AGP Executive Report

Navy Week in Vermont: The U.S. Navy is bringing a first-ever multi-day Navy Week to the Green Mountain State, with demonstrations, vessel tours, music, and naval history displays across Burlington’s Waterfront Park, downtown Burlington, and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. Fall planning for travelers: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 fall foliage forecast, pointing to late September into early October peaks across New England—highlighting Vermont’s Green Mountains as a go-to leaf-viewing spot. Local events with visitor appeal: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 for its 31st anniversary, expanding chef demonstrations and family entertainment for Labor Day weekend crowds. Outdoor conservation milestone: Equinox Preservation Trust marks 30 years with Sept. 4 activities tied to Manchester StreetFest, including a scavenger hunt and trail updates for the Mt. Equinox preserve. Community grants: Applications are open for Vermont’s 2026 Building Communities’ Grants Program, offering up to $25,000 for construction and capital improvements that strengthen towns and regions. Safety note for road trips: Vermont State Police report a motorcycle crash in Fairlee on Route 5S where speed and alcohol were factors; the driver was taken to DHMC with life-threatening injuries.

Navy Week in Vermont: Burlington’s inaugural Navy Week kicks off Monday with ship demos, vessel tours, music, and naval history displays across the waterfront and Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes—open to the public. Community & outdoors: Equinox Preservation Trust marks 30 years with Sept. 4 celebrations at its Mt. Equinox trails, plus family-friendly activities for kids. Museum leadership: Vermont Museum of Natural History at the Pool Nature Center names Julia Menges its new executive director, starting Sept. 1. Travel planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a Northeast leaf season starting late September, with Vermont’s Green Mountains highlighted for peak viewing. Road & safety: Vermont State Police report a motorcycle crash in Fairlee on Friday where speed and alcohol were factors; the driver was taken to DHMC with life-threatening injuries. Local events discovery: Veerio launches a Chittenden County pilot to centralize local event listings and help residents and visitors find what’s happening. Gas prices: The national regular gas average rose to $4.10 as crude oil stays elevated. School tech: Vermont’s statewide cellphone ban in schools starts this year, with districts required to set enforcement policies.

Navy Week in Vermont: The U.S. Navy is bringing its inaugural Navy Week to the Green Mountain State starting Monday, with vessel demos, tours, music, and naval history displays across Burlington’s Waterfront Park, downtown Burlington, and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. Fall foliage planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, pointing to late September into early October as the key window for much of New England, with Vermont’s Green Mountains highlighted for leaf-peeping. School tech rule: Vermont’s statewide cellphone ban in schools takes effect this year, requiring districts to restrict student device use during the school day (with exceptions for health and accommodations). Wildlife habitat risk: Vermont groups are raising alarms about a Trump administration change to the Endangered Species Act’s “harm” standard, which could make it harder to protect habitat before damage occurs. Community events app: Veerio launched a Chittenden County pilot to centralize local event discovery, aiming to replace scattered flyers and outdated calendars. Local festival: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded entertainment and a bigger chef demonstration tent.

Labor Day Festival: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded entertainment, a reimagined chef demo tent, and new family programming for its 31st anniversary. Energy + Farming: A Colorado State University rooftop test found saffron grown under semi-transparent solar panels produced about double the flowers and dried stigmas versus unshaded plots—an intriguing dual-income model for high-value crops. Wildlife + Safety: Colorado bear conflicts are rising as drought pushes bears toward trash and human food; officials urge people to keep wildlife wild and avoid feeding or disturbing. Local Events App: Veerio launched a Chittenden County pilot to centralize local event discovery, aiming to replace scattered flyers and outdated calendars. Farmers Market Shift: Burlington-area shoppers are noticing fewer farmers at markets as craft vendors take more space, reflecting the tough economics for growers. Transportation + Tourism: Vermont’s congressional delegation says USPS delivery is at an all-time low in the state, citing thousands of complaints—an issue that can affect travel plans and visitor logistics. Nature + Conservation: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont awarded nearly $400,000 to help keep habitats connected for species moving north as climate change reshapes ranges. Community + Memory: A family in Essex Junction placed a headstone for Michael Denny, honoring him 72 years after his death in Vermont.

