Working together, we must navigate the complex issues before us. This requires a comprehensive assessment of the challenges facing Stowe, from housing affordability and traffic congestion to sustainable development and infrastructure needs. Understanding the dynamics at play—how these issues interconnect and influence one another—is crucial to preventing tunnel vision and unintended consequences. By anticipating future challenges and opportunities, and adapting our thinking and decisions accordingly, we can create meaningful, lasting positive impact in all that we do for Stowe.
Housing Affordability
Housing affordability is not just a priority; it’s the top priority for Stowe. It’s a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our community, impacting our workforce, families, and long-term viability. We must act now to create and preserve housing affordability by pursuing all viable options through a multi-pronged approach.
Traffic Mitigation
Stowe’s traffic congestion, a complex problem impacting residents and visitors alike, demands effective and proactive solutions. Improving traffic flow and enhancing safety, especially at key intersections like Luce Hill (where VTrans scoping studies are underway) and the critical Moscow Road/Route 100 intersection, is paramount.
Investment in Critical Infrastructure
Development must be carefully managed to minimize its impact on our existing infrastructure, including roads and the critical capacity of our municipal water and sewer services. We must prioritize projects near existing growth centers that utilize existing infrastructure. This requires ongoing comprehensive assessment of all infrastructure systems to avoid overloading them, which could lead to costly repairs, service disruptions, or environmental damage.
Smart Growth
Smart Growth that protects open spaces: Stowe’s natural beauty and open spaces are fundamental to our community’s character and quality of life. Smart growth isn’t about preventing development; it’s about guiding it in a way that preserves these vital resources while also addressing our housing needs. We need to move beyond our existing zoning practices and embrace a more intentional and strategic approach.
Community-Friendly Tourism
Tourism is undeniably vital to Stowe’s economy, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to our vibrant community. However, its success hinges on responsible management that balances the needs of our valued visitors with the equally important needs of our residents. We need to evolve our thinking about tourism, from simply appreciating its economic contributions to strategically managing its impact in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, our quality of life.
Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal responsibility is the cornerstone of effective governance. My approach is grounded in years of experience on the Selectboard, and driven by a deep understanding of municipal finance. It begins with prioritizing strategic budgeting, carefully balancing community needs with the economic realities of our town. This means not just keeping spending in check, but strategically allocating resources to achieve the greatest community benefit.
Climate Action
The storms in 2024 shocked our community – the June storm was a million plus in recovery; the July event was more. We have a FEMA application pending for disaster relief funds. What helped us most with the immediate recovery was the town’s access to gravel. An investment to extend the life of the Nebraska Valley gravel pit has paid for itself many times over. It’s this kind of strategic investment that we need to make as we strengthen our extreme weather recovery capabilities. There’s no question climate action is a priority for Stowe.
Short-Term Rentals
The STR ordinance, effective May 2025, represents a significant step in establishing a registry of all STRs in Stowe. It’s vital that its implementation is successful and aligns with its core objectives: providing emergency contact information for all STRs for our Fire Department and gathering meaningful data to inform future policy on STRs.
Billy Adams for Stowe 