VCDA Spring Conference 2026
Is Your Community Housing-Ready?
Wednesday, April 15th | 9:00am - 4:00pm | The Pavilion in Montpelier, VT
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Communities across Vermont are working to build more housing of all kinds. But how are they doing it? VCDA’s Spring conference will explore the avenues and resources that are available today for communities to become housing-ready.
Come learn about new programs like 802Homes and the Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP); discuss the latest Act 250 reform; and strategize on how to start a housing committee in your community.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow community champions, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the collective work of building a brighter future for Vermont.
Morning snacks provided. Coffee, tea and water will be available throughout the day. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Montpelier.
Come learn about new programs like 802Homes and the Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP); discuss the latest Act 250 reform; and strategize on how to start a housing committee in your community.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow community champions, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the collective work of building a brighter future for Vermont.
Morning snacks provided. Coffee, tea and water will be available throughout the day. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Montpelier.
AGENDA
Location
We are holding this event at The Pavilion located at 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT in the Montpelier Room (1st floor).
The entrance to the Montpelier room is off of Governor Davis Avenue, NOT through 111 States Street.
We are holding this event at The Pavilion located at 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT in the Montpelier Room (1st floor).
The entrance to the Montpelier room is off of Governor Davis Avenue, NOT through 111 States Street.
Parking
Paid parking is available in the lot behind Capital Plaza and on the street. Please observe any posted signs.
Link to interactive map of street parking.
Click here to arrange a carpool.
Email Christine at [email protected] to discuss any special accessibility needs.
Paid parking is available in the lot behind Capital Plaza and on the street. Please observe any posted signs.
Link to interactive map of street parking.
Click here to arrange a carpool.
Email Christine at [email protected] to discuss any special accessibility needs.
Lunch Time
We are providing an extended lunch period so our guests can explore the plethora of food and sights that downtown Montpelier has to offer - all within easy walking distance of the venue.
For those wanting to plan their own adventure, the Montpelier Alive website provides a host of sites and dining options.
We recommend the following restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk of the venue:
Pho Capital Thai
J Morgan's Steakhouse
Arandas Mexican Cuisine
Royal Orchid
Three Penny Taproom
Enna Cafe + Gelato
Capitol Grounds
The Mad Taco
Wilaiwan's Kitchen
Yellow Mustard Deli
Langdon Street Tavern
See the map view of these restaurant locations.
We are providing an extended lunch period so our guests can explore the plethora of food and sights that downtown Montpelier has to offer - all within easy walking distance of the venue.
For those wanting to plan their own adventure, the Montpelier Alive website provides a host of sites and dining options.
We recommend the following restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk of the venue:
Pho Capital Thai
J Morgan's Steakhouse
Arandas Mexican Cuisine
Royal Orchid
Three Penny Taproom
Enna Cafe + Gelato
Capitol Grounds
The Mad Taco
Wilaiwan's Kitchen
Yellow Mustard Deli
Langdon Street Tavern
See the map view of these restaurant locations.
Keynote
Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer
Mike Pieciak is a proud Vermonter and the state’s 31st Treasurer.
Growing up in Brattleboro, Mike was inspired to pursue public service by the example his parents set. His father, a small business owner, dedicated his free time to community service, while his mother founded St. Brigid’s Soup Kitchen, which continues to serve those in need today. They raised Mike to believe that Vermonters should always look after their neighbors. That belief continues to guide his work today.
As Treasurer, Mike has focused on making smart investments that lower costs, strengthen Vermont's economy, and give every Vermonter a fair shot at success.
Before he was elected Treasurer, Mike served six years as the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation under Governors Peter Shumlin and Phil Scott. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike served on the pandemic response team, providing data and modeling updates at the Governor’s weekly press conferences.
Prior to his public service, Mike practiced law in New York City and at Downs Rachlin Martin in Burlington in the Business Law Group.
Mike graduated cum laude from Union College with a degree in political science. He received his law degree summa cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law where he served as editor-in-chief of the “Miami Law Review.”
