AGP Executive Report

Semiconductor Boost for Vermont: The U.S. Commerce Department is backing GlobalFoundries with a $300M CHIPS R&D award to scale silicon photonics—aimed at faster, lower-power AI data links—using work across Malta, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. School Construction Pressure: Vermont housing and jobs funding got attention this week, but local school building needs are still colliding with state approvals; Mountain Views Supervisory District leaders and candidates highlighted the Woodstock Union Middle/High School rebuild delays. Housing Funding Push: Vermont Treasurer Pieciak unveiled $25M in new low-interest financing through “Invest in Vermont” to speed housing and affordability projects. Energy Grid Resilience: Sen. Peter Welch advanced a STRONG GRID Act to streamline microgrid interconnections and unlock federal support for localized power during extreme weather. Public Banking Event: The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a Vermont Public Banking event featuring Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, focusing on farm and community financing. Local Business Spotlight: Williston’s Wild Meadows Books & Café opened as a new community gathering spot. Cybersecurity Warning: Chick-fil-A warned customers after attackers accessed some Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, urging password and payment-method review. Wildlife Management: Vermont Fish & Wildlife says bear-reporting fears are creating a “catch-22,” discouraging people from calling about minor bear activity.

Public Banking for Vermont Farms: The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a two-day Vermont Public Banking event Aug. 4-5, featuring Don Morgan of the Bank of North Dakota on how state-owned banking can fund agriculture, disaster recovery, housing, infrastructure, and local development. Vermont Economy Watch: State economists say Vermont revenues are holding steady despite global uncertainty, with AI-driven business spending helping offset broader economic clouds. Energy Grid Shift: Green Mountain Power says its virtual power plant is now its largest single resource, dispatching 90 MW during early July heat and cutting peak electricity costs by an estimated $6 million. Waste-to-RNG Growth: Casella Waste Systems and Waga Energy began operations of an RNG facility at Hyland Landfill in Angelica, NY, using WagaBox tech to upgrade landfill gas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. Local Construction & Community: Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro starts a renovation phase this week, with sidewalk and ramp closures and new access routes. Agrifood Milestone: A BF food co-op in Bellows Falls is moving toward a major milestone after 15 years, with USDA funding supporting preliminary design and a business plan. Workforce & Housing Policy: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in June, while state revenue forecasts note risks ahead. Arts & Culture: South Burlington animator Travis Van Alstyne won the Vermont Prize, recognized for animated storytelling rooted in Vermont history and culture.

Public Banking for Vermont Agriculture: The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is hosting a two-day Vermont Public Banking event Aug. 4–5, featuring Don Morgan of the Bank of North Dakota to discuss how state-owned public finance can support farms, disaster recovery, housing, infrastructure, and local economic development. Pipeline Permitting Fight: Vermont AG William Tong joined a multistate coalition urging FERC not to fast-track natural gas pipeline approvals via expanded blanket certificates, warning it could raise bills and pollution while weakening public safeguards. Manufacturing Support: NIST announced $46.5M to fund 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers aimed at helping small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt advanced production tech and build workforce capacity. Food Waste Rules and Impacts: New reporting highlights how Vermont’s food-waste ban is part of a broader push to cut landfill methane, while research flags potential downsides like microplastics from packaging. Rabies Vaccine Bait Drop: Vermont’s wildlife rabies bait program starts Aug. 1, with about 915,700 vaccine baits planned across multiple counties as cases remain elevated. Road Construction: Route 100 work continues with a Bridge 116 closure tentatively starting Aug. 12 for about 40 days, with lane closures and expected short delays. Local Business/Finance: NBT Bancorp reported stronger Q2 2026 earnings, noting loan growth and margin expansion following its Evans Bancorp acquisition. Workforce & Community: AmeriCorps awarded DREAM Program $375,000 to expand mentoring and enrichment for underserved youth across 38 low-income and rural communities. Mortgage Training Expansion: 24hourEDU says it now holds NMLS approval for self-paced MLO continuing education in all 50 states.

AmeriCorps & Youth Mentoring: DREAM Program, Inc. won $375,000 to expand its Vermont mentoring network, adding 70 AmeriCorps members serving 38 low-income and rural communities and supporting 600 youth statewide. Public Health & Wildlife: Vermont will start its annual rabies vaccine bait drop Aug. 1, targeting about 915,700 baits across 10 counties (plus parts of NY and NH) as rabies cases keep rising. Energy & Environment Policy: A coalition led by Connecticut AG William Tong urged the EPA to stop a proposed NEPA rule that would narrow environmental impact review and public input. Data Centers & Land Use: A legal analysis highlights how AI data-center power needs are driving eminent domain fights over private land, with public opposition tied to costs, pollution, noise, and green-space loss. Immigration Impact in Vermont: A Vermont-based report says a decades-old Temporary Protected Status program for Haitians and Syrians ends today, forcing many residents to choose between staying illegally or returning to dangerous conditions. Local Business & Housing: Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order to prioritize local media in state advertising, while a Wilmington proposal would pair a self-service car wash with an apartment above to add long-term rental housing. Workforce Snapshot: Vermont’s unemployment rate held at 2.6% in June as summer hiring added an estimated 3,200 jobs, led by construction and leisure/hospitality.

