First Selectwoman Mahr highlights regional support options after Norwich summit

First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr told the Economic Development Commission on Sept. 28 that a recent economic-development summit in Norwich identified state and regional organizations that "can provide municipalities with expertise, planning assistance, surveys, workshops and help identifying funding opportunities."

Mahr said those outside resources could help Middlebury supplement its limited staff and support planning for destination-oriented businesses tied to the town's Greenway. She emphasized the need to identify local priorities before pursuing projects that would require substantial municipal investment and noted possible sources such as grants and regional cooperation.

Members discussed earlier planning efforts and the importance of determining resident preferences before developing specific strategies; Commissioner Terrence McAuliffe agreed to provide Mahr with records from earlier EDC planning efforts to inform next steps.

Mahr framed the summit takeaways as practical tools for a small municipality: technical assistance and grant identification rather than immediate project commitments. The commission did not vote on any items tied to the summit report.