The push and pull of land use reform in Vermont

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential changes to Vermont's significant land use law, Act 181, and the resulting tensions between urban and rural communities.

The most significant land use law in Vermont’s recent history is on the brink of major change. Key portions could be repealed, like the “road rule” and tier system. Today, we discuss the future of Act 181. The law inflamed tensions between urban and rural Vermonters. Housing and infrastructure reporter Carly Berlin catches us up on lawmakers debate over Act 181 in Montpelier. We also hear from Alex Weinhagen from the Land Use Review Board, the state agency charged with implementing Vermont's land use laws. We're also joined by farmer Neil Ryan of Corinth and land planner Ben Falk , founder of Whole Systems Design in Moretown and Rochester. Broadcast live on Monday, April 27, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram .

People in this episode

Guests: Carly Berlin, Alex Weinhagen, Neil Ryan, Ben Falk

Topics covered

• land use reform
• Vermont law
• urban-rural tensions
• housing
• infrastructure

Keywords

• land use
• Vermont
• Act 181
• housing
• infrastructure
• urban-rural
• law reform

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Land Use Review Board

Books & works: Act 181

Places: Vermont

More episodes of Vermont Edition

• Vermont Edition at Home: Howard Dean · June 11, 2026 · 49 min
• Penny for your thoughts? Vermonters weigh in on the copper coin's demise · June 10, 2026 · 50 min
• Need a book recommendation? Check out Vermont Edition's summer reading list · June 9, 2026 · 50 min
• The battle over Battery Energy Storage Sites · June 8, 2026 · 50 min
• Town by Town: Brattleboro · June 4, 2026 · 57 min
• The architecture movement rooted in the Mad River Valley · June 3, 2026 · 50 min