Upcoming Events

Vermont Community Leadership Network Annual Legislative Roundup

Tuesday, June 27 | 10:00-11:30 | Virtual

Each year, decisions made under the golden dome of the Statehouse have impacts on and create opportunities for our communities. From housing and infrastructure to zoning, boosting community capacity, energy, recreation, funding, and more - it can be difficult to follow these decisions and what they might mean for your work and your community. This workshop will bring together voices from the Administration, legislature, advocacy groups, and others to share key highlights from the 2023 session and how your community can connect to potential opportunities that may emerge in the year ahead. Register here!

VCRD Leadership Summit - 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: Strengthening Skills, Capacity, and Opportunity for the Future!

August 15, 2023 – Vermont Technical College in Randolph

Nothing gets done in Vermont communities without the people who put themselves on the line for their town and for the issues they care about. Join us in Randolph on August 15th to connect with over 500 community builders from across the state along with people from the non-profit, business, and government sectors, and more. The Summit is an opportunity to gain new skills, meet like-minded individuals, share success stories, and explore big ideas for the future of Vermont.  All people who care about their community and the future of our state are encouraged to attend. Learn more at vtrural.org/summit 

2023 VPA Legislative Summary

The Vermont Planners Association recently shared their 2023 Legislative Summary of new planning-related laws from under the dome.

As noted in the summary, additional guidance on S.100 / Act 47 (which makes numerous changes to municipal zoning and other parts of statute) is forthcoming from the Department of Housing & Community Development  and will be posted here: https://accd.vermont.gov/community-development/resources-rules/planning/HOME

HOME Act (Act 47 | S.100) Resource Page

The Department of Housing and Community Development has created a resource page for the HOME Act of 2023:

https://accd.vermont.gov/community-development/resources-rules/planning/HOME

The Act amends the Planning and Development statute, Act 250, and other laws to enable new opportunities for housing development within state, regional, and local planning and development regulations.

The HOME Act resource page has several items, including:

• A link to the official enacted bill;
• A preliminary summary of the bill by the Department; and
• An online form to collect your HOME Act questions, which the Department will use to post frequently asked questions (FAQs) and develop guidance.

This omnibus housing legislation aims to address decades of state and local policies that have contributed to segregation and exclusion in Vermont. This legislation is an important part of a multi-pronged approach to mitigating the housing crisis, and every Vermont city and town can play a role in bringing about housing solutions, including ending unduly restrictive zoning. While some may find new ways to limit access and opportunities for more affordable homes and new neighbors, we hope cities and towns embrace the opportunity the new legislation offers to become more just and welcoming.

The Department will issue an additional memorandum summarizing the other bills affecting municipal planning once the state budget is finalized.

Homes for All Project

The State of Vermont, through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, is seeking five pilot communities to receive free neighborhood design infill services. This initiative aims to address our state's housing challenges by reintroducing Missing Middle Homes (MMH) and promoting small-scale gentle infill and incremental development. Through their "Design & Do" Toolkit, participants will gain access to valuable resources, including a Missing Middle Homes Design Guide, Vermont Neighborhood Infill Design Case Studies, a Builders' Workbook, and Training Resources. By joining this project, your community will visualize missing middle infill and explore ways to streamline the development process for more accessible and affordable housing options. Learn more and apply to be a pilot community!

The Great Housing Hunt

In partnership with Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development, and AARP Vermont, VNRC is hosting "The Great Housing Hunt," a photo contest aimed at raising awareness about the scarcity of affordable small- to mid-sized housing for middle-income households across the country. This contest seeks to showcase the concept of "missing middle housing" and highlight its importance in creating livable neighborhoods. Missing Middle Housing refers to a range of medium- to high-density housing options, including duplexes, fourplexes, and small multiplexes, that provide diverse and affordable choices while supporting walkability, transit, and local businesses.



In the United States, the construction of these midsized and moderately priced homes has been limited since the early 1940s. Zoning restrictions, car-centric development patterns, and challenges in financing multi unit dwellings have contributed to this shortage. However, the benefits of these housing types are significant, making it crucial to address the issue. "The Great Housing Hunt" invites YOU to capture examples of this "missing" housing in your community and share your photos for a chance to win one of six $50 gift cards to a local business! The contest will close on June 30th. Learn more and submit images to win here!

Renewable Energy Standards - Regional Listening Sessions

CVRPC will be involved in upcoming listening sessions and discussion forums on renewable energy later this summer. These will be held throughout the state to hear from and engage Vermonters on the next steps for the Department of Public Service renewable electricity policies and program. We will have more info to share on what we will be doing here in our region soon. In the meantime, our Climate and Energy Planner Sam Lash can be reached at lash@cvregion.com

IRS Guidance for Municipal Tax Credits from VLCT

Renewable energy generation, clean vehicles, and EV charging could garner federal tax credits for pre-registered municipalities and utility and municipal fire districts. Start by learning about Elective Payment (a.k.a. Direct Pay) and Transfers of Credits. More details here!