Although it is the economic and educational engine of the state, Burlington has a relatively high poverty rate and is facing the challenge of steadily rising housing costs. However, the city is also home to many community wealth building groups and institutions—many of which emerged due to the efforts of former Burlington Mayor and current United States Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Burlington is home to the country’s most advanced community land trust and one of the greenest municipally-owned electric utilities in the nation, which serves over 19,600 customers from completely renewable sources. Burlington also houses the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (VEOC), a statewide nonprofit that provides technical assistance and financial support through a revolving loan fund to businesses transitioning to employee ownership.