Public Health: Vermont’s annual rabies vaccine bait drop kicks off Aug. 1, with about 915,700 oral vaccine baits planned across 10 Vermont counties (plus parts of New York and New Hampshire) as rabies cases keep climbing. Food & Agriculture: A UVM-led study finds milk nutrient profiles vary by production method and season, with omega-3 levels highest in organic grass-fed milk. Housing & Policy: Vermont Housing Finance Agency names Shane Phillips as keynote speaker for the Nov. 18 Statewide Housing Conference, focused on supply, stability, and subsidy. Tech & Industry: Vermont’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened a new test and characterization facility in South Burlington to speed microelectronics from lab to manufacturing. Energy & Infrastructure: A new report highlights how data-center growth is driving more states to pause or reshape incentives as electricity, water, and land-use pressures mount. Biosecurity: Vermont approved emergency rules to inspect and treat shelter dogs and cats arriving from Texas for New World screwworm. Surveillance Debate: A national look at “total surveillance” points to NEMA-enabled streetlight systems as a quieter layer expanding beyond visible camera networks.

Microelectronics & Manufacturing: The Vermont Gallium-Nitride (V-GaN) Tech Hub opened a new Test and Characterization Facility in South Burlington, aiming to move advanced semiconductor tech from lab work to real manufacturing. Healthcare & Research: A UVM-led team reported progress against mesothelioma by targeting the tumor’s energy system, achieving disease control in 67% of patients in a phase one trial. Local Food & Farming: The 18th Annual Tour de Farms returns Sept. 19 with a 37-mile Addison County route plus a shorter family option, raising funds for small-farm viability and local food access. Vermont Infrastructure: Vermont Business Magazine listed state highway and interstate construction impacts for the week of July 27, including I-89 and I-91 paving and ramp closures. Industry Tech (Beverage): VIP introduced “VIP Intelligence,” an AI suite for beverage makers, distributors, and retailers focused on pricing, orders, forecasts, and operational insights. Sports (Community): Vermont Green FC advanced in USL League Two playoffs after an Eastern Conference title run.

Semiconductor push in South Burlington: The Vermont Gallium-Nitride (V-GaN) Tech Hub opened its new Test and Characterization Facility at the OnLogic campus, aiming to speed up commercialization of next-gen GaN chips and strengthen Vermont’s microelectronics pipeline. Higher-ed leadership: NBC5 In Depth profiles new Vermont State University president Sherry Kollmann, who’s focused on enrollment growth, workforce partnerships, and modernizing campuses after the Castleton, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College merger. Data-center land risk: A legal analysis warns utilities and other “common carriers” could use eminent domain to secure land or easements for data-center power infrastructure, raising stakes for property owners. Bear reporting dilemma: Vermont Fish and Wildlife says misinformation is keeping people from reporting minor bear activity, creating a “catch-22” that can force harsher responses later. Clean-energy grant fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states, contradicting earlier claims about project performance. Roadwork impacts: Vermont Business Magazine listed major I-89 and I-91 paving and ramp closures for the week of July 27, with overnight and daytime lane restrictions. Local business tech: VIP introduced “VIP Intelligence,” an AI suite for beverage makers, distributors, and retailers built on its industry data.

Semiconductor Push in South Burlington: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened an open house for its new Test and Characterization Facility at OnLogic, aiming to help GaN chip developers move faster from lab work to manufacturing and real-world deployment. Clean Energy Funding Fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states, reigniting claims of “weaponized” federal policy. Vermont Tech & Microelectronics Ecosystem: The federally designated EDA Tech Hub—built with the state and GlobalFoundries—frames the new facility as a regional acceleration engine for next-gen microelectronics. Montpelier Construction Watch: Vermont Business Magazine listed major highway work for the week of July 27, including I-89 and I-91 paving and ramp closures that will affect commuters. SNAP Help Events: Extension Master Food Volunteers scheduled multiple summer SNAP application assistance sessions, plus reminders on summer food support options. Data Center Backlash Politics: Separate coverage highlights governors’ efforts to shield ratepayers from data center cost hikes, underscoring how energy, telecom, and local policy collide.

