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Alex R. Farrell (born September 4, 1992) is an American public official and former political candidate from Vermont. He has served as the state’s Commissioner of Housing and Community Development since 2023, where he leads policy on land use, housing, and community planning. Farrell was a candidate for the Vermont Senate in Chittenden County in 2018, running in the state’s unique six-seat district with endorsements from Governor Phil Scott and former Governor Jim Douglas. Although unsuccessful, his campaign drew significant media attention for its fundraising and visibility in one of the state’s most competitive races.[1][2]
Alex R. Farrell | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 4, 1992 Burlington, Vermont, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Vermont (B.S.), Clarkson University (MBA, Advanced Certificate) |
| Occupation(s) | Commissioner of Housing and Community Development for Vermont |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Schabel |
| Children | Alessandro Farrell |
Early life and education
editFarrell was born in Burlington, Vermont, and raised in Shelburne; he also spent substantial time in Alburgh at his father’s home. He is one of five children; his mother is Mary Furlani of Burlington and his father is Thomas Farrell of Burlington. He attended Champlain Valley Union High School, where he was a varsity baseball player and team captain. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration (finance concentration; political science minor) from the University of Vermont and later completed an M.B.A. and an Advanced Certificate in Management and Leadership at Clarkson University.
Career
editEarly career
editFarrell began his career at BioTek Instruments (2012–2015) and then worked at Union Mutual of Vermont Insurance Companies (2015–2021), holding roles as business intelligence analyst, employee development participant, and corporate projects coordinator. He served as a board member of the Insurance Technology Association, presenting at national industry conferences.
Public service
editIn June 2021, Governor Phil Scott appointed Farrell as deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). In October 2023, he was named commissioner, becoming the state’s top housing official.[3]
Farrell has advocated for regulatory and financing changes to accelerate homebuilding. In a 2024 WPTZ interview, he described the state’s problem simply as “scarcity,” adding, “We need to build a lot more homes.”[4] He has also warned against risks in off-site construction, noting, “We…need to be thinking about that eventual bust cycle…we just don’t want to leave the state holding the bag.”[5]
Media have quoted him on several housing initiatives, including citing the importance of interim Act 250 exemptions passed in Act 181 of 2024,[6] proposals to narrow appeals (“strategic and tactical proposals aimed at increasing homebuilding”),[7] and legislative delays he called “very unproductive.”[8] He has also highlighted alternatives such as modular and manufactured housing,[9] and praised new housing models for people with developmental disabilities as “a stellar example…we can do [this] in every community in Vermont.”[10]
Political career
editIn 2018, Farrell was a candidate for the Vermont Senate in Chittenden County, at the time the state’s—and the nation’s—only six-seat legislative district. He received endorsements from Governor Phil Scott and former Governor Jim Douglas.[11] The race was noted for its high costs and crowded field.[12] Although all six incumbents were re-elected, Farrell finished ahead of all other challengers and drew attention for his strong fundraising and energetic campaign.[13]
Public service and boards
editFarrell has served as chair of the Vermont State Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (appointed 2019; reappointed 2023), as president of Housing Foundation, Inc. (2023–2024), and as chair of the Vermont Real Estate Commission (2019–2022). He also held municipal roles in Burlington, including on the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Commission and the Board for Registration of Voters.
Personal life
editFarrell is married to Elizabeth Schabel of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They reside in South Burlington, Vermont, with their son, Alessandro.
References
edit- ^ Dobbs, Taylor (August 29, 2018). "Can Republican Newbie Alex Farrell Win a Senate Seat in Chittenden County?". Seven Days. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ "Mission impossible? A young Republican attempts to score a Senate seat in Chittenden". VTDigger. November 4, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Duffort, Lola (November 1, 2023). "Alex Farrell named Vermont's top housing official". VTDigger. Retrieved August 27, 2025.
- ^ "Federal report shows Vermont home prices spiking over the last year". WPTZ/NBC5. June 6, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Berlin, Carly (January 31, 2025). "Vermont is desperate for new homes. Is it time to build them in factories?". Vermont Public. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Berlin, Carly (December 11, 2024). "Vermont loosened Act 250 rules for housing. Here's where developers are responding". VTDigger. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Cutler, Calvin (February 19, 2025). "Scott administration seeks to limit Act 250 appeals process". WCAX. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Allen, Anne Wallace (May 28, 2025). "Lawmakers Debate Housing and Act 250 Reforms in Final Hours of Session". Seven Days. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Tara, Jessica (March 25, 2024). "Could tiny homes help solve big housing problems in Vermont?". WCAX. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Claar, Kendall (August 14, 2025). "New affordable housing available for Vermonters with developmental disabilities". WCAX. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ Dobbs, Taylor (August 29, 2018). "Can Republican Newbie Alex Farrell Win a Senate Seat in Chittenden County?". Seven Days. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ "Mission impossible? A young Republican attempts to score a Senate seat in Chittenden". VTDigger. November 4, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ "Alex Farrell". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 23, 2025.