Burlington Chamber Seeks Business and Community Feedback on Proposed 2027 City Budget Changes

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy & Government Relations Committee is seeking feedback as it reviews the City of Burlington’s proposed 2027 budget and potential new taxes and increases that could affect Burlington businesses and residents.

Information presented during the City’s budget process includes discussion of a potential new utility tax on water, sewer/wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste; a potential 1% increase in the City’s property-tax levy; and additional City staffing and investments in public safety, infrastructure, facilities, technology, parks, and other services.

The Business Advocacy & Government Relations Committee has not taken a position on these proposals.

The committee’s first step is to gather additional information from the City and hear directly from Burlington’s business community about the potential impact of the proposed changes.

Questions being brought forward include how much revenue the proposed taxes would generate, what the additional revenue would fund, the potential monthly impact on different types of businesses, whether additional utility-rate increases are anticipated, what measurable service improvements would result from the additional investment, and what alternatives to new or increased taxes have been evaluated.

Business Feedback Requested

Burlington business owners are encouraged to share how the proposed changes could affect their businesses and what questions or concerns they would like the Chamber to bring forward.

The Chamber has created a feedback form specifically for business owners:

Complete the Business Feedback Form:
https://bit.ly/BurlingtonTaxFeedback

The committee is also asking businesses to identify City services where additional investment could meaningfully improve their ability to operate, expand, or do business in Burlington.

Homeowner and Resident Feedback Is Also Welcome

The potential changes under discussion could affect both business owners and homeowners.

While the Chamber’s survey is specifically intended to collect feedback from business owners, Burlington homeowners and residents are also encouraged to share their questions, concerns, and perspectives.

Community members may submit feedback directly to Burlington Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Stephanie Rees at steph@burlington-chamber.com.

Feedback received will help inform the Business Advocacy & Government Relations Committee as it continues reviewing the proposed 2027 budget. Once additional information has been gathered from the City and Burlington’s business community, the committee will determine whether a recommendation to the Chamber Board is appropriate.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to ensure businesses have accurate information, an opportunity to be heard, and a voice in decisions that affect doing business in the Burlington community.