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Editorial: Housing promises need financial support

In a crisis, you need to know who your friends are.

Gov. Jim Douglas defines Vermont's lack of affordable housing as a crisis, so if he's casting around for friends, there's one that should not be overlooked — the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.

The board (VHCB) and its nonprofit housing affiliates and community land trusts are among the state's most highly regarded resources, but funding them to a level where they can really make a difference has not been a priority in recent years.

If Douglas is serious about his "agenda of affordability," he needs to ensure the words are backed by a financial and political commitment.

For the last five years, the Legislature has shortchanged the VHCB, failing to fund it according to the property transfer tax formula that was set out by statute. According to housing advocates, that adds up to more than $31 million in lost opportunities for affordable housing units, conserved natural areas and working farms.

Wednesday, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition celebrates its Legislative Day at the Statehouse, an annual event in which housing and conservation groups make the rounds to meet lawmakers and leaders. The Douglas administration and legislators should take this chance to become better acquainted with the work these nonprofit groups are doing across the state — and the opportunities they could offer other communities.

Legislators should also take a hard look at bringing the funding for VHCB up to the level where it should be. Douglas has proposed about $13 million, almost $7 million short of the statutory amount.

The Legislature created the board in 1987 to promote affordable housing and protect open space. It has spearheaded the creation of more than 7,800 units of affordable housing, and the conservation of more than 500 farms and almost 250,000 acres of natural and recreation areas.

A study, commissioned by the Douglas administration and released in April, gave the board and its affiliates a glowing report. Independent ICF Consultants couldn't have been more impressed.

And yet housing and conservation groups say they have felt shut out by the Douglas administration, particularly in the development of its new housing proposal, "Homes for Vermonters."

If Douglas is right that housing is reaching a crisis point in Vermont, then all hands must be on deck, from private developers to the nonprofit sector.

Douglas and legislators need to realize they have a solid and experienced partner in the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. If they want solutions, this is one of the first places to turn.

(In Montpelier from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition will hold its annual Legislative Day at the Statehouse.)