$264,000 awarded to update zoning for needed homes in walkable neighborhoods.
Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced $264,000 in Bylaw Modernization Grants to support statewide municipal bylaw modernization projects. The funding was passed in Act 182 and championed by the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs and the House Committee on Environment and Energy. It is intended to help municipalities confront the State's housing shortage by enabling new housing investments in smart locations.
"These grants provide a means for municipalities to modernize bylaws that can enhance their production of affordable homes in development-ready places,” said DHCD Commissioner Josh Hanford. “It is a way for Vermont’s communities to confront the State’s housing crisis head-on and help communities become more equitable, environmentally resilient, and economically strong.”
“The housing crisis is statewide and impacts many demographics, with older Vermonters on fixed incomes; working families and young adults finding the state increasingly unaffordable,” said Representative Seth Bongartz, of the House Committee on Environment and Energy. “This grant program builds on the Zoning for Great Neighborhoods Guide and ensures all communities are working to create conditions for Vermonters to have a place to call home.”
The grants will help 15 Vermont communities begin needed reforms intended to increase housing opportunities and speed the construction of affordable middle-income housing. Many of the awardees are using these grant funds to update their zoning bylaws in conjunction with an influx of one-time federal recovery monies to build development-supporting infrastructure and enhance pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
“Vermont has one of the largest racial homeownership gaps in the nation,” said Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. “If we are going to be a more diverse and welcoming state, as well as an economically stronger one, we need to eliminate regulations that exclude and limit wealth-building opportunities.”
For a full list of grant award recipients visit the DHCD website.
MONTPELIER, Vt. — 1.17.2023. Department of Housing and Community Development
