The BBA joined the newly launched coalition, Building Homes Together, in support of the mission to build 3,500 new homes in Chittenden County over the next 5 years.

The new coalition, called Building Homes Together, was formed by the Champlain Housing Trust, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and Housing Vermont and released an initial list of nearly 100 community leaders supporting the effort.

“The housing shortage in Chittenden County has been well noted with unhealthy vacancy rates and high rents,” said Charlie Baker, Executive Director of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. “Employers can’t find workers, and workers themselves spend more time in commutes and with a higher percentage of their paychecks on housing costs.” Twenty percent of the 3,500 goal are targeted to be developed by nonprofit housing organizations. The remainder by private developers. “This step-up in production will not just provide new homes and infrastructure for communities, it’ll be a boost to the economy and contribute to the tax base. Building homes together is a big win for all of us in Chittenden County,” said Nancy Owens, President of Housing Vermont.

The campaign will provide up-to-date data to the community on the need for and benefits of new housing, build cross-sector and public support for housing development, increasing access to capital, and supporting municipalities. Individuals, businesses or organizations that wish to sign on and participate in the campaign are encouraged to by sending an email to Chris Donnelly at Champlain Housing Trust ([email protected]).

The BBA has been advocating for more housing to relieve Burlington’s extremely low vacancy rate. The BBA is excited to be a part of this opportunity to collaborate with other organizations who are focused on this shared goal of increasing the housing supply.