2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 3 Appendix - Executive Orders › Chapter 33 - Human Services › App 33-27 (No. 01-23) [Vermont Council on Housing and Homelessness]

Executive Order No. 33-27 (No. 01-23) [Vermont Council on Housing and Homelessness]
WHEREAS, for decades, successive Vermont governors and legislatures have struggled with how to address the growing demographic crisis in communities throughout the state and the impact this crisis has on the social and economic fundamentals of community vitality, including the shortage of decent, affordable housing for low to moderate income Vermonters; and
WHEREAS, no fewer than seven councils, roundtables and teams have been convened by the legislature or governor to study housing and homelessness since the tenure of Governor Dean; and
WHEREAS, over time we have learned many of these issues are policy-driven, attributable, for example, to state and local zoning policies intended to slow housing rehabilitation and construction, towns and neighbors willing to litigate for years to keep low-income and affordable housing and supported housing facilities out of their communities, and failure to provide an adequate statewide system of mental health responses and services; and
WHEREAS, in addition to needing low-income rental apartments and housing options, many economically vulnerable Vermonters require coordinated wrap-around social services from a range of government agencies and community partners, like mental health care, treatment and supports to break the cycle of addiction, and job training; and
WHEREAS, these are fundamental issues that require focused and sustained effort in all 14 counties; and
WHEREAS, with the availability of federal funding for housing and water and sewer infrastructure, Vermont has a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to achieve real revitalization of the housing stock in our communities and better address issues of available housing and homelessness with investments that prioritizes long-term solutions; and
WHEREAS, to avoid repeating the shortcomings of past efforts, it is my intent to create an interagency council with specific tasks and timeframes for achieving clearly defined annual targets.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, I, Philip B. Scott, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby establish the Vermont Council on Housing and Homelessness.
I. Council Charge and Process
The Council shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
a. By December 31, 2023, the Council shall deliver to the Governor a Tactical Action Plan outlining annual strategies, specific tactics and measurable annual performance metrics to ensure affordable housing options exist for all Vermonters, at all income levels. This Tactical Action Plan shall include a reasonable inventory of public and private sector rehabilitation and development in Vermont; annual achievable targets for meeting the need for supply and affordability in all 14 counties with priority given to the counties that have experienced the most significant demographic declines; proposals to expedite revitalization of our housing supply; specific and measurable interventions to reduce the number of Vermonters becoming homeless each year; and plans to achieve specific, clearly defined and measurable annual performance metrics for all key strategies, tactics or plans;
b. No later than September 30th of every year of this Executive Order, develop an annual progress report on its key performance metrics and modifying tactical plans going forward; and
c. Recommend to the Governor state and federal policies to improve a housing availability, affordability and stability.
II. Composition
The Council shall consist of agency and department representatives and representatives from the named sectors listed below to be appointed by the Governor, to include:
• the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services or the Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Human Services;
• the Agency of Human Services Commissioners of Corrections, Mental Health, Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Health, and Children and Families;
• the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development;
• the Executive Director of the Statewide Workforce Development Board;
• the Chief Prevention Officer;
• the Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor;
• the Executive Director of the Vermont State Housing Authority;
• the Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency;
• the Executive Director of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board;
• the Executive Director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns;
• the Executive Director of a mental health designated agency;
• the Executive Director of a substance use preferred provider;
• a representative from a regional planning commission;
• a representative of the Balance of State Continuum of Care;
• a representative of the Chittenden County Continuum of Care;
• the Executive Director of a regional nonprofit housing provider;
• the Executive Director of a homeless shelter or service provider; and
• a private sector housing provider.
The Council shall be advisory to the Governor and meet no less than quarterly.
The Council may establish sub-committees including, but not limited to: a sub-committee on homelessness; a sub-committee on housing development; and a sub-committee on rental housing quality. Sub-committees may, at the discretion of the co-chairs, include individuals who are not on the Council. Individuals not on the Council shall not make up a majority of any sub-committee.
The Council shall consult, as needed, with the Director of the Division of Fire Safety; the Center for Crime Victim Services; the Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; organizations representing the interests of LGBTQ individuals; organizations representing the interests of black and brown Vermonters and other people of color; and others the Council may identify as necessary for insight and expertise. Individuals with lived experience and expertise of housing insecurity shall be included in the development of the Tactical Action Plan and annual progress reports.
III. Co-Chairs of Council and Administrative Support
The Governor shall appoint the Secretary (or Deputy Secretary) of the Agency of Human Services and the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development as the Co-Chairs of the Council.
The Council shall be attached to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Agency of Human Services for administrative support. To the extent funds permit, community members shall receive reimbursement of expenses and a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010(e).
IV. Effective Dates
This Executive Order supersedes and replaces Executive Order No. 08-11, dated June 27, 2011 (codified as Executive Order 33-22) and Executive Order No. 03-12, dated January 25, 2012 (codified as Executive Order 33-24). This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and expire December 31, 2034.
Dated May 10, 2023