The Future of Vermont
Insights via Fresh Track Capital
When you look 20+ years into the future, what does the ideal Vermont region look like to you?
Vermont is an interesting state as there is really only one “urban” area that rises to the level of measurement as an MSA and that is the Burlington South Burlington MSA. These two small cities situated next to each other are part of Chittenden County which itself is by far the most populous county in Vermont. Chittenden County is a highly livable and desirable MSA with educational institutions, arts/culture, technology scene, and recreational amenities. It is distinctly different from the rest of Vermont which is populated by small pastoral towns.
What effects from COVID-19 do you think will be long lasting on how we will live/work/play in Vermont?
Early anecdotal information is that Vermont real estate agents are reporting a significant uptick in property sales by out of state (primarily urban dwelling) buyers who are buying the property (physical sight unseen) potentially as some sort of escape valve if necessary.
Are there any trends you’re tracking that could affect the future of cities?
The pandemic has disrupted many of the sharing economy disruptive businesses
Which sectors or technologies are you most excited about and why?
It seems like digital transformation has been jump started by necessity. I suspect education and health care technology will contain plenty of opportunity
Which cities or regions in the United States would you bet on, long term (2050)?
I believe small MSAs with high quality education and health care facilities and a good food shed due to accessible surrounding rural land will be good bets.
Where do you think entrepreneurs should focus their energy if they wish to build more sustainable cities/regions?
Community building. Small cities are more intimate and less forgiving of outsiders and new ideas. They are by nature traditionally hierarchical perhaps for generations. Entrepreneurs must be community builders.
If money didn’t matter and you could fix one problem affecting cities/regions, what would it be?
Less dependence on motorcars for transportation.
Thank you to Cairn Cross of Fresh Tracks Capital.
Cheers to a prosperous future,