South Burlington

Separated from Burlington in 1865, South Burlington has grown from a rural farming community into the state's second-largest city, with a population of about 20,292. The city's growth accelerated after World War II as suburban development spread south from Burlington along Williston Road and Shelburne Road. Burlington International Airport sits within South Burlington's borders, and the city is home to the University Mall and a significant concentration of retail and commercial development.

Despite its suburban character, South Burlington has worked to preserve green spaces — Red Rocks Park on the shore of Lake Champlain and several community parks offer residents access to trails and open land. The city adopted a city council and city manager form of government, moving away from the traditional town meeting structure as its population grew. South Burlington voters participate in local elections and public hearings throughout the year, and the city's planning commission regularly grapples with the tension between development pressure and the desire to maintain livability — a conversation that defines modern governance in Chittenden County.