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
Now accepting nominations for the 2022 Arthur Gibb Award
In honor of former Vermont legislator Arthur Gibb, who dedicated much of his life to public service to ensure that Vermont is a better place for future generations, VNRC is…
VT Senate Passes Key Smart Growth Housing, Healthy Forests, and Climate Resilience Bill
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont Senate passed an important bill (S.234) that includes key Act 250 policies to promote smart growth development to encourage housing, and protect intact and working…
Randolph Net-Zero Affordable Housing Project Awarded Small Grant for Smart Growth
VNRC Awards RACDC $5,000 for Community Engagement Efforts The Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC) has been awarded a Small Grant for Smart Growth by the Vermont Natural Resources Council….
