About the Agency

Our Mission

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) helps Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities.

Collaboration is central to carrying out this mission and we work with other state Agencies as well as businesses of all sizes, communities, educators, non-profits, students, recreational venues and many others. We at ACCD “set the table” for opportunity. So whether you are a business owner seeking to relocate here, a developer interested in building a new project, an individual hoping to restore an historic gem or a community hoping to increase the livability of your town, you have come to the right place.

Agency Departments

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Department of Economic Development (DED)

At DHCD and DED, we work to grow our economy, help businesses create jobs, and support vibrant and resilient communities. Our staff provides training, technical and financial assistance designed to enhance local community and economic development programs and practices.

Our economic development staff can help you learn more about our strong workforce, walk you through the permitting process, connect you with local networks and share more about our programs, and capital and investment opportunities. The Vermont Economic Progress Council is an arm of the department.

Our housing program focuses on developing housing policy and overseeing the Mobile Home Park Program. The Vermont Community Development Program helps municipalities provide housing, jobs, public services and facilities to their residents. Promoting and preserving our historic resources are the focus of our historic preservation program and our state-owned historic sites.

We are the state’s central office for local and regional land use, including our smart growth designations, designed to enhance our unique landscape of compact centers surrounded by working landscapes. DHCD & DED also fund and support regional development efforts through the Regional Planning Commissions, Regional Development Corporations and through other partners.

The Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM)

The Vermont Brand is associated with environmental quality, “green values,” local, strong community centers, an active agricultural economy and world class, four-season recreation. Our tourism staff promotes Vermont as a travel destination for Vermonters and visitors alike which in turn supports a diverse and vital part of the state’s economy. We work with our partners to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan that integrates television, radio, newspaper and magazine print.

Chief Marketing Office

The Chief Marketing Office (CMO) serves as the central resource for state marketing activity and acts as 'steward of the Vermont brand.' The CMO supports marketing initiatives within individual state agencies and departments by providing strategic expertise and tactical support, centralized creative services, and promoting cost-efficiencies through collaboration across state government.