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CCRPC outlines approach to implement Act 181, including regional Future Land Use map and housing targets
Summary
CCRPC staff described a process for implementing Act 181 that includes creating a Regional Future Land Use map, setting housing targets, and building municipal engagement plans with attention to environmental justice; selectboards can request Tier 1B or Tier 1A designations for eligible areas.
Taylor Newton, Planning Program Director for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, told the Planning Advisory Committee on Dec. 11 that CCRPC staff "have been working on figuring out how to implement Act 181." Newton said staff prepared a two‑page overview that explains the new Regional Future Land Use map and housing targets established under Act 181 and outlined a regional process for mapping and municipal engagement.
Newton said CCRPC will reach out to municipalities to design engagement plans aiming for meaningful participation and to address environmental justice concerns. He explained the role of selectboards in the mapping process: selectboards may request that eligible areas be mapped as Tier 1B, and municipalities may request Tier 1A status for areas already designated Tier 1B under the state framework.
Kate McCarthy, Senior Planner, added that CCRPC intends to build on existing local engagement or support municipalities that lack staff capacity. Darren Schibler, Senior Planner, noted that CCRPC staff can also conduct direct engagement if municipal staff or volunteers are unavailable or overstretched.
Newton presented a visual framework showing new map areas, state designations and the relationship to Act 250 Tier 1A/1B exemptions and reviewed CCRPC’s internal timeline for adopting the Regional Future Land Use map. No final municipal designations or deadlines were adopted at the PAC meeting; Newton said staff will coordinate follow‑up meetings with individual municipalities to begin local conversations.
The discussion closed with members asking for clarification about outreach methods; Newton and staff said those details will be developed in partnership with municipalities.
