In July 2023, the Winooski River overflowed its banks causing catastrophic flooding in downtown Montpelier, Vermont. It was the town’s Main Street program, Montpelier Alive, led by Executive Director Katie Trautz, that took the lead managing the flood response and recovery efforts. With the assistance of the City Parks Department and other community leaders, Katie helped lead Montpelier’s volunteer Hub that managed almost 4,000 volunteers, linked businesses to assistance providers, and raised and dispersed over $2 million for local businesses —many of whom by their own admission would not be operating today if not for that assistance. Within a year 90% of the 140+ downtown businesses impacted by the flood had reopened. Her efforts earned her the Vermont Downtown Leadership Award and she was named USA Today’s VT Woman of the Year.

Join us to meet Katie, hear firsthand how Montpelier responded to the flood, and discuss the role local Main Street programs can play in climate preparation, adaptation and resilience.