Housing news Roundup

The housing crisis in Vermont continues to make headlines. As the start of the new biennium draws near, state legislators are considering more aggressive reforms to zoning, just cause eviction, and Act 250. Housing is high on the local agenda for Select Boards and City Councils as well.

It's no mystery as to why. With housing costs up a staggering 20% since the start of the pandemic and federal relief starting to run dry, more and more Vermonters are experiencing the crisis first hand. Seniors can't afford to downsize, leading to gridlock in the housing market. The situation is particularly dire for those facing eviction and homelessness, and for Vermonters with disabilities. Solutions have been slow to arrive, with the Burlington Pods delayed until long after frigid winter temps set in. Moving beyond shelter to permanent housing is critical but also a long-term project that will take years to catch up with demand, even as Vermont works to encourage more workers to take up building trades. In the meantime, more Vermonters are turning to Homeshare as a way to bring down their housing costs.

ACCT is working hard to increase the supply of affordable housing, preserve our existing permanently affordable housing stock, and ensure residents have the supports they need to be successful tenants and owners. You can help right here in our own community by donating on Giving Tuesday at bit.ly/GivingRoofsday. Thank you for your support!