An act relating to the creation of a housing pilot program in Washington and Lamoille Counties

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Boutin and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a two-county housing pilot program in Washington and Lamoille to test and evaluate targeted strategies for increasing affordable housing.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing

Summary of H 678 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H 678 proposes the creation of a housing pilot program in two Vermont counties—Washington and Lamoille—to explore and advance strategies for increasing affordable housing options.

The bill aims to test targeted approaches that could inform broader state policy and potential scaling if the pilot proves successful.

Key provisions and changes

Establishment of a housing pilot program in Washington County and Lamoille County.

The program is intended to implement and evaluate specific housing interventions, though the bill text (as provided) does not enumerate every intervention. Typical components in such pilots may include streamlined permitting processes, financial incentives, zoning flexibility, pre-development loans or grants, and targeted development or rehabilitation initiatives. (Note: the exact mechanisms would be defined in the bill’s text and any implementing rules.)

Authorizes coordination among relevant state agencies, local governments, housing organizations, and stakeholders to design, monitor, and evaluate pilot activities.

Includes oversight and evaluation provisions to assess outcomes such as housing availability, affordability, project feasibility, timeline adherence, and any cost-benefit considerations.

Who is affected

Residents and households in Washington and Lamoille Counties who are seeking affordable or attainable housing opportunities.

Local governments within these counties that would implement or participate in pilot activities (e.g., permitting, zoning, infrastructure considerations).

State agencies involved in housing, planning, and economic development that would administer, fund, or oversee pilot activities.

Housing developers, non-profits, financial institutions, and other partners collaborating on pilot projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing as of January 14, 2026.

With referral, the bill will proceed to committee review, where amendments, hearings, and potential fiscal notes would be developed.

Any final passage would require approval by both legislative chambers and the governor, followed by effective date provisions and implementation timelines. Specific milestones (e.g., start date for pilot, reporting deadlines, sunset or renewal provisions) would be detailed in the bill and any accompanying fiscal or policy language.

Additional notes

Co-sponsors: Michael Boutin and Teddy Waszazak.

The bill’s current summary indicates a focused, localized pilot framework rather than an immediate statewide reform. Details such as funding amounts, eligible participants, project selection criteria, and performance metrics will be defined in the bill’s text and subsequent committee amendments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular aspects (e.g., funding, governance structure, or anticipated metrics) once you provide the full bill text or the committee's proposed language.