March 11, 2025
Montpelier, VT – Yesterday in Montpelier, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and AARP Vermont convened stakeholders from across the state to discuss the future of land use in Vermont at the Smarter Growth Summit.
At the Summit, a diverse array of leaders gathered to discuss if and how Vermont’s smart growth principles are contributing to sustainable, equitable land use. About 100 representatives from environmental, housing, health, transportation, planning, and economic development-focused organizations were in attendance.
“The Smart Growth movement in Vermont has led to policies and investments that have directly supported the revitalization and livability of our historic community centers, while balancing the state’s rural identity, economic development, and environmental protection,” noted Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director at VNRC. “However, Vermont still faces urgent challenges related to housing, climate change, and the balance between urban and rural development.”
Attendees heard from a panel of land use experts and broke out into groups to discuss whether and how Vermont’s smart growth land use framework is working for Vermont’s communities and environment. Panelists included:
- Brian Shupe, former Executive Director of VNRC
- Katharine Burgess, Vice President of Land Use & Development at Smart Growth America
- Jacob Hemmerick, Planning & Policy Manager at the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development
- Kevin Chu, Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project
In addition to discussing how smart growth principles might be updated to better meet Vermont’s needs, the Summit aimed to build interest and momentum to launch a new educational network of practitioners dedicated to sustainable and equitable land use.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how attendees move forward with the discussions and opportunities discussed at the Summit in their work and as a newly-established land use network. At a time when land use is a key area of debate for many of the most urgent issues facing Vermonters, VNRC, PTV, and AARP-VT are grateful to everyone who came out to the Summit and offered their invaluable input and innovative ideas,” added Gallagher.
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