Vermont Housing Advocacy at the State House: A REALTOR® Perspective
Yesterday (March 10, 2026) was an incredible day at the Vermont State House in Montpelier—one that reinforced why advocacy plays such an important role in the future of housing in our state.
As the owner and Principal Broker of Hoffman Real Estate in Bennington and the 2026 President of the Vermont Association of REALTORS®, I believe strongly that professionals in our industry have a responsibility to stay engaged in the conversations that shape housing policy in Vermont.
The housing policy decisions made in Montpelier directly impact homeowners, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and the communities across Vermont.
Meeting with Governor Phil Scott to Discuss Vermont Housing Policy
Jenifer Hoffman, 2026 President of the Vermont Association of REALTORS® and Principal Broker of Hoffman Real Estate, meets with Phil Scott at the Vermont State House in Montpelier alongside VAR Government Affairs Director Peter Tucker and VAR CEO Kyle Tetzlaff.
One of the highlights of the day was spending 45 minutes with Governor Phil Scott in his ceremonial office at the Vermont State House. It was an unexpected honor and a privilege to have such a candid and thoughtful conversation.
We discussed several of the challenges Vermont faces today—including the need to increase housing supply, land use policies that balance environmental conservation with development opportunities, landlord-tenant laws, education governance, and property taxes.
It was encouraging to see how aligned we are on many of these issues. I look forward to continuing the dialogue and collaboration needed to move meaningful housing solutions forward for Vermonters.
How Vermont REALTORS® Advocate for Housing Policy
The day also included Session #2 of the Vermont REALTORS® Leadership Academy, which focused on one of the most important pillars of our profession: advocacy.
While many people think of real estate strictly in terms of buying and selling homes, REALTORS® also play a critical role in protecting private property rights and advocating for policies that allow our housing market to function effectively.
The session featured presentations from several industry and policy leaders, including Peter Tucker of the Vermont Association of REALTORS®, Megan Sullivan of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Chu of the Vermont Futures Project, and Kyle Kershner of Killington Pico Realty, who has served as a Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for Senator Peter Welch since his election to Congress in 2017.
Each presenter shared insights into state and national advocacy initiatives that support Americans pursuing the dream of homeownership, as well as the buyers, sellers, and communities impacted by housing policy. The class was highly engaged in wide-ranging discussions aimed at ensuring Vermont REALTORS® are well equipped to engage with policymakers and advocate for thoughtful housing policy.
Insights from Vermont’s State Treasurer
Another highlight of the day was a special presentation from Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
Treasurer Pieciak shared several initiatives his office is leading that are already making a meaningful difference for Vermonters. Conversations like these help connect economic policy to the real-world housing market that buyers and sellers experience every day.
REALTORS® Advocate for Vermont Housing Policy at the Legislature
The day concluded with the Vermont Association of REALTORS® annual legislative reception, where REALTORS® from across the state gather at the State House to connect with legislators and discuss the issues shaping Vermont’s housing landscape.
Topics included:
Housing supply challenges
Land use and development policies
Landlord–tenant regulations
Property taxes and their impact on homeowners
Legislative proposals affecting Vermont’s housing market
As REALTORS®, we work on the front lines of the housing market every day. That perspective is incredibly valuable when policymakers are crafting legislation that impacts housing availability and affordability.
Why I Choose to Be Involved
Advocacy requires time and perseverance—but it matters.
Two sayings often come to mind:
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
and
“If real estate is your career, politics is your business.”
Housing policy affects every Vermonter. The Vermont Association of REALTORS® has a constant presence at the Vermont State House. By being part of the conversation, REALTORS® ensure that policies support sustainable growth, strong communities, and opportunities for future homeowners. These discussions are critical to the future of Vermont’s housing market. Continued collaboration between policymakers, REALTORS®, and community leaders will be essential to addressing housing supply, affordability, and responsible development across the state.
At Hoffman Real Estate, our mission goes beyond helping clients buy and sell homes. We believe in supporting the communities where we live and work—and advocacy is one way we help shape a stronger future for Vermont.
Real People. Real Heart. Real Experience.