Mike resides in Winooski with his English Setter, Jetty.
Growing up in Brattleboro, Mike was inspired to pursue public service by the example his parents set. His father, a small business owner, dedicated his free time to community service, while his mother founded St. Brigid’s Soup Kitchen, which continues to serve those in need today. They raised Mike to believe that Vermonters should always look after their neighbors. That belief continues to guide his work today.
As Treasurer, Mike has focused on making smart investments that lower costs, strengthen Vermont's economy, and give every Vermonter a fair shot at success.
Before he was elected Treasurer, Mike served six years as the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation under Governors Peter Shumlin and Phil Scott. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike served on the pandemic response team, providing data and modeling updates at the Governor’s weekly press conferences.
Prior to his public service, Mike practiced law in New York City and at Downs Rachlin Martin in Burlington in the Business Law Group.
Mike graduated cum laude from Union College with a degree in political science. He received his law degree summa cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law where he served as editor-in-chief of the “Miami Law Review.”
Mike resides in Winooski with his English Setter, Jetty.
Panel
The "State" of Housing
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Jeff Dube, Community Planning and Project Manager, DHCD
Jeff Dube, PLA is a landscape architect and planner in the Community Planning + Revitalization Division at Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development. With experience spanning large-scale master plans, mixed-use town centers, and neighborhood pocket parks, Jeff integrates design, ecology, and urban systems to enrich communities and bring their vision to life. His work includes downtown revitalization efforts across the Northeast, the award-winning Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan, and several projects along Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Jeff works collaboratively with designers, engineers, policymakers, and the public to create places that foster connection, economic vitality, and a strong sense of place. Commissioner Alex Farrell Jayme Bauer, DHCD Moderator: Julia Connell, Community Development Specialist, DHCD Julia Connell has been a Community Development Specialist at the Department of Housing & Community Development for the past 8 years. In that role, she administers Federals Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds into municipalities across the state – providing technical assistance and managing grants with a focus on affordable housing, recovery housing, economic development, public facilities, accessibility modifications, and planning. Julia is also a licensed Real Estate professional. Previously, she worked with non-profits in development and fundraising. Julia studied Public Communication at the University of Vermont in the Community Development and Applied Economics program. Julia currently serves at President of the Vermont Community Development Association (VCDA). She lives in Barre with her partner and their cat. |
Presentation
"CHIP" Away at Housing Infrastructure
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Ellie Beckett, Program Manager, VEPC
Ellie was born and raised in Williston, Vermont, where she continues to live today. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Government and earned a Master of Science in Health Systems and Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. Prior to returning to Vermont, Ellie worked in Washington, D.C., in policy and communications for a nonprofit focused on economic development advocacy for Native American tribal governments. Ellie joined the Vermont Department of Economic Development in 2022, where she managed the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP). In 2024, she joined the Vermont Economic Progress Council as a Program Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) programs. Additionally, Ellie serves on the Williston Selectboard and is a member of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. Bonnie Waninger, Project and Funding Specialist, VLCT Bonnie Waninger serves as the Project and Funding Specialist for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT). She provides expertise, guidance, training, and support to Vermont’s municipalities as they advance their priority projects. Using her broad knowledge and experience, she helps local officials identify, prepare for, and access all types of funding from traditional grants to complex federal tax incentives and, most recently, Vermont’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Prior to joining VLCT, Bonnie served in Vermont Regional Planning Commissions (RPC) for 25 years, most recently as Executive Director in Central Vermont. Farida Ibrahim, CHIP Management Specialist, VEPC Farida Ibrahim joined VEPC as the CHIP Program Manager in November 2025. She is a former U.S. Diplomat and served ten years with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Her last assignment was Ukraine where she led a cross-functional team of 10 overseeing $3B in energy and infrastructure projects. Prior to that, she served as a Program Specialist with the U.S. State Department where she oversaw women, youth, and economic development programs in Libya. Farida earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and an M.A. in Political Science from Florida International University. Katie Buckley, Director of Municipal Operations Support, VLCT Katie Buckley is the Director of Municipal Operations Support