Vermont Events & Tourism: Veerio launched a Chittenden County pilot to make it easier to find local happenings in one place, aiming to cut through scattered flyers and outdated calendars. Labor Day Weekend in Bennington: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded entertainment, a reimagined chef demo tent, and new family programming. Nature & Conservation: The Nature Conservancy awarded nearly $400,000 to help conserve Vermont habitat corridors as species shift north with a warming climate. Outdoor & Travel Ideas: Travel + Leisure highlighted Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway (Waterbury to Stowe) as one of the best fall foliage road trips. Community & Safety: Vermont’s congressional delegation says it has received 2,000+ complaints about USPS mail service problems and is pressing for answers. Sports: The Vermont Mountaineers hired Brian Murphy as field manager for their 25th anniversary season. Local News: A man died after being hit by an Amtrak train in St. Albans on Lake Street; police identified him as Roger Patenaude, 47.

Labor Day Festival: Garlic Town USA (formerly Garlic Fest) returns to downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 5 for its 31st anniversary, with new vendors, expanded family programming, and a revamped chef demonstration tent featuring garlic braiding, composting 101, and “black garlic magic.” Nature & Conservation: The Nature Conservancy awarded nearly $400,000 to help keep Vermont habitats connected for species shifting north as the climate warms. Tourism & Outdoors: Deer Valley is gearing up for The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking in September, bringing back classic track features and a new Pro Downhill Series finale. Community Events & Tech: Veerio launched a pilot app in Chittenden County to centralize local event listings for residents and visitors. Travel Safety/Transit: A man died after being hit by an Amtrak train in St. Albans on Lake Street; police say the crossing bars were down. Local Life: Vermont launched a website to help Medicaid recipients prepare for October and January changes. Weekend Music: Burlington’s waterfront and downtown are packed with live music, including Grace Potter pop-ups and the Vermont Reggae Fest.

Labor Day Festival: Garlic Town USA (formerly Garlic Fest) returns to downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 5 for its 31st anniversary, with new vendors, expanded family programming, a reimagined chef demo tent, and a full day of live entertainment. Fall Foliage Forecast: Yankee Magazine expects a “long, spectacular” Vermont foliage season in 2026, with healthier canopies after last year’s drought and a slower, more vibrant color-up. Road Trip Inspiration: Travel + Leisure named Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway (through Waterbury and Stowe) among the best U.S. fall foliage road trips. Local Events: This weekend (Aug. 21–23) includes community picks like a Film Noir Festival stop at the St. Albans Free Library and farmers market season events. Getting There Costs: AAA reports the national gas average is $4.10, up 3 cents from last week, with crude oil still pushing prices higher. Safety Note: St. Albans reported a fatal pedestrian-train incident involving the Amtrak Vermonter on Lake Street. Community Swim Guide: A new roundup highlights Southern Vermont’s must-visit swimming spots, with reminders to check conditions and swim responsibly.

E-bikes and e-motos safety: Vermont officials are fielding rising concerns after multiple accidents involving e-bikes and unregulated “e-motos,” including incidents involving teens and a fatal crash, as cities weigh how to respond to faster, harder-to-regulate rides. Fall foliage outlook: New England’s fall color season is expected to be healthier than last year in many of the region’s most popular spots, though dry pockets could still mean quicker leaf drop and some dead-tree areas. Forest industry ripple effects: Vermont’s working lands face new pressure after a New York mill stopped taking Vermont pulp, raising worries for loggers, trail-related economies, and the long-term viability of Current Use. State park legal fight: Vermont has sued a Shaftsbury landowner and company over alleged encroachments on Shaftsbury State Park, including claims of unauthorized tree cutting. Tourism & events: This weekend brings the Malone Fly-In Festival with live music, vendors, and airplane/helicopter rides, plus a Londonderry Living Well Health & Wellness Fair featuring free produce and a community barbecue. Community culture: A new app, Veerio, is launching a pilot in Chittenden County to make local events easier to find for residents and visitors. Health insurance costs: Vermont marketplace premiums for 2027 are set to rise modestly (about 1%–6%), after Green Mountain Care Board rate decisions. Local spotlight: UVM announced its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class, with inductees across hockey, skiing, basketball, baseball, and more.

