The House concurrent resolution honors Mary Houghton of Brattleboro for her exceptional advocacy in promoting sustainable and affordable housing in Vermont over nearly four decades. Her journey began in 1987 when she became the director of finance at the Burlington Community Land Trust (BCLT), where she played a pivotal role in establishing the organization as a leading community land trust in the country. Houghton’s dedication and hard work were instrumental in the successful merger of BCLT with the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corporation, resulting in the formation of the Champlain Housing Trust. Her commitment to affordable housing has been recognized with various awards, including the Leadership for a Changing World award from the Ford Foundation and the George Nutting Community Catalyst Award from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.

In addition to her work with BCLT, Houghton has contributed to the Brattleboro Housing Authority and served on several boards, including the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and the Vermont State Housing Authority. Her involvement extends beyond housing, as she has also participated in community improvement efforts in Burlington. The resolution acknowledges her tireless efforts and significant impact on the housing landscape in Vermont, and it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her as a formal recognition of her contributions.