Unlocking Abundant Housing While Nurturing a Healthy Environment: Insights from Kati Gallagher

Vermont has a unique opportunity to grow its housing while also protecting its beautiful natural resources. The state is dealing with big challenges, like high housing costs and the effects of climate change, but there is hope. Recent laws and community efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. By breaking down barriers and working together, Vermont is rethinking how we build our communities.

It’s vital that we don’t fall into the trap of thinking that one area of progress must come at the cost of another. For example, many believe that affordable housing can only be achieved by sacrificing the environment. This isn’t true. The decisions we make regarding housing directly impact our economy, environment, and daily lives.

In 2024, Vermont took a major step with the passage of Act 181. This is an important law aimed at encouraging smart housing development while also protecting our vital natural resources. It aligns local and regional planning with state support, creating a more cohesive approach to land use that has been missing for too long.

For Act 181 to succeed, we need to allow it to unfold as planned. In the coming year, various working groups will focus on the details required to make this law effective. It’s important for everyone to stay engaged and ensure diverse voices are heard. This law came about because different groups came together to find common ground, and we need to keep that spirit of collaboration alive, focusing on sustainable growth, affordable housing, and a healthy environment.

Location plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone can access affordable and healthy living conditions. Sprawling development on the outskirts of our towns often leads to higher costs for households and strains our public infrastructure. It can also harm local farms and forests while increasing climate-related risks.

Take a look at Vermont’s aging and flood-prone roads. Long driveways and steep gravel roads are challenging, especially with more frequent storms. The transportation sector is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont, affecting air and water quality. Limited transportation options lead to traffic congestion and rising costs for families, especially those already facing financial difficulties.

Additionally, the cost of providing services to homes in rural areas is increasing. One article highlighted how connecting fiber-optic service to a single home can cost $30,000, a price that pulls funds away from existing neighborhoods. According to a report, sprawling development can raise infrastructure expenses by 50%, which can hurt local communities and wildlife.

When planning for affordable and flood-safe housing, we can learn from our historic town centers. These areas often cover infrastructure costs and can help support less productive regions. Investing in compact community centers allows us to make the most of our resources while providing more housing options. It can also help families save money and improve access to jobs, healthcare, and social connections.

Housing and transportation need to go hand in hand. Transportation costs are a significant burden for many Vermont families, especially in rural areas. To build a sustainable future, Vermont should focus on improving public transit, creating bike-friendly pathways, and developing walkable neighborhoods.

As we look ahead to the 2025 legislative session, I am hopeful that Vermont leaders will continue building on recent progress. Act 181 opened the door to a more integrated approach to housing and community planning. Now, it’s our job to ensure its successful implementation and move Vermont toward vibrant, sustainable communities.

Kati Gallagher is the Sustainable Communities Program Director for the Vermont Natural Resources Council. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.