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Council directs staff to develop plan for citywide housing needs assessment
Summary
The council instructed planning staff to propose a plan and timeline for a citywide housing needs assessment, asking for a staff return to the next meeting with a recommended approach and timeline; councilors said the assessment will inform Country Club Road and other housing initiatives.
The Montpelier City Council voted to instruct planning staff to prepare a plan for a citywide housing needs assessment and to return to the council with a recommended approach.
Councilor Ben moved that planning staff draft a plan to conduct a housing needs assessment; councilors approved the motion. The proposal asks staff to outline scope, timing and potential budgets for a citywide assessment that follows Vermont Housing Finance Authority guidance and best practices.
Supporters said a thorough needs assessment would provide baseline data for housing strategy citywide and would help shape Country Club Road and other development decisions. Planning staff said existing county and statewide assessments show strong demand for housing in many categories, but a local, city-focused study would better inform specific site and program decisions.
Councilors asked staff to propose a workplan that could deliver results within a few months if funded or to identify likely consultant timelines; Ben had suggested staff aim for a four-month final product, subject to available resources. The council approved the instruction; staff will return to the council with a firm plan and timeline.
