
  • Promotions Committee focuses on promoting and marketing a unified, high-quality image for the Downtown and organizing cultural activities which will bring people into Montpelier's Downtown.

In addition to these committees, Montpelier Alive also coordinates:

  • Montpelier Business Association is the merchants’ group which coordinates cooperative advertising, retail promotions, business training, and other efforts to strengthen the retail sector in Montpelier.
  • Downtown Service Businesses Committee meet on an as-needed basis to share information and coordinate efforts among businesses.
  • First Night and Independence Day Celebrations are joint projects of Montpelier Alive and the City of Montpelier.

Shortly after Montpelier Alive was formed in 1999, we received State of Vermont recognition as a Designated Downtown . Through this program, downtown property owners and renters are eligible for tax credits. The downtown also can create its own signage, apply for special transportation funds, and take advantage of special state programs designed for downtowns.