Housing witness tells House committee most recent construction has occurred outside designated growth areas

Summary

Miro Weinberger of Westfield Homes told the House Committee on Housing that his analysis finds about 60% of documented housing built since 2021 is outside interim housing (Tier 1 proxy) areas, and urged policy and implementation steps — from mapping fixes to tax incentives and gentle infill — to meet state housing targets.

Miro Weinberger, executive chairperson of Westfield Homes, told the House Committee on Housing on May 6 that an analysis of state data suggests a majority of new housing built since 2021 is located outside the interim housing areas that serve as proxies for future Tier 1 growth zones.

"We're seeing 60 outside, 40% inside," Weinberger said, describing a map-based review of projects in the state's housing dashboard and an E‑911–style project database. He warned the committee that the current distribution leaves Vermont well short of the statutory goal that a substantial majority of new housing growth occur in designated growth areas.

The testimony combined market observations with policy recommendations. Weinberger said Chittenden County experienced record production in 2024 and continued gains in 2025 that have pushed vacancy rates higher, offering some local relief. But he cautioned the committee that similar…

Housing witness tells House committee most recent construction has occurred outside designated growth areas

Summary

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