BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Students at the University of Vermont debated ways to fix Burlington’s pervasive housing crisis Wednesday night.
The UVM Lawrence Debate Union held the public debate in the Mount Mansfield Room in the Davis Center in front of a significant audience turnout.
Three teams shared different ways to combat the crisis. One targeted rental regulation, another pushed for a UVM student enrollment cap, and the last one suggested changing zoning regulations.
“This debate should prefer the policy that can have the most direct and wide-reaching impact. On our side we prioritized temporary, fast-acting policies that can provide relief while supporting the continued growth of the housing supply,” said student Kat Rakowski.
“Local officials have requested that UVM issue an enrollment cap of 5% each year until the housing is built enough to raise the vacancy rate to 5%,” said student Katana Hutchins.
“Zoning reform is the most important first step that we should take. Such provisions can restrict the opportunities that we have to build new housing, which increases the cost for individuals and communities, perpetuating sprawling, car-oriented development,” Troy Kapowitz.
Debate organizers say they hope tonight’s meeting will help students decide which policies they want to support in upcoming legislative sessions.