Representatives of Let's Build Homes said state-level policy and financing must move faster to blunt the effects of federal funding volatility and to expand housing supply across Vermont.

Mara Weinberger of Let's Build Homes told the joint committees that the coalition has formalized as a nonprofit and is prepared to support municipal and state efforts to increase housing production. Weinberger said the CHIP program (the state’s newly created infrastructure/tool program) and clear guidelines will enable communities of all sizes to pursue projects quickly and that the program’s design — including allowances for rural costs such as community septic and water — should make it useful statewide.

Weinberger urged additional state tools beyond CHIP. "A state housing acceleration fund that can use the state's balance sheet and low-cost debt could be a new tool in the arsenal," she said, describing a funding vehicle that would not be tied solely to subsidy dollars but could share risk, provide low-cost capital, and help projects proceed when federal support is uncertain or timing is delayed. She also recommended follow-up changes to Act 181 and the Home Act to ensure regulations support the targets those laws set.

Let's Build Homes said it will support the committee’s effort to get CHIP operational and offered to provide municipal technical assistance and capacity-building to help smaller towns access the program, noting high interest among municipal officials and local housing groups. Weinberger told members the coalition will provide proposals on funding and structure in the near term so the legislature can consider them before the session’s bill request deadlines.

Committee members requested early drafts and expressed interest in coordinating on rulemaking timelines and technical support for towns and regional groups.