Sustainable Communities
The housing crisis is a nationwide, multi-faceted issue with numerous, complex underlying causes. Accordingly, it demands a multi-faceted response. We can and must address our housing needs while simultaneously protecting our environment. Advancing smart growth housing solutions supports Vermonters’ quality of life, resilience to economic, social and environmental change, and and protects ecological systems. Smart growth allows people to more easily access jobs and services, increases transportation options, and lowers transportation costs. It also reduces municipalities’ infrastructure costs, and cuts climate pollution by reducing how far people need to travel to jobs and services.
Legislative Priorities for 2023:
- Smart Growth Housing:Adopt a housing equity bill that makes it easier to develop, rent, and purchase smaller homes in downtowns and village centers, that are closer to jobs, services and affordable transportation.
- Expand funding and eligibility for downtown and village tax credits, and increase funding for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) to build more smart growth housing.