by Eli Lesser-Goldsmith Nearly every personal and professional conversation I’m part of comes full circle to the fact the people can not find places to life in Vermont. Co-workers, friends who have moved away from Vermont and now want to return, other companies looking to recruit and add jobs, students who are graduating and want to stay in Vermont, and more. The common theme is “we can’t find a home or an apartment in Vermont to live in”. This puts Vermont at a crossroads. The housing crisis that has gripped our state for decades is not only a threat to families and individuals struggling to find homes, but also to the vitality of our entire economy, and the very fabric of our communities. It’s time to take bold action.
As the CEO of Healthy Living and a founding member of the South Burlington Business Association, I see firsthand how the lack of affordable, accessible housing impacts our employees, customers, and the broader state. No matter where you live or work, lack of housing that’s affordable for working families is a significant barrier. That’s why I strongly support the Let’s Build Homes initiative and I urge you to as well. There are already over 500 businesses and individuals who have joined the cause, sending a strong and unified message of support for commonsense reforms.
The approach outlined in Let’s Build Homes is both pragmatic and visionary. By focusing on coalition-building, state-level policy reform, local engagement, strategic planning, and cultural shifts, this initiative tackles the housing crisis from many angles. It reflects an understanding that solving complex problems requires collective action by leaders at all levels and a commitment to truly making progress.
One of the most compelling aspects of the initiative is its emphasis on building a broad coalition. Housing is not just a social issue; it’s an economic imperative. Businesses across Vermont, including Healthy Living Market, are facing significant challenges attracting and retaining our amazing employees due to the lack of available housing. Uniting individuals, organizations, municipalities, and businesses under a common focus ensures that more voices are heard and perspectives considered. It also underscores that housing is a shared responsibility—we all have a stake in creating a state where people can afford to live, work, and thrive.
At the state level, pro-housing policies and regulatory streamlining are long overdue and can be done thoughtfully with smart development strategy and environmental protections in place. By advocating for reforms that promote housing growth while maintaining our state’s unique character, we will strike the right balance between progress and preservation. We have to find that balance and we cannot allow our fear or NIMBYism to slow or stop this momentum.
Simplifying permitting processes where we can, is important for creating more opportunity and greater equity. Small builders and property owners often face insurmountable hurdles in navigating complex approvals. Delays and uncertainty often present too much risk, drive up costs and prevent projects from happening at all. Empowering state and local officials to adopt pro-housing ordinances and supporting those navigating red tape will accelerate progress while respecting local autonomy and ensuring compliance.
Strategic planning for community infrastructure needs is another cornerstone of this initiative. By focusing investments on infrastructure such as water, wastewater, sidewalks and more, which is desperately needed in many Vermont towns, we can create vibrant, walkable communities that attract residents and businesses alike. We are very proud to be a model for this growth in South Burlington. But there can be no one-size-fits-all approach. Each community should have the ability to growth within its means all with a focus on the sustainability and livability of our communities.
Finally, we really must shift the narrative on housing and development in our state. Vermont’s character is not diminished by growth—it is enriched by it. Welcoming new neighbors and fostering more opportunity is how we ensure that Vermont remains a place where everyone, from young families to retirees, can find their place. Too many have become comfortable with the status quo, which benefits those with money and those who were lucky enough to buy a house before the pandemic drove up costs.
The housing crisis cannot be solved overnight, but with the comprehensive strategy outlined in Let’s Build Homes, we can make meaningful progress this year. As a business owner, lifelong Vermonter and someone who has been a champion for more and more people moving to Vermont to enjoy this amazing place we all live, I urge everyone—businesses, policymakers, and residents—to support this initiative, speak with your lawmakers, and help build a brighter, more inclusive future for our state. Join us today at letsbuildhomes.org.
Eli Lesser- Goldsmith is Owner and CEO of Healthy Living (locations in South Burlington and Williston) and is a member of the South Burlington Business Association. He's a lifelong Vermonter and a champion of making the state an amazing place to live, work and thrive.