Semiconductor push in South Burlington: UVM’s V-GaN Tech Hub opened its new Test and Characterization Facility at 435 Community Drive, giving regional companies access to specialized high-power equipment and expertise to move GaN chips from lab work toward manufacturing. Clean-energy grants fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether recipient states backed Kamala Harris in 2024, undercutting earlier claims and fueling charges of political “weaponization.” Vermont dairy spotlight: UVM Extension named Rail View Dairy in New Haven the 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, citing herd management, land stewardship, and innovation. Local health workforce training: Six Upper Valley residents graduated from Dartmouth Health’s Project SEARCH, completing internships across hospital departments. Community business tech: VIP introduced VIP Intelligence, an AI suite for the beverage industry built on its ordering and pricing data. Agribusiness roundup: This week’s Agribusiness coverage highlights pork trade updates, commodity hedging tools, and farm equipment aftermarket trends. Public safety: Montpelier mosquito tests found West Nile virus, with officials urging bite prevention. Education facilities debate: A proposed turf field at CVU High School drew PFAS and microplastics concerns from some residents.

Semiconductor Push in South Burlington: The V-GaN Tech Hub at UVM opened its new Test and Characterization Facility, giving microelectronics firms access to specialized high-power testing to speed GaN tech from lab to manufacturing. Electric Aviation Milestone: Heart Aerospace’s X1 won FAA authorization for piloted flight testing at Plattsburgh, marking the largest electric aircraft cleared for flight and signaling faster charging buildout for electric planes. Data Center Cost Fight: Congress is moving on multiple proposals to stop data-center projects from driving up ratepayer bills, while the Trump administration expands its “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” with big tech and governors. Clean Energy Grants Clash: Court filings say the administration canceled nearly 300 clean-energy research grants based on political identity of recipient states, drawing fresh backlash. Vermont Health Care Leadership: VNAs of Vermont named Eric Covey executive director, aiming to strengthen home health and hospice access during Vermont’s health care transformation. ICE Surveillance Protest: Protesters blocked access to an ICE surveillance office in Williston, leading to arrests and renewed scrutiny of covert online monitoring. Outdoor Funding: Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust awarded $1.9M in grants, including $300,000 for Lovell’s mountain-bike trail expansion. Construction Watch: Vermont Business Magazine listed statewide highway and interstate work affecting traffic for the week of July 27.

Vermont Tech & Manufacturing: The Vermont Gallium Nitride Tech Hub (V-GAN) opened in South Burlington, giving regional firms a lower-cost way to prototype and test gallium nitride electronics after federal funding and uncertainty around future operations. Energy & Industry Policy: Vermont’s logging sector faces new pressure after a New York paper mill cut pulp production, raising concerns about where local logs will go. Climate Regulation Fight: Vermont AG Dana Nessel joined multistate legal action challenging EPA rollbacks on highly potent greenhouse gases, arguing the changes weaken the AIM Act’s phaseout timeline. Power & Data Centers: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge, adding governors and utilities to keep data-center grid upgrade costs off consumer bills—an issue Vermont leaders are watching as AI demand grows. Local Business & Community: Downstreet Housing celebrated the Speranza Inn grand opening in Barre, completing a rehab of the former Quality Inn into a 41-room service-integrated hotel for people experiencing homelessness. Transportation Costs: AAA reports the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with crude volatility tied to summer price pressure. Public Health & Agriculture: USDA’s equine study is set to launch in August to track disease risks and management trends nationwide. Media & Workforce: Gov. Phil Scott signed an order prioritizing local media in state advertising, while VTDigger opened fall intern applications to support statewide reporting.

Local Media Funding: Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order directing Vermont agencies to prioritize local news outlets when spending state advertising dollars, aiming to keep community reporting financially stable. Logging & Paper Supply Chain: Scott warned loggers could be hit hard after Finch Paper plans to stop making its own pulp at its Glens Falls, N.Y., mill and buy outside pulp instead. Data Centers & Power Costs: Vermont is named among states in a fast-moving national push tied to Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, as governors and utilities argue data-center grid upgrades shouldn’t land on household bills. Greenhouse Gas Rules: Vermont joins a multistate legal challenge to an EPA rollback on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems, with attorneys general saying the change undermines the AIM Act phaseout. Manufacturing Support: NIST announced funding to create 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers to help small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced production tech. Health Care Leadership: VNAs of Vermont appointed Eric Covey as executive director, as home health and hospice groups navigate Vermont’s broader health care transformation. Housing & Homelessness: Downstreet Housing celebrated the grand opening of the Speranza Inn in Barre, a 41-room service-integrated hotel for people experiencing homelessness.

