Sustainable Communities
Every Vermonter deserves access to safe and healthy housing. With last biennium’s updates to Act 250, Vermont has made huge strides toward building more affordable, climate resilient housing for current and future Vermonters. We must focus development in areas like our downtowns and village centers to maximize housing, mobility (walkable and bikeable streets with public transit options), and employment opportunities. Through this smart growth approach, we can simultaneously protect our vital farms, forests, and waters.
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SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES
It is imperative that Vermont remains committed to the progress made with the passage of the HOME Act (Act 47) in 2023 and the Act 250 land use reform in 2024 (Act 181). We must give these laws time to be implemented effectively, and we must allow towns to comply with the new zoning and planning requirements. We are already seeing successes coming from these smart growth housing bills. To continue this work, investments supporting small-scale developers, affordable and energy efficient housing, community revitalization, land access, and rural lands are critical.
TAKE ACTION
2025 Legislative Priorities
Land Use and Act 250: Maintain the balanced approach achieved in last year’s Act 250 and land use modernization law (Act 181) and the 2023 HOME Act (Act 47).
Housing: Promote housing that is affordable for all by investing in multi-unit, mixed-use, and infill development located in well-planned, walkable areas.
Fully fund the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board at statutory levels, increase funding and expand eligibility for Downtown and Village Center tax credits, and increase support for the Land Access and Opportunity Board, Regional Planning Commissions, and Natural Resources Conservation Districts.
Pass a rental registry to ensure a healthy and safe housing stock for Vermont renters and support weatherization and energy efficiency efforts across the state.
Kati Gallagher
Sustainable Communities Program Director
Vermont Natural Resources Council
Kati Gallagher joined VNRC in fall 2021 as the Sustainable Communities Program Director. Prior to VNRC, Kati worked with the Mad River Valley Planning District, implementing a program of bioregional planning focused on affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and placemaking. Kati also gained experience as a grassroots advocate, organizer, and researcher while working with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). Kati holds an M.S. in Community Development & Applied Economics with a concentration in Community Resilience & Planning from the University of Vermont. Her master’s research focused on Vermont’s “new economy,” including social entrepreneurship and alternative wellbeing measurement. Kati lives in Waterbury Center with her family and overgrown garden.