The Burlington growth conversation:
Burlington, Vermont is at a critical juncture. The current mayor, Miro Weinberger has been very pro-growth and pro development. A large population in Burlington has been adamantly opposed to his approach. Miro has also has had the responsibility to lift Burlington out of debt, and seeks to remedy a housing shortage which drives high rent. Moving beyond growth is never simple. Take another example. A steady state economy cannot have an ever increasing population and yet, we are inviting people to the state for economic reasons, and also to help refugees flee from warn torn areas. The goal of Steady State Vermont is not to take a hard-line approach on any single issue, we live in a complex world. However, there is an essential message: we cannot escape all of our challenges through growth. Growth is not a panacea – it is a short term solution that often exacerbates challenges. So, it is time to work together collectively to find alternative solutions. It is the goal of Steady Steady Vermont that organizations and politicians understand that we need to increasingly find “Steady state solutions” rather than “Growth solutions”
Steady State Agriculture for Burlington, Vermont.
This project builds on the research of many researchers over the years who have envisioned a steady state agricultural system for Burlington, Vermont. Did you know that research shows a majority of Burlington/ South Burlington residents would allow others to use their lawns to grow food at little to no cost? Did you know that it is possible to feed the entirety of Chittenden County with the land that is available within Chittenden County? Did you know that we if we did this, we could reduce GHG emissions by over 80%? The food system is the greatest threat to 4 out of 9 planetary boundaries and lies at the foundation of the economy. It is the goal of Steady State Vermont that Burlington residents understand what a steady state agricultural system is; and what tangible steps we can take to get there.
The Culture of a Steady State Economy
Creating a movement is about having fun! Burlington is well poised to be a model for an alternative set of values, essential in a steady state economy. Steady State Vermont seeks to amplify this voice – to partner with artists and storytellers to share stories of life as a steady stater.