Recently, the City of Burlington has experienced an increase in discarded syringes in public spaces, posing a risk to public health and safety. We need to do more to protect children, unhoused individuals, and downtown workers, residents, and visitors.

For the past 4 months, the Peace & Justice Center and Vermont Harm Reduction Advocates have been leading an initiative called the BTV Clean Up Crew which meets weekly cleaning up trash and used needles in downtown Burlington. Building Burlington’s Future has been proud to support this resident-lead program and now we’re calling on the city to do its part.

Last night the City Council took a step in the right direction by passing a resolution that will provide the Burlington Clean up Crew with a small amount of funding to support this ongoing program. This modest investment, which will provide essential supplies and materials for needle clean up, needs to be part of a broader strategy to improve both public safety, drug use, and addiction services in our city and BBF will continue to work with city leaders and partners to make this happen.

When we keep our streets clean and safe, we're creating a downtown where families feel comfortable, businesses can thrive, and everyone can enjoy the heart of our city. We’re also showing that Burlington is a city where people care to take action, where neighbors roll up their sleeves to be part of the solution.”