Burlington Legacy Project

“Burlington has won national awards for being a livable city, for offering a vibrant lifestyle, and being a place where people can choose to raise families… The Legacy Project was created in 1999 to help maintain those qualities that we all cherish about our city, and create a comprehensive plan to guide change for the economic, environmental, and social health of Burlington for years to come.”

Mayor Peter Clavelle and a diverse group of leaders brought together people from all of Burlington’s ethnic groups, age groups, interests, and neighborhoods to identify what they value most about the community and build a common vision for the future.

Over a year and a half, more than 1000 citizens participated through a series of community meetings, focus groups, informal discussions, a public survey, and hearings on a draft plan. The City held a “Summit on the City’s Future,” at which more than 300 residents provided input and finalized the Legacy Project Action Plan. 

The plan, which included goals and priorities for the future and a vision for Burlington in 2030, was unanimously approved by the City Council in 2000.  By 2001, the plan was incorporated in the main Municipal Development Plan for the City, which guides all major planning decisions. 

The project outlined goals under five topic areas: economy, neighborhood, governance, youth and life skills, and environment. City departments, NGOs, and individuals have specific responsibility for actions or components of the plan, and the Steering Committee continues to meet quarterly to assess progress and ensure accountability. Ongoing actions are varied, ranging from international partnerships to very specific redevelopment projects and school programs. Project staff and volunteers created a system of indicators to use in tracking the future health of Burlington.