The Regional Priority Project (RPP) list is a statewide list created by Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) with annual submission compiled by each of Vermont’s 12 Regional Development Corporations (RDCs). The RPP process highlights the top economic and community development projects in our region that are best positioned to attract state and federal funding. These projects are compiled annually, with a rolling submission window and initial scoring of projects submitted by September 18, 2026. Competitive projects and projects with substantive updates may submit for a mid-year ranking opportunity each spring. Any updated ranking will be shared with impacted projects and submitted to the state for inclusion on the statewide regional priority list.
Two lists will be announced for qualifying RPP projects. The first is the Regional Priority Project Top 10 list, which is submitted to the State. The second is the NBRC Funded, Multi-year Regional Priority Projects list, which recognizes top projects of significant impact and value to the region that have already received the funding that is associated with the Top 10 Regional Priority Project list.
DED provides a standardized scoring rubric to all 12 Regional Development Corporations (RDCs) to support statewide consistency in evaluating and prioritizing economic development projects. This framework ensures that projects submitted from across Vermont can be meaningfully compared and aligned for federal funding and advocacy efforts. Projects must be well developed, with clear timelines, funding strategies, and demonstrated readiness to score competitively. Early-stage concepts or undeveloped ideas are unlikely to rank highly without significant progress toward implementation.
Regional Priority Projects are implementation-ready initiatives that are prioritized for competitive state and federal funding, including potential support from agencies such as the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). These projects demonstrate clear regional benefit, strong partnerships, and advanced planning readiness. Securing RPP status strengthens your project’s visibility and competitiveness for grant opportunities aligned with Southern Vermont’s strategic economic goals. However, NBRC has its own scoring criteria, Regional Priority Project submissions can score well on the RPP process and not be competitive in NBRC scoring (pg. 82). For projects focused on NBRC funding, we recommend fully reviewing NBRC scoring criteria.
Regional Priority Projects must also express their alignment with regional economic development goals. In the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone (Bennington and Windham Counties) these are expressed in the SoVermont Zone Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Projects submitting for RPP list consideration will also be included in the yearly CEDS update.
BDCC and Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) strongly encourage submission of eligible RPPs from municipalities, nonprofits, education institutions, and private businesses committed to driving economic resilience and innovation across Southern Vermont.
Portal open January through September
Initial Project Submission
Key Dates:
Submission Portal Open – January to September
Informational Webinar – July 1st, 2026
Submission Deadline (CEDS & RPP) – September 18th, 2026
Submission Portal Closed for Project Scoring – October to December
Project Designations Announced – December 2026
Submission Deadline for RPP Adjustment – March 31, 2027
Final RPP Lists Announced – June 2027
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