Rutland City is the only city in the Rutland region. It has a gravitational pull. It’s the driver of the region. It’s a destination—it’s a place. It has good bones wrapped in strong urban fabric with tight neighborhoods, tree-lined street grids, and a prominent downtown that’s recognizable across the state. It’s headquarters for many regional organizations and nonprofits (including yours truly). It’s home to the Vermont State Fair and the best farmer’s markets in the state. It offers world-class mountain biking at Pine Hill Park and easy access to recreation. It has half a dozen art galleries, colleges, a theatre, dining, and nightlife. Most importantly, it has people: people who care about their community and refuse anything but the best for it.