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CCRPC members brainstorm use cases for state CHIP grant program ahead of October convening
Summary
Kate McCarthy briefed the Planning Advisory Committee on the Community and Housing Investment Program (CHIP), run by VEPC with a targeted January launch; members asked about eligible project types, requested a one-page summary of basics and urged staff to share legislative intent and likely project scales ahead of an October Regional Housing Convening.
Kate McCarthy, CCRPC senior planner, led a discussion on the Community and Housing Investment Program (CHIP), which staff said will be administered by the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) and aims for a January launch. McCarthy asked committee members what questions and project examples would be helpful as staff plan outreach and the October Regional Housing Convening.
Committee members raised questions about the breadth of eligible projects and how CHIP would define “community benefit.” Chris Dillard said Burlington might pursue projects focused on accessible community space rather than traditional infrastructure, and noted some program language could be interpreted broadly. "There is some language that could be interpreted in many ways," Dillard said, citing libraries and multi-building projects as examples under consideration.
Members also suggested small-scale infrastructure uses: Chris Shaheen said Jericho is interested in basic infrastructure projects such as water and sewer. Matt Boulanger said Williston is pursuing tax-increment financing for some growth-area projects but is exploring CHIP for smaller, property-owner-led projects. Several members asked whether funding allocations per region or town would be specified; McCarthy and staff said program guidance and legislative intent will be clarified ahead of the convening and that staff will prepare a one-page summary with basic facts for municipal audiences.
Committee members asked staff to explain the legislature's intent in creating CHIP and the kinds of projects and scales the program is intended to serve; Darren Schibler suggested it would help municipal staff anticipate resident questions. McCarthy said staff will incorporate the committee’s feedback into outreach and the October convening.
The committee did not take formal action on CHIP at the Sept. 10 meeting; staff said additional details will be provided at the Regional Housing Convening and through written materials.
