Vermont has a housing shortage.

All over Vermont families are paying more than they can afford in rent, people can’t find homes to purchase within their price range, employers have a difficult time hiring because prospective employees can’t find housing, and there aren’t enough quality housing options for a variety of incomes. This housing shortage puts a greater burden on marginalized communities by reducing opportunity and increasing the likelihood of discrimination.

Local planning and zoning policies and regulations play an important role in ensuring an adequate supply of safe, inclusive, affordable homes. Many communities are actively involved in identifying local housing needs and finding local solutions through Housing Committees. 

Whether it’s a municipally-supported committee, subcommittee of the planning commission, resident advocacy group, housing discussion meet-up, or any other group that seeks to support or change the quality, quantity, affordability, and/or inclusiveness of housing in a community, a local Housing Committee can be an effective tool for addressing affordable housing needs and promoting equity in housing opportunity.

To support Housing Committees across the state, we have partnered with Vermont Housing Finance Agency and Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) to create an online Housing Committee Toolbox, which includes success stories, best practices, and resources for existing committees and communities who want to learn more. This resource is intended to stimulate community conversations, local leadership, and policy change, as needed, to increase inclusive, fair, and affordable housing. This project is part of VHFA’s Housing Ready Toolbox.

Want to learn more? Check out this 2020 from the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO.

ARE YOU A VERMONT MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL OR HOUSING COMMITEEE MEMEBER?  Please take a few minutes to fill out our Municipal Housing Survey.  The short survey includes questions about challenges to meeting local housing needs and whether or not your town has a housing needs assessment, housing trust fund, or housing committee.

Thriving Communities is a statewide campaign of the CVOEO Fair Housing Project in partnership with housing, planning, and development organizations to increase awareness about the economic and social benefits of inclusive, fair, and affordable housing. Steering committee:  CVOEO, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition, Housing Vermont, Champlain Housing Trust, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Vermont Human Rights Commission, and AARP.