E-Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your email to recieve our quaterly newsletter and/or our weekly updates of Montpelier events.

Follow us on Facebook

Mission & Structure

Artist banner detail by Steve Clark, 2007

The Montpelier Alive (MA) was created in 1999 with the mission:

“To enhance the quality of life for people who live, work and visit Montpelier by helping the downtown develop into the 21st century as a vital and diverse community center for retailing, cultural and entertainment activities, education, recreation, business and professional services, dining, government and residential use.”

Montpelier Alive accomplishes its mission though a Board of Directors, Executive Director and Committees made up of citizen volunteers. Like other downtown organizations across the country, we use the National Main Streets Program’s  suggested structure of four committees:

  • Design Committee focuses on improving the physical aspects of Montpelier's Downtown (streetscape, lighting, facades, circulation, etc.) and developing strategies to ensure an attractive appearance highlighting the city's unique assets and heritage.
  • Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on developing and implementing a market strategy that will result in an optimum mix of businesses, retail, services, lodging, residences and cultural activities for Montpelier to ensure its economic viability within rapidly changing local and global economies.
  • Organization Committee focuses on managing the organizational structure to assure there will be the basis for a long-term, self- sustaining and stable Downtown Revitalization program.
  • Promotions Committee focuses on promoting and marketing a unified, high-quality image for the Downtown and organizing cultural activities which will bring people into Montpelier's Downtown.

In addition to these committees, Montpelier Alive also coordinates:

  • Montpelier Business Association is the merchants’ group which coordinates cooperative advertising, retail promotions, business training, and other efforts to strengthen the retail sector in Montpelier.
  • SculptCycle  is a public art partnership developed by the Montpelier Alive to bring public art to the streets of Montpelier. The project was designed by the Economic Restructuring Committee to highlight Montpelier as a bicycle-friendly, environmentally-concerned, and art-loving community.
  • Downtown Service Businesses and Restaurant Committees meet on an as-needed basis to share information and coordinate efforts among businesses.
  • First Night and Independence Day Celebrations are joint projects of Montpelier Alive and the City of Montpelier.

Shortly after Montpelier Alive was formed in 1999, we received State of Vermont recognition as a Designated Downtown . Through this program, downtown property owners and renters are eligible for tax credits. The downtown also can create its own signage, apply for special transportation funds, and take advantage of special state programs designed for downtowns.