Vision
Brattleboro is a healthy and resilient community providing a high quality of life for its residents and a thriving local economy.
Purpose
To develop and maintain a shared consciousness, strategic guidance, and measurable goals around protecting and improving public health, public safety, and the quality of life in Brattleboro.
Membership
High-level leaders in key sectors of public health and public safety in Brattleboro that together can provide a balcony view of what is going on and how it can be improved. One Brattleboro includes representation from the following agencies:
- Vermont Agency of Human Services
- AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
- Building a Positive Community
- Brattleboro Fire Department
- Brattleboro Housing Partnerships
- Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
- Brattleboro Police Department
- Brattleboro Retreat
- Brattleboro Selectboard
- Brooks Memorial Library
- Brattleboro Union High School
- Downtown Brattleboro Alliance
- Department of Corrections and the Probation & Parole Office
- Groundworks Collaborative
- Health Care & Rehabilitation Services
- Interaction
- Senior Solutions
- Southeastern Vermont Community Action
- Town of Brattleboro
- Turning Point of Windham County
- Vermont Department of Health/Division of Substance Use Programs
- Vermont Judiciary
- Windham County State's Attorney
- Winston Prouty Center
- Windham Southeast School District
- Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
One Brattleboro
The One Brattleboro leadership team is implementing and overseeing strategies related to community building, mental health/substance use, and care coordination for community members facing the highest level of complex needs.
The formation of One Brattleboro stems from a recognition that public health and safety challenges require a collaborative, data-driven approach. In 2023, Brattleboro was identified as a community with higher-than-average rates of violent and drug-related crime. This prompted Governor Scott’s Public Safety Enhancement Team to support the Town with the engagement of consultant Ret. Lt. Jim Baker to facilitate a cross-sector response. His work culminated in a symposium that was held on April 30, 2024, which catalyzed the creation of a leadership team to holistically address public health and safety in Brattleboro.
One Brattleboro is designed to improve community resilience, safety, and public health by fostering collaboration among key local stakeholders, implementing best practices, and addressing root causes such as poverty, isolation, and mental health challenges. The shared vision of the One Brattleboro members is that the Brattleboro becomes a healthy and resilient community providing a high quality of life for its residents and a thriving local economy.
One Brattleboro Member Featured in VTDigger
04/28/2025A recently published article in VTDigger explores Justin Johnston's past and the concept of compassionate accountability.
One Brattleboro Members Discuss First Steps with Selectboard
04/16/2025Members of One Brattleboro presented to the Brattleboro Selectboard to explore their work, including early successes.
Bridging Public Safety and Human Services
02/28/2025Public safety and human services are often seen as separate entities, but in reality, they are deeply interdependent.
Timeline
April 30, 2024: Brattleboro hosts a PSET symposium at SIT, leading to discussions on forming a collaborative leadership team.
July 19, 2024: Town Manager convened the first organizational meeting of the "Brattleboro Collaborative," later renamed “One Brattleboro.” Key local leaders from public health, safety, housing, and government sectors came together to establish goals and strategies.
August 23, 2024: Second meeting focused on data analysis, charter review, and strategic direction, including heat map data and crime statistics.
September 27, 2024: Third meeting finalized the charter and established regular meetings for coordinated efforts, including the BRAT Unit, Acceptable Conduct Ordinance, and data-sharing strategies.
October 25, 2024: Fourth meeting introduced new initiatives, including a Community Safety Fair and a Syringe Disposal Collaboration.
November 22, 2024: Focused on data accountability, outreach coordination, and a listening session on the Acceptable Conduct Ordinance. Discussed housing vulnerabilities and eviction prevention strategies, emphasizing post-eviction safety planning.
December 20, 2024: Youth Council engagement brought a focus on youth perspectives in public safety efforts.
January 24, 2025: Reviewed current strategies, including municipal safety concerns, data tracking, outreach coordination, and advocacy. Addressed the need for improved legislative engagement and public education around One Brattleboro's initiatives.
February 28, 2025: Strategy refinement, data integration, and advocacy efforts took center stage, with a renewed focus on sustainability and long-term impact.