for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, a non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission of serving and strengthening Vermont local government. Katie and her team provide expertise and technical assistance to local officials as they navigate the daily administrative, financial and operational complexities of making towns, cities and villages run smoothly and successfully. Prior to joining the League, Katie was a Principal with M&S Development, served as the Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, ACCD, was the Director of Real Estate Development for Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and served as the Town of Guilford’s first Town Administrator for almost a decade. She is a passionate advocate for Vermont’s communities and understands firsthand the critical role local government plays in the daily lives of all Vermonters. Jessica Hartleben, VEPC |
First Breakout Sessions
Growing Your Community's Housing Champions
Activating a Municipal Housing Committee
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Carl Bohlen, Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee
Carl worked in the community development field for 31 years prior to his retirement from the Vermont Community Development Program at the Department of Housing and Community Development in 2017. He is currently the Chair of the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee and has served on the committee since 2006 when it was created by the Town’s Select Board. |
Local Small Scale Developers
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Jeff Dunbar and John Dunbar, Whitaker Properties
John and Jeff Dunbar grew up in Bellows Falls, Vermont and have spent most of their 50+ years in the region. They work in the housing sector through insulation and weatherization, and serve in local government and nonprofit roles. In 2014, they began as housing providers by taking over three family duplexes, then expanded their rental portfolio while serving in local government starting in 2020. Their focus is investing only in their hometown to improve homes and living conditions while changing the narrative around landlord-tenant relations. |
Second Breakout Sessions
Laying the Groundwork - Resources for Making
Housing Happen
What's the Recipe for Activating Places Planned for Growth?
Jake Hemmerick, DHCD
Everything CHIP
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Ellie Beckett, Program Manager, VEPC
Ellie was born and raised in Williston, Vermont, where she continues to live today. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Government and earned a Master of Science in Health Systems and Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. Prior to returning to Vermont, Ellie worked in Washington, D.C., in policy and communications for a nonprofit focused on economic development advocacy for Native American tribal governments. Ellie joined the Vermont Department of Economic Development in 2022, where she managed the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP). In 2024, she joined the Vermont Economic Progress Council as a Program Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) programs. Additionally, Ellie serves on the Williston Selectboard and is a member of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. Bonnie Waninger, Project and Funding Specialist, VLCT Bonnie Waninger serves as the Project and Funding Specialist for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT). She provides expertise, guidance, training, and support to Vermont’s municipalities as they advance their priority projects. Using her broad knowledge and experience, she helps local officials identify, prepare for, and access all types of funding from traditional grants to complex federal tax incentives and, most recently, Vermont’s new Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Prior to joining VLCT, Bonnie served in Vermont Regional Planning Commissions (RPC) for 25 years, most recently as Executive Director in Central Vermont. Farida Ibrahim, CHIP Management Specialist, VEPC Farida Ibrahim joined VEPC as the CHIP Program Manager in November 2025. She is a former U.S. Diplomat and served ten years with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Her last assignment was Ukraine where she led a cross-functional team of 10 overseeing $3B in energy and infrastructure projects. Prior to that, she served as a Program Specialist with the U.S. State Department where she oversaw women, youth, and economic development programs in Libya. Farida earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and an M.A. in Political Science from Florida International University. Katie Buckley, Director of Municipal Operations Support, VLCT Katie Buckley is the Director of Municipal Operations Support for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, a non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission of serving and strengthening Vermont local government. Katie and her team provide expertise and technical assistance to local officials as they navigate the daily administrative, financial and operational complexities of making towns, cities and villages run smoothly and successfully. Prior to joining the League, Katie was a Principal with M&S Development, served as the Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, ACCD, was the Director of Real Estate Development for Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and served as the Town of Guilford’s first Town Administrator for almost a decade. She is a passionate advocate for Vermont’s communities and understands firsthand the critical role local government plays in the daily lives of all Vermonters. Jessica Hartleben, VEPC |
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