Developing Opportunity:
How Ordinary Vermonters
Can Create Housing
October 2025
White River Junction, VT — Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC), in partnership with HELM Construction Solutions and the White River Valley Consortium, is excited to announce a new 3-part Housing Solutions Speaker Series this November, designed to empower Vermont residents to take charge of their housing futures.
According to a report published earlier this year by Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development, we will need approximately 41,000 new units across the state by 2030. At the current pace, we are on track to reach just 27% of that target. Vermonters of all backgrounds, not just established developers, will need to come together and get creative to meet our present and future housing needs.
This engaging speaker series will bring together community members from across the White River Valley and Vermont to share real stories of housing victories—and defeats—and explore practical strategies for navigating the complex world of housing creation. From securing funding, to building the right team and thinking outside the box, each session will offer actionable insights for everyday people looking to create homes in their community.
“This speaker series is about empowering the average Vermonter to get involved with housing in their community,” said James Coleman, Program Manager at GMEDC. “We hope attendees will walk away feeling inspired and equipped to take the next step in their housing journey.”
Each gathering is free and open to the public. Refreshments provided.
Registration strongly encouraged.
Speaker Series Details:
Part 1: Creative Funding Strategies: How do we pay for it? – Join us along with guest speakers Sarah Phillips (Vermont Community Loan Fund) and Scott Graves (Partners in Housing), to learn how Vermonters have accessed grants, loans, and creative financing strategies to bring their housing visions to life.
WHEN: Thursday, November 6th (5:30-7:30PM)
WHERE: Seven Stars Arts Center, Sharon, VT
Part 2: What to know: Building Your Team or Being Your Own Contractor – Join us, along with guest speakers Sam Newman (Alger Brook Design Build) and Kole (Northern Vermont Appraisals), to learn how to assemble the right mix of professionals for your project and strategies for successful do it yourself (DIY) projects.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 12th (5:30-7:30PM)
WHERE: White River Craft Center, Randolph, VT
Part 3: Make More Housing Without New Buildings – Join us, along with guest speakers Richard Amore (Upstream Downstream LLC) and Julie Weinberger (Wheelpad), to discover innovative approaches to housing, from ADUs and co-housing models, to adaptive reuse and beyond.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 19th (5:30-7:30PM)
WHERE: Bethel Town Hall, Bethel, VT
Event Planning and Consortium Partners:
About the White River Valley Consortium:
The White River Valley Consortium, a loosely affiliated network of organizations and residents working to support fourteen towns in the White River Valley in increasing the availability of housing that is affordable for early-career young adults and beginning entrepreneurs. The White River Consortium was initially formed and funded as part of the Vermont Working Communities Challenge, with support from The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Consortium Sponsors
Media Contact:
Erika Hoffman-Kiess
Executive Director, GMEDC
erika@gmedc.com
(802) 295-3710
