AOT outlines retirements, internal reorganization and town-facing services

Secretary Joe Flynn told the Senate Transportation Committee that a wave of planned retirements prompted internal reorganization at the Agency of Transportation and that the agency is refocusing staff to better support highways, asset management and municipal services.

Flynn and Michelle Boomhower described imminent retirements including Boomhower herself and bureau director Amy Bell, which the agency said created the opportunity to realign policy and planning staff closer to highway district functions and materials research. "Some of the folks from policy and planning are gonna be now reporting to the highway division... and our research folks are gonna be working at the materials, research bureau," Boomhower said. The changes are presented as internal reassignments rather than layoffs.

The agency emphasized non‑monetary support for towns: frequent mapping updates available on vTransparency, a substantial slate of training sessions delivered via Vermont Local Roads and other programs, and partnerships to expand in‑house CDL examiner capacity. Flynn said the mapping group provides weekly updates when towns change parcel or road information and that the agency annually updates town mileage certificates.

Committee members asked about staff morale, internal movement and how the agency balances satellite service costs with public convenience. Flynn and Commissioner Collier said the agency is monitoring morale metrics and balancing cost and public access in satellite‑office decisions. The agency offered to return with more specifics on staffing and prioritization work.