Housing at the Breaking Point: Vermont House Democrats Highlight Progress, Push Next Steps
, on Jan 30, 2026
MONTPELIER, VT — Vermont House Democrats today highlighted both recent progress and upcoming legislative priorities to address Vermont's housing shortage, calling housing the central affordability issue facing the state.
At a press conference held in the Cedar Creek Room at the State House, Rep. Marc Mihaly (D-Calais), Chair of the House Committee on Housing and General Affairs, emphasized that the lack of affordable housing affects nearly every aspect of life in Vermont.
"There is simply not enough housing, and what housing exists costs more than most Vermonters can afford," Mihaly said. "This is not just a housing problem — it's an affordability problem."
Mihaly pointed to recent legislative action that is already producing measurable results. Two years ago, the Legislature enacted significant Act 250 exemptions to accelerate housing development. Last session, lawmakers passed a comprehensive housing bill that created new financing tools for critical infrastructure, including the Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIPS), which has generated strong interest from both nonprofit and for-profit developers.
To underscore the real-world impact of these reforms, Mihaly was joined by Kathy Beyer, Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development at Evernorth, a nonprofit housing developer operating in Vermont.
Beyer highlighted a housing development in West Brattleboro that moved forward because of the HOME Act and Act 181. She described how recent policy changes are helping projects move from concept to construction by lowering costs, improving predictability, and expanding access to financing. "These reforms are allowing developers to deliver housing that communities need and Vermonters can afford," Beyer said.
Mihaly outlined key housing initiatives under consideration this legislative session, including bipartisan landlord-tenant reforms aimed at encouraging investment in rental housing while maintaining tenant protections; legislation to expand access to manufactured housing, the only form of unsubsidized affordable housing in Vermont; and new financing strategies targeted to rural and small-town housing development.
Additional proposals include reforms to streamline the housing appeals process and legislation to help communities bring vacant and abandoned properties back into productive use; expanding local housing options; and strengthening town tax bases.
"Housing is foundational to affordability and opportunity in Vermont," Mihaly said. "We're committed to continuing this work and delivering solutions that help Vermonters stay in their communities."
CONTACT:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us
At a press conference held in the Cedar Creek Room at the State House, Rep. Marc Mihaly (D-Calais), Chair of the House Committee on Housing and General Affairs, emphasized that the lack of affordable housing affects nearly every aspect of life in Vermont.
"There is simply not enough housing, and what housing exists costs more than most Vermonters can afford," Mihaly said. "This is not just a housing problem — it's an affordability problem."
Mihaly pointed to recent legislative action that is already producing measurable results. Two years ago, the Legislature enacted significant Act 250 exemptions to accelerate housing development. Last session, lawmakers passed a comprehensive housing bill that created new financing tools for critical infrastructure, including the Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIPS), which has generated strong interest from both nonprofit and for-profit developers.
To underscore the real-world impact of these reforms, Mihaly was joined by Kathy Beyer, Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development at Evernorth, a nonprofit housing developer operating in Vermont.
Beyer highlighted a housing development in West Brattleboro that moved forward because of the HOME Act and Act 181. She described how recent policy changes are helping projects move from concept to construction by lowering costs, improving predictability, and expanding access to financing. "These reforms are allowing developers to deliver housing that communities need and Vermonters can afford," Beyer said.
Mihaly outlined key housing initiatives under consideration this legislative session, including bipartisan landlord-tenant reforms aimed at encouraging investment in rental housing while maintaining tenant protections; legislation to expand access to manufactured housing, the only form of unsubsidized affordable housing in Vermont; and new financing strategies targeted to rural and small-town housing development.
Additional proposals include reforms to streamline the housing appeals process and legislation to help communities bring vacant and abandoned properties back into productive use; expanding local housing options; and strengthening town tax bases.
"Housing is foundational to affordability and opportunity in Vermont," Mihaly said. "We're committed to continuing this work and delivering solutions that help Vermonters stay in their communities."
CONTACT:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us