The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs took testimony from both the Vermont Futures Project and Vermont Chamber of Commerce, grounding the conversation in data and employer experience. Committee Chair Sen. Alison Clarkson framed the discussion by stressing that understanding economic trends early will help shape meaningful economic development and housing policy this session. Lawmakers acknowledged that without aligning policy with economic realities, Vermont risks perpetuating trends that weaken its competitive position.

The data presented by the Vermont Futures Project highlighted that while quality of life remains a strength, core structural challenges, especially population decline and limited housing supply, are holding the state back. Vermont ranked near the bottom of the nation in population change and housing permits, as one of only three states experiencing net population loss in 2024. Committee members appreciated the comparative context, noting the recently released Vermont Competitiveness Dashboard from the Vermont Futures Project helps shift debate from anecdote to measurable outcomes.

Building on that foundation, the Vermont Chamber’s testimony focused on a set of pragmatic, data-informed economic priorities designed to support workforce availability, improve regulatory predictability, and align state policy with business needs. Businesses consistently report workforce scarcity, housing limitations, regulatory complexity, and cost pressures as interconnected constraints. Members around the table noted how these challenges play out in their districts, especially when companies cannot expand due to permitting uncertainty or cannot recruit due to housing shortages.

The Vermont Chamber’s workforce and economic development policy recommendations this year focus on six priority areas:

• Regulatory Predictability and Streamlined Permitting – Compile and coordinate regulatory requirements across agencies to reduce uncertainty and delays
• Effective Outreach and Coordination for Workforce Investments – Improve employer awareness of existing programs through trusted intermediaries and clear communication
• Expanded Access to the Green Mountain Jobs Program – Broaden eligibility to include associate degrees and industry certifications reflecting the reality that nearly 70 percent of Vermont jobs do not require a four-year degree
• Strengthened Hospitality and Visitor Economy Workforce and Funding – Align training with industry needs and support data informed marketing to stabilize demand and employment
• Preservation of the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive VEGI – Remove the sunset on this investment tool to provide long term predictability for business decision making
• Support for Automation to Preserve Jobs and Increase Productivity – Launch a study to design incentive structures that balance technology adoption with workforce upskilling

The testimony emphasized that the agenda is rooted in long-term strategy, realistic budget expectations, and employer feedback from across sectors. Committee members engaged deeply with each recommendation, expressing particular interest in regulatory transparency, workforce marketing, and expanded retention incentives. Questions underscored a shared understanding that Vermont’s economic challenges are intertwined, and effective policy must be coordinated, measurable, and grounded in data.

As the session unfolds, the Chamber will continue to work with legislators to refine and advance these priorities, ensuring that state policy supports economic competitiveness, workforce stability, and predictable conditions for business growth across Vermont