Vermont Housing Conservation Board 2005 - Vermont Housing and ...

james h. douglas
governor
State of Vermont
office of the governor
Montpelier, Vermont 05609
January 31, 2006
Dear Vermonters,
I am pleased to present the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s (VHCB) Annual Report to the
General Assembly and to congratulate the Board on another terrific year of service to our communities. For
more than a generation, Vermont’s land use policies have promoted compact village settlements surrounded by
working landscape. The importance of these goals has never been more evident. Vermont’s economy depends
upon expanding housing opportunities while maintaining a world-class environment. VHCB is an important
tool to implement that vision.
This year, I had the opportunity to visit with Vermonters at developments funded in part by VHCB in South
Burlington, Middlebury, Rutland, Montpelier, Ferrisburgh and Williston. It is clear that investing housing
resources at smart growth sites helps reduce pressure on our working landscape. Each of these endeavors has
added value to our public investment. The revitalization of Tuttle Block in Rutland epitomizes a myriad of public
policy goals that include housing, historic preservation, economic development and downtown revitalization. I
enjoyed an Earth Day celebration at the Hill parcel in Williston, which provides outdoor recreation opportunities
and reduces runoff of phosphorous into the Winooski River and Lake Champlain.
The strong demand for and effective use of VHCB funds by communities across Vermont verifies the value
of the state’s investment. This year, HUD recognized VHCB with the ‘Doorknocker’ award for the best rural
housing program in the United States and the prestigious Ash Institute at Harvard University named VHCB
a finalist for its Innovations in American Government Awards. These endorsements reflect the solid involvement
of community leaders in developing projects and the benefits to multiple generations from our affordable
housing policy.
The Board’s investment in the working landscape has become a critical tool in our agricultural industry,
spurring both farm reinvestment and intergenerational transfers of farms while drawing millions in federal
matching funds. VHCB’s conservation mission also encompasses historic preservation. Peter Miller’s new book
Vermont Gathering Places (sponsored by the Preservation Trust of Vermont) portrays the exciting work going on
in communities to rebuild and revitalize historic assets such as the Ferrisburgh and Lamoille Grange Halls.
The work of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and its community-based partners has enriched
the lives of Vermonters and enhanced the quality of life in our communities. Over the next several years, my
administration will work with VHCB and private and public sector partners to address our housing needs. We
must build upon our solid foundation and ensure that every Vermonter has the ability to realize the American
Dream. The passing of Art Gibb reminds us of how hard Vermonters have worked to protect our environment
while promoting vibrant communities. I urge you to continue to support the Vermont Housing and Conservation
Board, a very important resource for addressing our housing and conservation goals.
Sincerely,
James H. Douglas
Governor