The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), AARP-VT, and the Congress for New Urbanism will host a series of free webinars on zoning changes for community development on Tuesday, January 26 from 1:00 to 2:00 and Thursday, January 28 from 1:00 to 2:30.
Many communities have zoning systems that are largely unchanged from their introduction in the 1950s. These zoning laws are increasingly criticized as overly restrictive, suppressing the housing supply, driving up housing costs and widening racial and economic disparities. However, complete zoning overhauls are out of reach for many Vermont communities. In recognition of this, DHCD has launched the Zoning for Great Neighborhoods Project, a manual for how municipalities can implement small, incremental changes to build more walkable, vibrant communities.
The series of webinars will introduce participants to the Enabling Better Places: Zoning for Great Neighborhoods guide and describe how communities can take action. It is intended for Vermont’s housing and planning professionals, municipal staff and volunteers serving on a planning commission, development review board, housing or conservation commission, state policy makers, selectboard members, developers, designers and architects and Realtors.
Registration is free but participation is limited.