Outdoor Fundraising: Retired Burr and Burton Academy teacher Chris Nolan finished a 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail trek and hit his $5,000 goal for Manchester’s Community Food Cupboard. Community & Skills: Working Bridges marked 20 years helping Vermonters build financial literacy through workplace workshops and one-on-one support, serving more than 37,000 employees statewide. Conservation & Land: Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Addison and Weybridge will expand by 256 acres, boosting habitat for peregrine falcons and endangered bats. Housing & Workforce: Northern Forest Center broke ground on Timber Way, a 24-unit middle-income development in Greenville using mass timber, aimed at helping employers recruit and retain workers. Health Costs: Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board set 2027 marketplace premium increases of 1%–6% after cutting insurer requests, affecting about 67,000 Vermonters. Travel Safety: Vermont Highway Safety officials are urging sober driving and adding patrols for Labor Day weekend. Events: CRAG-VT’s Vermont Climbing Festival returns Sept. 25–27 in Waterbury and Bolton, with clinics, workshops, and stewardship.

Vermont State Fair: The 180th Vermont State Fair opened in Rutland with sunny hopes, big crowds, and a focus on agriculture, exhibits, food, and grandstand entertainment—organizers say last year drew nearly 35,000 visitors and this year’s turnout is expected to keep climbing. Road Safety for Travelers: Vermont Highway Safety officials are urging drivers to plan ahead for Labor Day, with increased patrols statewide through Sept. 7 as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Outdoor & Adventure Events: CRAG-VT announced the 8th annual Vermont Climbing Festival (Sept. 25–27) in Waterbury and Bolton, with clinics, workshops, competitions, and proceeds supporting climbing-area access and conservation. Local Tourism & Culture: Topnotch Resort in Stowe unveiled “Maxwell’s,” a new signature dining concept tied to the Cummings family and designed to spotlight Vermont flavors with Green Mountains views. Community on the Move: A new mobile events app, Veerio, launched a pilot in Chittenden County to make it easier to find local happenings in one place. Ski & Trail Watch: Vermont’s mountain biking scene is in the spotlight after a case involving technical rogue trail building on Mount Mansfield State Forest. Sports & Community: Caledonia United added a girls basketball cooperative team, naming Brad Washburn as head coach.

Vermont Tourism & Events: The Best of Vermont Summer Festival returns for its sixth year in Ludlow on Aug. 22-23 at Okemo Field, with nearly 100 vendors, Vermont food and beverages, and a big Family Fun Zone. Outdoor & Recreation: Jay Peak is using a “Chew Crew” of goats and sheep from Cloud Brook Farm to maintain ski trails naturally, cutting equipment use and reducing its carbon footprint. Local Business & Travel Impact: Killington’s massive “Killington Forward Initiative” faces staffing turmoil, with turnover leaving the town’s TIF finances in disarray—raising questions about how smoothly the resort’s $3B redevelopment can move. Safety on the Road: Milton’s annual “Red Lights Flashing Equals No Passing” push warns drivers that passing stopped school buses is getting worse, with hundreds of violations reported last year. Health & Costs: Vermont health insurance premiums will rise in 2027, but the Green Mountain Care Board trimmed insurers’ requested increases, saving consumers $24 million. Community & Culture: Middlebury’s New Filmmakers Festival (Aug. 26-30) brings star power with Jane Fonda and Anaïs Mitchell as headliners.

Vermont Health Care Costs: The Green Mountain Care Board approved lower-than-requested 2027 premium increases for Vermont Health Connect plans—2.2% for Blue Cross individual and 1.2% for small group, plus 3.9% for MVP individual and 6.2% for small group—aiming to keep commercial premiums closer to national trends. Cross-Border Travel & Trade: As U.S.-Canada negotiations race toward a Wednesday tariff deadline, Vermont border businesses are bracing for higher costs and fewer Canadian visitors if new 50% tariffs hit $20 billion in goods. School Safety: Milton held its annual “Red Lights Flashing Equals No Passing” event, urging drivers to stop for school buses after reports of illegal passes are “getting worse every year.” Local Housing Buildout: Brattleboro’s Winston Prouty “Village” project is moving ahead with infrastructure work for 30 new units, including short-term Maple Street access changes. Community Events: Podunk Bluegrass Festival wrapped up its 29th year with no ticket price increase, plus camping, kids programming, and late-night jams. Vermont Outdoors & Travel: A new Vermont tourism brand rollout (“State of Inspiration”) is in the mix as the state leans into nature-led travel.

