A housing needs assessment, or an HNA, is a powerful tool in understanding and communicating the housing needs of a community and it's people. The HNA itself can serve as a point-in-time of current housing conditions, useful both in explaining current trends, as well as acting as a reference point in the future. A Housing Needs Assessment frames the housing discussion by posing questions such as:
Housing committees can play an important role in community-based approaches to local housing needs. These groups, whether they are formal municipal committees, informal citizen discussion groups, or anything in between, can document existing housing stock, assess housing gaps, and influence local policy.
Municipal (town) plans in Vermont must include: a recommended program for addressing low- and moderate-income persons' housing needs as identified by the regional planning commission pursuant to subdivision 4348(a)(9). Municipalities also must updated their plan at least once every eight years.