Smart Growth
Smart growth is a pattern of land development that creates compact, walkable, transit-accessible communities with a range of affordable housing opportunities and choices. In Vermont, it builds on and maintains the state’s historic settlement pattern of higher-density downtown and village centers surrounded by farm, forest, and natural areas.
Using smart growth principles as a guide, VNRC promotes land use planning that creates communities that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and resilient. To do this, we ensure the continued strength and effectiveness of Act 250, Vermont’s landmark development review law, as well as complementary state policies that promote smart growth and reduce sprawl. And we support the state’s farming and forest economies to ensure long-term land availability and economic health.
Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director
802-223-2328 x114

Initiatives

Transportation for Vermonters (T4VT)
Collaborating across sectors to build a sustainable, accessible transportation system in a rural state
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Smart Growth Progress Report
Evaluating whether state investments advance smart growth in housing, transportation, economic development, and capital construction
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Promoting compact development through Act 250
Ensuring that Act 250 reduces sprawl and discourages scattered, incremental development
Read MoreSmart Growth News

Upcoming Sustainable Communities Events, Resources, and Opportunities
Sustainable communities that are inclusive, diversified, and connected are key to strengthening the resilience of Vermonters in the face of environmental, economic, and social change. Your voice is a crucial…

An Update from the Sustainable Communities Program
by Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director It feels like autumn is flying by over here, so I wanted to take a step back and reflect on some of what…

Funding to Help Municipalities Ready Areas for New Housing Investments: APPLY BY NOV.1!
In case you’re interested, Bylaw Modernization Grants are available for municipalities interested in funding to update bylaws, implement Zoning for Great Neighborhoods, and expand housing choice and opportunity in pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods….