Vermont Tourism Brand: Vermont has rolled out a new “State of Inspiration” tourism brand, aiming to refresh how the state markets itself to visitors. Hospital & Health Care: State regulators backed Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s push to rein in deficit spending, while questioning how the hospital got into trouble and how it will recover financially. Rail & Cross-Border Travel: Federal funding is set to help upgrade Vermont train infrastructure, and Amtrak’s Vermonter is moving closer to a future Canada link. Primitive Camping Rules: Vermont proposes changes to primitive camping rules for the first time in 33 years—big for hikers and backcountry travelers. Fall Travel Planning: Vermont is getting attention for fall foliage travel, with tips on when to go (north vs. south timing) and a suggested Route 100-style itinerary. Local Visitor Economy: Bennington voters will decide in November on a 1% Local Option Tax that would apply to sales/use, meals and alcohol, and rooms. Family-Friendly Civics: The Good Citizen Challenge is underway for K-8 students, with a Statehouse celebration and a prize trip for two to Washington, D.C. Safety & Roads: A multi-vehicle crash closed southbound lanes on Vermont Avenue in Youngstown, underscoring how quickly travel plans can change. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella recall linked to fresh jalapeños has expanded to include salsa, guacamole, and other ready-to-eat items sold in many stores.

Rail & Cross-Border Travel: Vermont’s Amtrak “Vermonter” is one step closer to Canada as federal funding ($4M) backs a study and planning to repair/replace the East Alburgh Bridge over Lake Champlain, aiming to boost speed, reliability, and future service frequency. Tourism Marketing: Vermont is rolling out a new destination brand, “State of Inspiration,” after research found many travelers view Vermont positively but far fewer plan to visit. Healthcare Costs: Vermont moves to rein in hospital “facility fees,” part of wider scrutiny of added charges at hospital-owned clinics. Safety & Travel Disruptions: Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting/assault in Albany and are asking for help locating a green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates. Outdoor Events: This week’s Vermont calendar highlights must-see events Aug. 19–26, plus a reminder that the Perseid meteor shower peaks through Aug. 24. Local Culture: Grace Potter brings new music to Forest Hills, and the Vermont Lake Monsters wrap up a standout season.

Vermont Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting and assault at a home on Holliday Road in Albany that left a man seriously injured and a woman hurt; investigators say it appears isolated and involved people who knew each other, and they’re asking for help finding an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates (registration numbers 4553). Outdoor & Camping Policy: Vermont is proposing changes to primitive camping rules for the first time in 33 years, a move that could reshape how visitors access backcountry areas. Travel Planning & Grants: Vermont’s Working Lands Enterprise Initiative grant applications are opening soon, with funding aimed at farm, forest product, and local food businesses and related service providers—useful for travelers who want to support local food and agritourism. Northern Vermont Development: Newport’s long-vacant “pit” downtown is set to be sold after nearly a decade, with cleanup and a new chapter for the Main Street site. Vermont Business & Tourism Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, a leadership change with potential ripple effects for statewide energy and development priorities.

Public Safety: Vermont State Police are investigating a Sunday night shooting and assault in Albany (Orleans County). A man was seriously injured and taken to North Country Hospital; a woman was treated on scene. Police say it appears isolated, with no threat to the public, and are asking for an older green Subaru Forester with Massachusetts plates (numbers 4553). Outdoor & Conservation: Vermont is proposing the first update to primitive camping rules in 33 years, including bans on cutting or burning live wood for campfires and moving campsites farther from water (200 feet). Travel Infrastructure: Vermont’s weekly road construction report flags I-89 paving and bridge work, plus lane closures and speed changes that could affect summer travel plans. Vermont Tourism & Culture: Bennington Battle Day is this weekend, with events celebrating the 1777 battle and the town’s long-running tradition. Local Business/Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, bringing state economic development and tourism experience to the role.