An act relating to modernizing the State Designated Areas Program

This bill modernizes Vermont's State Designated Areas Program by repealing the existing legal framework and establishing a new chapter to streamline how communities apply for designations. It creates a new State Board composed of state agency representatives, local government officials, and community stakeholders to oversee the program and provide guidance to municipalities. The legislation defines specific area types such as downtowns, commercial cores, and development-ready areas, which can receive benefits like potential Act 250 exemptions and simplified regulatory processes. The program aims to support smart growth principles by encouraging compact, mixed-use development in existing urban and village centers while protecting natural and historic resources.