Burlington’s Economic Boom Faces Uncertain Future Amid Dissolution Talks

Record jobs and tourism revenue put Burlington on the map—yet its economic engine could vanish. Will the city risk losing momentum?

, and Administrator

2025 November 8 . 9:26 PM

1 min read

As we can see in the image there are buildings and few people riding bicycles on road.

Burlington’s Economic Boom Faces Uncertain Future Amid Dissolution Talks

Burlington Economic Development and Tourism Corporation (BEDT) has reported a significant boost in visitor spending and job creation in 2024. Meanwhile, the organization's future hangs in the balance following a council-commissioned report that recommends its dissolution.

In 2024, BEDT supported over 800 businesses, attracted more than 300 new jobs, and saw a 26% increase in visitor spending to $524 million. This success came after the organization, previously known as Burlington Economic Development Corporation, expanded its role to include tourism.

The organization's future is now under scrutiny. A special council session is set to discuss a report by consulting firm PwC, which suggests dissolving BEDT and integrating its functions into the city's corporate structure. The report, known as the Rubicon Report, cites a broken relationship and risks of further erosion of trust, wasted resources, and lost economic opportunities as reasons for the proposed change.

BEDT's 2024 performance shows significant growth in visitor spending and job creation. However, the organization's future is uncertain, with a council meeting set to discuss a report recommending its dissolution and integration into the city's structure. The final decision will determine the next steps for Burlington's economic development and tourism efforts.