In a recent Joint Assembly meeting held on January 4, 2024, Vermont lawmakers addressed the pressing housing crisis affecting the state. The discussions highlighted the urgent need to stimulate housing development in areas most impacted by shortages, which are hindering job growth and school enrollment.

Lawmakers emphasized that the current housing situation is detrimental to Vermont's economy. High rents and purchase prices, exacerbated by complex tax and regulatory policies, have made it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable housing. The meeting underscored that decades of studies indicate that the processes for buying, rehabilitating, and building homes in Vermont are not only expensive but also cumbersome and slow.

Since March 2020, the state has made significant investments, totaling over $500 million, aimed at addressing these challenges. This funding has been directed towards fixing vacant units, constructing new homes, and expanding shelter capacity—efforts described as unprecedented in scale. This recent investment builds on the $37 million housing bond passed in 2017, which was previously the largest commitment to housing in the state's history.

The discussions at the Joint Assembly reflect a growing recognition among Vermont lawmakers of the critical role that housing plays in the overall health of the community and economy. As the state continues to grapple with these issues, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to ensure that all Vermonters have access to safe and affordable housing.