House ratifies Burlington charter amendment establishing Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The Vermont House on April 27 moved H.956 forward, recommending approval of a charter amendment that formally establishes the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) in the Burlington city charter.

The Member from Burlington summarized the bill, saying Burlington voters approved the amendment on March 3, 2026 by a 4,959‑to‑3,729 margin. H.956 would codify the REIB into the charter, create a director hired through city human‑resources procedures who reports to the mayor, and place the office under city council oversight. The director’s duties would include developing equity strategies, advising city departments and officials, and facilitating community engagement.

The House ordered the bill read a third time by voice vote; the transcript shows the committee reported favorably and asked for the chamber’s support.