Governor Lamont vetoed H.B. 5002, a bill designed to increase affordable housing, which included zoning mandates and incentives. The bill's contentious Towns Take the Lead initiative aimed to require municipalities to zone for specific affordable housing units while incentivizing compliance with state funds. While Lamont initially supported the bill, he later expressed the need for policies to emerge from local contexts. Supporters claimed the bill respected municipal autonomy, while opponents, including local leaders, welcomed the veto, voicing concerns over unrealistic housing goals and inadequate local engagement in zoning reform.
Proponents of H.B. 5002 argued the legislation respected municipal autonomy by allowing towns to opt in or out of major provisions.
State House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D), a supporter of the bill, cast doubt on the feasibility of zoning reform without firm legislative pressure.
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