OpenCampaign

Housing-Shortage

Housing affordability crisis

State leaders describe housing costs as a crisis threatening Vermont’s demographics and workforce: the cost to rent or own is only the start of broader affordability pressure, and the governor has called for treating housing like a crisis and making real legislative change so the next generation can afford to stay. Recent budgets have directed pandemic-era and ongoing funds into housing production and related investments.

What should Vermont prioritize to address its housing affordability crisis?

Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.

How important is this to you?

Sources

Gov. Phil Scott — https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-20/watch-listen-phil-scott-2026-budget-address
I understand some worry that if we do too much, we could lose some of the character of our communities, some of that rural charm that makes Vermont special. But if we want the next generation of Vermonters to afford to live here, we’ve got to treat housing like the crisis it is and make real change this session.
Gov. Phil Scott — https://www.pbs.org/video/vermont-governor-delivers-his-2026-budget-address-xvgtlw
Issues like education, housing affordability and public safety are key to reversing our demographics. Building a stronger workforce and bringing in more revenue organically, rather than asking more from taxpayers.
Office of Governor Phil Scott — https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2026-state-state-address
My team has prepared thoughtful proposals in the areas of housing, energy, health care and public safety, and we’ll share some of them with you.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Large-scale public funding and mandates for affordable and subsidized housing statewide
  2. Expand state housing investment and incentives while protecting some local zoning say
  3. Balance new housing production incentives with community character and infrastructure
  4. Focus mainly on deregulation and private development with limited new state spending
  5. Minimize state intervention and let market and local control determine housing supply