Vermont Launches Rural Technical Assistance Program to Support Community Development
Vermont has initiated the Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) to empower its rural communities in addressing challenges and pursuing development opportunities. The program aims to bring together state, regional, and local partners to provide coordinated support, flexible funding, and access to technical expertise. Many small towns in Vermont face growing challenges, limited staff capacity, and increasing uncertainty in advancing community priorities. RTAP offers meaningful, flexible grants for community and economic development projects, hands-on guidance to connect towns with resources and partners, and continuous learning to strengthen the program and improve statewide technical assistance delivery. The program works through an established network of providers, including VCRD, Regional Planning Commissions, and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.