Sustainable Communities

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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The Great Housing Hunt

Help find "Missing Middle Housing" in your community!

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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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VNRC Policy Position: S.100

Increasing housing choice and affordability in Vermont’s downtowns and village centers is a critical climate solution

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Smart Growth News

Two Things: Wildlands in New England Report Briefing & Legislative Wrap Up

Two things: A legislative wrap up and a webinar for the release of the Wildlands in New England Report.  Stay informed, stay connected—two things. That’s a Wrap! Final Legislative Victories…

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Two Things: Green Up Day and More Exciting Progress in the Vermont State House

Two things: Vermont’s annual Green Up Day is this weekend, and we’ve got more exciting legislative progress to share!   Stay informed, stay connected—two things. Vermont’s Annual Green Up Day is…

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Two Things: The Missing Middle Housing Hunt & the Annual Muddy Onion Bike Ride

Two things: a new photo contest to capture Vermont’s missing middle housing, and Onion River Outdoors’ annual Muddy Onion Bike Ride!  Stay informed, stay connected—two things. The Missing Middle Housing…

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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 ** Accepting applications until June 1, 2023!

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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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