Courtney Lamdin

5 days ago | sevendaysvt.com | Courtney Lamdin

click to enlarge The Burlington Electric Department will increase rates by 4.5 percent this fall, the utility's fifth rate hike in as many years. City councilors unanimously approved the change on Monday. The bump will add about $3.80 to the average customer’s monthly utility bill, starting in September.

1 week ago | sevendaysvt.com | Courtney Lamdin

click to enlarge A line of hungry people had already formed on Monday when the wooden cart packed with food rolled up to the curb next to Burlington's Marketplace Garage. The 20 or so guests, most of whom were homeless, scooped out portions of rice and beans and goulash from containers balanced on a brick wall. “Baby Got Back,” Sir Mix-A-Lot’s ode to the behind, blasted from a nearby speaker.

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Courtney Lamdin

click to enlarge Novice sailors spilled off a school bus and onto the sun-soaked docks at the Community Sailing Center in Burlington, then boarded the four 23-foot boats reserved just for them. The crew of fourth graders from Essex was ready to take on the high seas of Lake Champlain — only they couldn't find the wind. It was a still May morning, and the small flotilla bobbed in languid water.

2 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Courtney Lamdin

click to enlarge A daily free lunch distribution program can continue to use a Burlington city parking garage — at least for now. On Monday, Burlington city councilors directed Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to come up with a plan to relocate the operation.

3 weeks ago | sevendaysvt.com | Courtney Lamdin

click to enlarge As part of her plan to reconfigure city government, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is tapping new leadership for one of its foundational departments. Kara Alnasrawi will serve as director of Burlington's Community & Economic Development Office, or CEDO, which oversees affordable housing, large-scale redevelopment projects and efforts to improve civic life.