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.

For questions or inquiries:

Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director

802-223-2328 x114

kgallagher@vnrc.org

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Initiatives

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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

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Smart Growth News

Three Things: Housing, your thoughts, and a job opportunity!

Three things: Smart growth housing and the environment on Vermont Edition; VNRC’s 2023 Member & Activist Survey is open through the end of March; and we’re hiring! Stay informed, connected,…

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Two Things: Legislative Update and Fare-Free Transit

Two things: Lots going on in the legislature this week, and a story about Marlena, who moved to Vermont for lakes, rivers, and…fare free transit! Stay informed, stay connected—two things….

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Three Things: Citizen Advocacy Makes a Difference

Three things: the Vermont Citizen Advisory Committee has released a new plan to support Lake Champlain; Transportation for Vermonters hosted a coffee and lobby day at the State House; and we’re…

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Small Grants for Smart Growth

Need funding for a smart growth project?
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Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership

Honoring supporters of smart growth
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Transportation for Vermonters

Transportation for Vermonters

Transportation for Vermonters (T4VT) is a diverse coalition of individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions committed to working together, creatively, and across sectors to achieve a sustainable, accessible transportation system in a rural state. T4VT takes a research-based approach to identify and advocate for transportation programs and investments needed to improve air quality, health, economic vitality, and mobility, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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People, Places, and Transportation

Check out our People, Places, and Transportation blog about how to shape a cleaner, greener, more accessible, and more sustainable transportation future in Vermont. This is the next incarnation of the blog formerly housed at Sustainable Transportation Vermont. Stay awhile!

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