On October 12, 2022, the Mad River Valley Planning District hosted the 2022 MRV Housing Summit, consisting of a keynote presentation, a panel, breakout sessions, informational panels, and tabling by local housing organizations. Over 213 community members packed the Lareau Farm Pavilion for this important community convening (and more tuning in via MRVTV's live stream) - listening, learning, and connecting on the critical and complex issue of housing.

Key takeaways from the event were that the current housing crisis stems from a history of statewide housing policies intended to curb development, beginning in the 1970s; that, despite this, the current post-pandemic moment is ripe with opportunities for funding (especially infrastructure projects like wastewater that are the foundation of any future housing); and that the community is eager to get involved in the advocacy, education, and programs side of the housing puzzle.

Housing is part of an ecosystem that involves infrastructure, policy, leadership, engagement, regulations, and political will. In 2023, and based on the feedback generated at the Housing Summit, the MRVPD will identify and determine avenues for community involvement and engagement on the topic of housing. One way that we can begin to shift the needle on the housing crisis today is to keep the conversation going: with neighbors and friends, on public forums, and in community meetings. Check out the data hosted on mrvpd.org that lays out how many new homes we need to build in the next decade (MRV Housing Demand & Market Analysis), and together let’s work to become a housing positive community that advocates for housing that’s affordable to a wide range of community members.

We are especially grateful to the generosity of the event sponsors, including American Flatbread/Lareau Farm, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Downstreet Housing & Community Development, MRV Chamber of Commerce, Sugarbush Resort, Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom, MRV Rotary Club, and Northfield Savings Bank. Their support enabled the Housing Summit free and accessible to all, including food and childcare for all in attendance.

MRVPD extends deep gratitude to everyone–sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and community members–who helped make the 2022 MRV Housing Summit a success.

Presentation Slides

Informational Panels

Tabling Organizations

Discussion Group Results

Event Recording