SNAP Funding Pressure: New Trump administration rules tied to payment accuracy could push many states toward higher SNAP costs, with only a few currently meeting required benchmarks—raising fears some may cut food assistance. Data Centers & Rates: 23 Republican governors signed a “ratepayer protection” pledge aimed at shielding households from utility cost hikes tied to data centers powering AI. Endangered Species Rollback: The federal government is removing habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act, and states warn they can’t fully replace the lost safeguards. Vermont Dairy Wins Big: Vermont cheesemakers brought home 54 awards at the American Cheese Society competition, including top honors for Jasper Hill Farm. Health Care Leadership: Eric Covey was appointed executive director of VNAs of Vermont, representing home health and hospice agencies. Local Workforce Planning: CVCC’s board is moving toward a satellite center at U-32, after a prior bond vote failed. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a breach of Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts via credential-stuffing, potentially exposing personal and payment-linked details. Science in Vermont Waters: UVM-led researchers report a rare transmissible, parasite-like cancer in bullhead catfish from Lake Memphremagog. Housing Strain Snapshot: SEVCA’s needs assessment flags housing, energy help, and food security as top pressures in Windham and Windsor counties.

Health Care Leadership: VNAs of Vermont appoints Eric Covey as executive director, aiming to strengthen home health and hospice access during Vermont’s health care transformation. Public Safety Tech: Vermont State Police and AOT are piloting an AI wrong-way detection system at I-89 Exit 17 in Milton after rising incidents. Housing & Local Policy: Vermont expands housing investment and explores new ways towns regulate short-term rentals, as “gentle infill” and zoning debates continue. Forestry & Industry Pressure: Loggers and forest-products stakeholders react to the Finch Paper closure in New York, warning of ripple effects for Vermont’s wood supply chain. Workforce & Benefits: A GAO report finds a surge in gig workers and Amazon employees receiving SNAP and Medicaid, raising new scrutiny of corporate reliance on public assistance. Environment & Regulation: Vermont AG Brown co-leads challenges to federal greenhouse-gas rollbacks, while other states sue over endangered species habitat protections. Tourism & Community: West Virginia University research highlights how rural towns can grow tourism without losing housing, workforce, and natural resources—an issue Vermont communities are watching closely. Local Business: Burlington’s former Courtyard by Marriott reopens as The Harborvale after a $19M renovation.

Antitrust & Public Safety: U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Sen. Elizabeth Warren backed a bipartisan push for the FTC to investigate possible price-fixing and monopolization in the fire truck manufacturing industry, citing soaring costs and delivery delays that can affect communities in Vermont and beyond. Trade & Manufacturing: Vermont manufacturers are reacting to Trump’s announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, warning supply-chain hits (including Canadian dyes) and potential sales shifts. Climate Regulation Fight: Vermont AG Charity Clark joined a coalition suing EPA over a rule that would weaken hydrofluorocarbon phaseout deadlines, arguing it would increase emissions. Housing & Local Control: Vermont towns are testing different ways to regulate short-term rentals as officials say the local impact is worsening housing access, even as state data is cited to argue rentals aren’t the main driver. Vermont Energy/Industry: Essex Resort & Spa and SunCommon expanded a multi-phase solar partnership aimed at powering most of the resort, supported by USDA and Vermont financing. Northern Border Funding: NBRC and USDA Rural Development announced $1.9M for 13 community-driven projects across the region, including workforce and housing-gap efforts in Vermont. Tech & Policy: Rep. Terri Sewell cosponsored a national AI data center moratorium bill introduced by Bernie Sanders and AOC, citing unknown impacts on water, environment, and property values. Insurance Market Watch: AM Best scheduled an Aug. 4 briefing on the state of the U.S. captive insurance market, featuring Vermont captive officials.

Green Energy Deal: Essex Resort & Spa is expanding a multi-phase solar partnership with SunCommon, aiming to power about 75% of the resort’s needs with 750,000 kWh annually, supported by USDA Rural Energy for America Program grants and Vermont Economic Development Authority financing. Nuclear Site Uncertainty: Vernon officials say they weren’t fully looped in on plans for the former Vermont Yankee site after NorthStar and PowerTransitions discussed options ranging from battery storage to a small reactor and even a data center. Trade Shock for Manufacturers: Vermont businesses are bracing for President Trump’s 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods starting Aug. 19, with Rutland-area firms warning about supply costs and sales impacts. Housing Financing Push: Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced an extra $25 million in low-interest “Invest in Vermont” loans for housing, jobs, and affordability, with proposals due Sept. 4. Forest Products Alarm: Finch Paper’s closure of a Glens Falls hemlock pulpwood mill is raising concerns for Vermont loggers, trucking, and landowners. Climate Rule Fight: Vermont’s AG coalition is challenging EPA’s rollback of hydrofluorocarbon phase-down deadlines, arguing it will increase emissions. Cannabis Retail Update: Vermont’s new law raises the daily cannabis purchase limit to 2 ounces, giving dispensaries and customers more flexibility.