Montpelier mayor floats $20,000 incentive for new homes

From the Montpelier Common Council meeting on 2026-09-15

Brad Neff used Tuesday's discussion period to propose a 2027 incentive that would offer $20,000 per qualifying new home built in Montpelier.

Neff said he wants the city to attract more residents and grow its tax base by helping people build on open lots or replace demolished structures. He said his draft concept would require a home valued above $100,000 and at least 1,000 square feet, though modular construction could still qualify if it met city standards.

Neff said he was considering an initial budget of about $100,000 for a five-month trial year. He argued that approach could move faster than spending an estimated $3 million on infrastructure for a 15-to-20-home subdivision.

Council members showed interest in the idea, but no vote was possible because the council lacked a quorum. The meeting did not settle how the incentive would be paid or what legal steps would be needed to launch it.

Source: Meeting transcript — Montpelier Common Council Meeting September 15, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.