Villages were historically created in Vermont when population growth in a concentrated area created specific needs distinct from the surrounding town. Edward T. Howe’s paper, Vermont Incorporated Villages: A Vanishing Institution, notes that incorporated villages have existed since 1816 the first being Middlebury. The villages are unique in their structure and ability to meet the needs of local communities.

 

An incorporated village in Vermont functions as a political sub-unit. It operates as a municipality within another municipality- the town. This means residences are a part of both the village and town. Vermont law allows for the creation of a village at the request of residences, and the village can then propose a charter (a formal document outlining its structure, powers, and responsibilities) to the legislature to adjust its powers if necessary. 

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Villages in Vermont have varying authorities, from only managing a water system to overseeing roads, power generation, and wastewater.