A new pro-housing advocacy group, Let’s Build Homes, has launched in Vermont, emphasizing the need for expanded housing development to address the state’s growing housing deficit. The group aims to remove barriers to construction, advocating for housing for all income levels, following a similar approach to the national YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement.
The group’s leaders argue that Vermont’s housing shortage is contributing to a series of other problems, including strained public services, a lack of affordable workers, and demographic shifts. According to the state’s Housing Needs Assessment, Vermont needs between 24,000 and 36,000 new homes over the next five years.
Without these new developments, the group warns that Vermont could become a luxury destination, leaving essential workers struggling to afford living in the state. Support for the initiative comes from a broad coalition, including builders, employers, colleges, and healthcare providers.
Key objectives include reforming the land-use review process, improving housing infrastructure, and reducing construction costs. The group is also pushing for public funding to create affordable housing and address the challenges of housing production. Let’s Build Homes is currently working through the Vermont Housing Finance Agency and has raised $40,000 in pledges so far.