Tonight’s vote on the Burlington Forward resolution

Tonight, the Burlington City Council will vote on whether to send the Burlington Forward resolution to committee for further public review and improvement.

BBF’s position is clear: Burlington Forward is a good start, not a finished product. It identifies real gaps and provides a framework the Council can strengthen. It also includes provisions that deserve careful review and public input. That is why we have asked the full Council to send it to committees rather than reject it in full.

Tell City Council: Build on the Burlington Forward proposal tonight >>> [https://secure.everyaction.com/pWB3_X3a4UmktV4hM8fkBA2]

CONTACT YOUR CITY COUNCILORS [https://secure.everyaction.com/pWB3_X3a4UmktV4hM8fkBA2]

Burlington needs a comprehensive approach to public safety and human services. We need a plan that treats every person with dignity, connects people in crisis to shelter, treatment, recovery, and housing, and responds consistently when harmful conduct affects others. We also need the State to recognize that Burlington cannot meet these regional challenges alone and provide the resources, services, beds, and leadership this moment requires.

Burlingtonians have responded strongly to this issue. Since BBF issued its call to action, hundreds of residents have sent more than 1,900 emails to City Councilors asking them to keep the Burlington Forward resolution moving. That response reflects a broad belief that Burlington’s current efforts need stronger coordination, clearer direction, and greater support from the State.

Homelessness and poverty should never be treated as crimes. More incarceration alone will not solve homelessness, addiction, or untreated mental illness. Burlington and our State leaders must urgently increase access to shelter and treatment, improve connections to services, create stronger pathways to long-term stability, and avoid simply moving people from one place to another without meaningful support.

Both major parties in Burlington have made it clear: compassion and accountability are not competing values or outcomes. Every person in Burlington deserves dignity, support, and a real opportunity to find stability. Everyone should also be able to use our public spaces safely and comfortably, including families and children. A serious framework must prioritize both responsibilities at the same time.

Tonight’s vote does not have to settle every detail. However, it must allow the work to continue openly, carefully, and collaboratively.

In the hours left before the vote, please contact your City Councilors now and ask them to vote to send the Burlington Forward resolution to committee >>> [https://secure.everyaction.com/pWB3_X3a4UmktV4hM8fkBA2]

SEND A MESSAGE [https://secure.everyaction.com/pWB3_X3a4UmktV4hM8fkBA2]

With you,

Sam