Bruce Seifer is author of Sustainable Communities: Creating a Durable Local Economy Click here for book and Community Owned Businesses. Click here for book 

While Director of Economic Development under the Bernie Sanders and Peter Clavelle administrations, Bruce and his team played a significant role in the transformation of Burlington, VT’s infrastructure, business profile and perhaps the very soul of the community over the decades of the 1980’s, 1990’s and into the 21st century.

We spoke with Bruce regarding the fundamentals that went into Burlington’s consistent success developing the solutions and new businesses that drove propelled growth while not compromising on being neighborhood responsive and  environmentally sound.  The results for the city and the region of Chittenden county have consistently been desirable to local constituents and folks relocating to Burlington.

We tailored our conversation to be widely informative but particularly so for those of you in Economic Development or Planning frustrated by the challenges you face; those who are looking for the nuts and bolts of how to find successful growth without compromising on your community’s principles.

Part I of a Two Part Series.

SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet’?