Celebrating 250 Years of Local Leadership

Presented by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns 

Join municipal officials from across Vermont for Town Fair 2026, VLCT's annual flagship event for learning, networking, and celebrating the people who serve Vermont’s cities and towns.

This year's theme, Celebrating 250 Years of Local Leadership, honors the dedicated local officials, employees, and volunteers whose leadership has shaped Vermont's towns and cities for generations. As Vermont and the nation commemorate 250 years, we'll reflect on the enduring effect of local government while exploring the opportunities and challenges that will define the next chapter of municipal leadership. Together, we'll celebrate the past, strengthen today's communities, and inspire the local leaders who will guide Vermont into the future.

Highlights Include

• A full hot breakfast with roundtable discussions to kickstart the day
• A compelling keynote by renowned Vermont historian Howard Coffin, reflecting on 250 years of local leadership, civic service, and the people who have shaped Vermont's communities.
• Four dynamic training themes focused on issues shaping Vermont's communities
• A bustling tradeshow, where you can explore tools, services, and solutions to support your community
• Lunch and awards presentation, honoring outstanding public service with VLCT’s Lifetime Achievement, Municipal Service, and Legislative Service awards
• An exciting end-of-day dessert social and raffle prize drawing

Training Themes and Their Sessions

• Budget For What's Next: Learn how municipalities can build financial resilience through strategic budgeting, creative resource management, and forward-thinking approaches to funding the services and priorities that matter most.
  • Living Within the Levy - Big Needs, Real Budgets
  • Beyond the Grand List: New Ways to Fund Local Government
  • Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Value of Shared Resources
• Healthy Communities: Discover how municipalities are creating healthier communities through innovative solutions, stronger support systems, and collaborative approaches that improve trust, safety, well-being, and quality of life for all. 
  • Municipal Innovations in Public Health and Public Safety 
  • Wellness in Public Safety: Building and Supporting Health and Resiliency
  • Creating and Sustaining an Effective Safety Committee 
  • When Engagement Becomes Disruptive: Tools for Municipal Leaders to Protect Staff from Workplace Interference 
• Adapting to a Changing Municipal Landscape: Embrace the changing landscape of local government by learning how to improve accessibility, protect against evolving threats, and responsibly prepare for the opportunities and challenges of new technology.
  • Cybersecurity Starts Here: Recognize Risks and Protect Municipal Operations
  • Be Ready for New Website Accessibility Requirements 
  • Beyond the Ballot: Strengthening Elections Security in the Age of AI
• Modern Governance: Navigate the complexities of modern governance by strengthening communication, embracing change, and gaining the knowledge needed to engage communities and lead with confidence.
  • Mock Selectboard Meeting 
  • Planning Ahead: Understanding the New Homestead Classification Requirement
  • It’s the law! Or is it?

Visit the Exhibit Hall during dedicated networking breaks to connect with exhibitors, discover new ideas, and purchase raffle tickets. Every ticket supports VLCT's Municipal Service Scholarship and the next generation of municipal leaders.

Town Fair 2026 is where Vermont's local leaders gather to honor the past, connect with the present, and build the future.

Join the celebration of 250 years of local leadership. Register today!

Note: The last day to register is September 18. 
Note: The late/onsite registration fee is $149.00.

Explore the Full Agenda Here