Sustainable Communities Program

VNRC's Sustainable Communities Program builds on Vermont's long tradition of compact, vibrant settlements surrounded by farms, forests and unique natural areas. For over two centuries Vermonters have sought a balanced path to economic well-being that recognizes the importance and interdependence of both community and countryside. VNRC believes Vermont's future prosperity will depend on our collective ability to maintain and improve the health of our communities and the quality of our natural environment. VNRC's Sustainable Communities Program uses research, education and advocacy to shape public policy decisions that support: healthy communities; vital downtowns and villages; working landscapes, rural areas and natural resources; and an informed, active citizenry.

The Sustainable Communities Program at VNRC focuses on:

• Land Use Issues - Act 250 (the State's land use development law), Act 200, (Vermont's planning law), growth management, sprawl, large-scale development, downtown policy, and master plans.
• Environmental Tax and Fiscal Policy - Tax-shifting, green taxes, tax exemptions, fees, subsidies and public investment, Act 60, property tax, use value appraisal (current use), land gains tax, property transfer tax, land value tax and others.
• Infrastructure Policy - State water and sewer loan priority, on-site septic disposal, telecommunications tower siting.
• Transportation Issues - Circumferential Highway, State Long Range Transportation Plan, Vermont Design Standards for sensible Vermont-scale road construction.
• Sustainable Economy and Agriculture -Sustainable Jobs Fund, large farm operations.