A task force convened by the New Democrat Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, has found that housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable and unavailable for many Americans. In the report, Missing Millions of Homes, the Coalition linked the lack of affordable housing to a combination of wage stagnation and decreased construction.
Development
Taylor Street housing and transit center construction begins
Senator Patrick Leahy joined Governor Phil Scott, VHFA Deputy Director Maura Collins, and many supporters in Montpelier on Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the 1 Taylor Street affordable housing project. The project, sponsored by Housing Vermont and Downstreet Housing & Community Development, will create 19 affordable apartments for low-income Vermonters as part of a 30 unit development incorporating a new city transit center. The project was funded in part by tax credits and a loan awarded by VHFA.
Lawmakers and supporters celebrate groundbreaking of French Block in Montpelier
Senator Patrick Leahy and Congressman Peter Welch joined representatives from the Vermont Legislature, housing advocates, and many other supporters in downtown Montpelier on Tuesday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the French Block affordable housing project. The project, which is a joint effort between Housing Vermont and Downstreet Housing & Community Development, will rehabilitate a historic building to create 14 affordable apartments for low-income Vermonters and four market-rate apartments.
VHFA awards millions in tax credits for affordable rental housing development
On Monday, April 16 the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners committed federal Housing Tax Credits and Vermont Affordable Housing Credits to construct and renovate apartments for low-income Vermonters over the next several years. The $3.5 million in ten-year federal capped credits, $319,000 in ten-year federal uncapped “bond” credits and $173,000 in five-year state credits will support the development of 251 apartments in eight communities across the state. VHFA permanent and construction financing totaling $19 million was also approved for five of the projects.
VHCB awards proceeds from Sustainability Bonds to affordable housing projects
In January, Vermont Housing Finance Agency was instrumental in the sale of nearly $37 million in Vermont Property Transfer Tax Revenue Bonds. Proceeds from these bonds, sold as sustainability bonds due to their intended use, support the Housing for All initiative to construct and preserve affordable housing across Vermont. Project development is underway. Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) has already awarded proceeds from the housing bonds to 15 planned affordable housing projects.
Community Development Advance webinar
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Community Development Advance (CDA) program offers members an excellent way to support economic development and affordable housing in their communities.
FHLB Boston offers free, one-hour webinars to help you learn more about how the CDA can help grow your business. Topics include financing options, eligibility criteria, online application navigation tips, and eligibility reporting data requirements. You can ask as many questions as you like during this live presentation, all without leaving your office.
Register now for one of the three upcoming webinars:
Vermonters weigh federal tax reform proposals
When the Senate and House released their initial tax reform proposals last week in Washington, Vermont's Congressional delegation went to work to protect valuable resources that are part of the tax code, such as private activity bonds and housing tax credits. Tax programs are responsible for most affordable housing developed in Vermont in the past 30 years.
House Tax Bill ‘Would Have Devastating Impact on Affordable Housing in New England’
From the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition -
Allard Square construction is underway
Cathedral Square Corporation, affordable housing partners and South Burlington officials came together this week to celebrate the start of construction of Allard Square.
The 39-unit apartment building is expected to be open to residents this time next year, with rents for the majority of units being well below market rate.