NEK Leaders Unite on Solutions for Housing Crisis

Two weeks ago, a brave group of middle school students took to the stage of the Barre Opera House to demonstrate their civic awareness and show us all the power of participation.

Last Tuesday, it was the adults’ turn to rise to the occasion.

Responding to our call to action, 27 leaders representing nearly 20 different organizations from across a dozen industries gathered at the main office of Community National Bank to participate in a conversation addressing the dire need for solutions to the Northeast Kingdom’s housing crisis.

Reporting by the Let’s Build Homes Coalition puts it bluntly:

“our state has the second-highest homelessness rate in the country. The median home price has soared beyond the reach of working Vermonters. Half of all renters are cost-burdened, and one in four spend more than half of their income on housing.”

Tuesday’s conversation wasn’t just about naming problems; it was about identifying opportunities.

Centered around presentations by Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, and Jak Tiano, from Let’s Build Homes, this group was able to find a collective voice and a sense of possibility. It was truly incredible to witness the sense of alignment we were able to achieve across such a diverse group of individuals.

This diversity was critical to the goal of the conversation. We all understand that a lack of housing is one of the greatest setbacks to economic development in the region. The housing shortage impacts all industries equally, impeding business’s abilities to hire employees and reach customers. It’s time now to combine our expertise and find real, tangible solutions we can act on.

What will action look like?

Coming out of this conversation, our goal is to create a centralized understanding of all the housing resources available. This will include funding opportunities and permitting assistance, as well as a census of all uninhabited homes, underutilized buildings, and refurbish-ready spaces. This cohesion will streamline processes for developers, town leaders, and hopeful homeowners alike.

Furthermore, the NEK Chamber will continue to advocate for the voices of rural communities at the state level. Changes are coming to Vermont regardless of what we do; it’s our responsibility to ensure that those changes are made by us rather than for us.

This is the beginning of a movement greater than just us. We encourage everyone who’s able to join the conversation and participate in whatever capacity possible. It’s our civic responsibility and our duty now, for the future.

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For Chamber Director, Loralee Tester, October was a month filled with meaningful conversations about the systems that shape our communities. One event from Let’s Build Homes brought together hundreds of Vermonters focused on addressing Vermont’s housing crisis. “The energy and collaboration in that room were deeply inspiring — a reminder that solving housing isn’t about changing what makes Vermont special, but ensuring our children and workforce can afford to stay here.” – Loralee Tester Tester also had the opportunity to sit on a state committee exploring health outcomes through the lens of an abundance mindset — asking what we might uncover if we focused on possibility rather than scarcity? That same spirit was reflected later in a talk featuring Derek Thompson , co-author (alongside Ezra Klein) of Abundance . Thompson ended the talk on this powerful note: “Growth is good. Change is hard. Both are true. And stasis sucks.” It’s a timely challenge for all of us. What can we — the Northeast Kingdom — do to encourage healthy growth, embrace valuable change, and acknowledge that stasis only deepens our affordability and workforce challenges? There’s so much good work happening already. “I was honored to serve as a judge for this year’s Rumble in the Kingdom , where four remarkable businesses won prizes and eight more showcased powerful, community-driven ideas. Innovation is alive and well here in the NEK.” – Loralee Tester More good work is still to come. The Chamber’s new Workforce Development Coordinator begins next week. This position, funded through a grant from the Vermont Department of Labor , will help accelerate the efforts of the NEK Chamber’s Manufacturing Consortium , building stronger connections between employers, educators, and future workers. We are endlessly grateful for the support of chamber members who continue to make this important work possible. In December, we’ll be sending out 2026 membership invoices. We’re working hard to make membership even more valuable, with new member-to-member benefits designed to save you money and connect you with other local businesses. Current benefits include: Fuel Discounts through our partner programs . Group Rates for dental, vision, and pet insurance — a fantastic way to extend benefits to your employees or yourself. Exclusive Member-to-Member Offers: Linda Lanteigne Photography – discounted headshots and business photo sessions Northeast Kingdom Online – reduced-rate website design for members– details to come in next month's newsletter Catamount Arts – free popcorn with your movie ticket We’re working to introduce membership cards to make it easy to access and verify your benefits. If your business would like to offer a discount or perk to fellow members, please contact the Chamber office . It’s a wonderful way to promote your business while contributing to a more connected, thriving community.