2026-2034 Northwest Regional Plan 

The Board of Commissioners adopted the regional plan in March, 2026. In June, 2026 the Land Use Review Board (LURB) granted it’s approval. With LURB approval, communities that chose to opt into Tier 1B, will have areas with Act 250 exemptions for some housing projects, and communities will have additional areas eligible for benefits under the state’s designation program.

To find out more about the changes made to the regional plan, click here.

Northwestern Vermont’s greatest assets are its healthy, clean environment; its mix of farms, forests, village and urban centers; and its strong employment base. Combined, these assets make the region a great place to live, work and raise a family. NRPC’s regional planning program builds upon these assets through adoption and implementation of a regional plan.

The region’s citizens have a strong tradition of local planning and community development. Communities consider the needs of adjoining neighborhoods and the region as a whole, and they work together to ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental factors are balanced in the planning and decision-making process. This balance will promote the region’s continued growth and well-being, and a healthy and sustainable quality of life.

The Northwest Regional Plan addresses the economic, social and environmental factors that influence and sustain growth and development in the region. The plan was prepared under the direction of the NRPC’s Board of Commissioners with significant input and guidance from residents, communities and partner organizations.

The NRPC is legally mandated to prepare a regional plan pursuant to Title 24, Chapter 117, of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, commonly referred to as the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act.

How are we doing?

NRPC regularly reviews our progress on the implementation priorities included in the regional plan. NRPC will produce implementation reports on the 2026 plan starting in late 2027.