Seventy-five percent of affordable multifamily housing developments surveyed nationally reported insurance premium hikes over 10% between 2022 to 2023 according to a National Multifamily Housing Council report. Bloomberg and other news outlets have been reporting how “rising insurance rates are crushing affordable housing” which led to a Senate Committee hearing in Congress last year.
Events
Upcoming community investment series on partnerships and capital for affordable housing
VHFA is pleased to be partnering with and participating in the upcoming community investment forum “Leveraging Partnerships and Capital: Unlocking Barriers to Affordable Housing and Economic Development” on April 16 in Manchester, presented by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. The Manchester forum will be one of eight events throughout New England as part of the series.
Speakers at the Manchester forum include:
Just Action authors Leah & Richard Rothstein to speak on April 1
VHFA is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2024 April Fair Housing Month kick off event “Just Action” with authors Leah & Richard Rothstein on April 1 starting at 5:30pm at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. This free event and statewide housing justice book club will promote community-based solutions to housing segregation and exclusion.
Build America, Buy America Information Session
On March 27th from 9-11 am the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development will provide a web-based informational session to overview the implementation of Build America, Buy America (BABA) in Vermont.
All residential development, construction, building trades, and building contractor professionals are encouraged to attend. If you are a planning professional working with or in communities supporting housing development that utilize federal funding, please share this information with your building/development networks.
VHFA Is Hiring!
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is recruiting a new Staff Accountant. Formed in 1974, VHFA’s mission is to finance and promote affordable, safe, and decent housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Named one of the “Best Small/Medium Places to Work in Vermont” several times over the last few years, VHFA offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. VHFA is looking for an individual who will help us to maintain our great reputation, and who demonstrates a strong work ethic, is creative, puts customers first, and works well both independently and as a team player.
Homes for All Toolkit Trainer Summit on March 14
Join the VT Department of Housing & Community Development, VHFA and other statewide partners for the Homes for All Toolkit Launch and Training Summit on March 14!
This interactive event is for novice and emerging small-scale home builders seeking to start developing new and renovated homes in Vermont, community development professionals and local leaders looking for new housing tools to support Vermonters, and anyone interested in innovative solutions to Vermont’s housing crisis.
Join Vermont's Welcoming and Engaging Communities
The Vermont League of Cities and Town (VLCT) is currently accepting applications for its upcoming Welcoming and Engaging Communities Program, designed to foster municipal cultures that are healthy, thriving and supportive. In partnership with Vermont cultural transformation consultancy Abundant Sun, the program features transformative workshops, analytical insight and subsidized participation from VLCT.
Regional housing development funding sessions
VHFA is conducting a series of sessions around the state about housing development funding. Learn about new funding opportunities available and share how they can best help you overcome challenges to build and renovate affordable housing. Open to anyone interested in creating and preserving affordable housing, including small and aspiring developers.
Sessions in five locations as well as a virtual session have been scheduled at this point. Stay up to date about additional sessions and materials available by checking back to this web page,
Vermont Treasurer's Office makes historic investment in home building
On Wednesday, Governor Phil Scott and Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced a $55.5 million investment in housing, as part of the “10% in Vermont” local investment program.
VHFA will administer $50 million of these funds to construct or rehabilitate an estimated 1,000 homes over the next 2-3 years. The program will support the construction or rehabilitation of traditional affordable housing, market rate apartments, homeownership as well as housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, reserves will be made available for households and housing impacted by this summer’s flooding.
Reimagine how Vermont locations are designated for community development
Join local officials, planners, business and property owners, statewide leaders at the Designation 2050 Design Summit on September 12, 2023. Hear about the findings of the Designation Program Evaluation underway and help design the future of these programs – and Vermont.
Another way to contribute your ideas is through surveys tailored to your role in the community, as a member of the general public or with a municipality, agency or partner organization or as an elected or appointed official.