After more than 20 years as a public nonprofit, the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) will become a division of state government once again. Specifically, it will become a division of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) on March 30, 2015. Originally created as the Office of GIS (geographic information system) in the late 80’s, and then re-formulated as a nonprofit in the early 90’s, VCGI’s mission has never changed and it will continue to provide a one-stop-free-data experience for those seeking digital map layers for Vermont.

Most of VCGI’s staff will be making the transition into state government, where they will take up positions within ACCD’s Information Technology group.VCGI's Executive Director, David Brotzman, has chosen not to make the transition; his work over the past 15 years has ensured VCGI's continued effectiveness and sustainability and the VT GIS community wishes him well! 

VCGI, as a distinct division, will continue to collect data from municipal, regional, state, and federal entities; make it available for free download; and provide information and links to other resources for those interested in taking advantage of geospatial technology. VCGI also participates in funded projects such as the Broadband Mapping project, digital mapping at the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the Vermont Renewable Energy Atlas.

“Users of our services will not notice much of a change in the short term as we make this transition,” VCGI Outreach Coordinator Leslie Pelch said. “In the long term, there may be more opportunities to work with state entities not currently taking advantage of this technology. We will continue to serve all users of Vermont geospatial data.”

“We look forward to leading and advancing the coordination of statewide geospatial data and believe the role of geospatial information within state government, and statewide, is virtually limitless. ACCD is excited to meet this important new challenge with the addition of the VCGI staff into our exceptional team,” added ACCD Deputy Secretary Lucy Leriche.

VCGI staff will join their ACCD coworkers at the National Life Building in Montpelier in early April. Contact information will not change.