Community activist

Norwich Affordable Housing Committee

Key activities include:

Creating affordable and energy efficient housing revolving fund.
Use of Town owned and donated lands for affordable housing construction.
Increase rental housing stock through ADUs and making density bonus.
Promote “missing middle housing”-duplexes, triplexes, quadraplexes.

Montpelier Housing Committee

Officially established by the Montpelier City Council on May 11, 2022. The Housing Committee’s mission is to "evaluate housing-related information and propose solutions to the City Council that address identified problems". The Housing Committee also works to educate the public about Montpelier’s housing situation and to advocate for policies and proposals that further the goals of the City’s Master Plan. The official committee is preceded by the Montpelier Housing Task Force, which acted between 1999 and 2022.

Require long-term affordability

Definition

Tools such as inclusionary zoning require developers to create housing that meets definitions of “affordable” by its rent or purchase price. Some municipalities additionally require long-term or perpetual affordability of the unit. Municipalities can ensure that the units remain accessible to future residents through stewardship by a housing trust and/or by setting rent or resale price restrictions.

Additional Resources

Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University; Lincoln Institute of Land Policy; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Grounded Solutions Network

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Definition

Additional living quarters on single-family lots that are independent of the primary dwelling unit. ADUs can offer more options for affordable housing, as they can be inexpensively constructed and do not require additional land for development. According to Vermont law (24 VSA §4412), municipalities must allow accessory dwelling units. However, municipalities may choose to adjust local bylaws to actively encourage the construction of ADUs.

Additional Resources

American Planning Association; Backdoor Revolution (Kol Peterson); HomeShare Vermont; NYU Furman Center; Vermont Natural Resources Council;

Read more about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

City of Burlington CEDO Housing

Housing-focused division of the City of Burlington Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO). Programs and resources include:

BIPOC affordable home ownership program.
Conducted Housing Summit to explore challenges and opportunities
Inclusionary Zoning to ensure inclusive and affordable housing
ADU resources
Low interest loan for home repair
Landlord assistance program
Access modification grants

Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing

Volunteer driven non-profit serving households in Windham County, Vermont and the bordering towns of New Hampshire with the goal to "increase, improve and maintain housing that is available to those in need." With no paid staff, all programs are administered by volunteers. Programs include: