Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is seeking feedback and comments on the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) that guides the agency in making housing tax credit allocation decisions. The Agency has opened the initial comment period and will close the period on Friday, April 15, 2020. The current 2020-2021 QAP is available on VHFA’s website.
Housing policy
VHFA launches Vermont Housing Fellow Program
Caroline Rubin, a graduate student at University of Vermont, has been named the inaugural Vermont Housing Fellow by VHFA. Rubin will receive a financial stipend to improve and expand information available to decision makers about Vermont housing markets and opportunities. In the process, she will gain valuable experience aiding her professional development.
How the census affects us all
This commentary by VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins appeared recently in VTDigger
As the start of the 2020 U.S. census nears, it is important to understand its immense impact on our daily lives and why an accurate count of our nation’s population is so important.
Maura Collins interviewed by Tax Credit Advisor magazine
VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins was interviewed by Darryl Hicks for the December issue of Tax Credit Advisor, a leading industry publication focused on the development and financing of subsidized housing. The interview highlighted Collin’s new role as Executive Director and discussed her future plans for the Agency.
Excerpts from the interview are reprinted below:
State announces outreach meetings for HUD Consolidated Plan
The State of Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is inviting the public to attend a series of community outreach meetings around the state to inform its upcoming HUD Consolidated Plan.
Act 48 stakeholder meeting to be held on December 16
In 2019, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 48, which included asking the State Treasurer to evaluate and report on options for funding and financing affordable housing in the state. This report is due on January 15, 2020.
Big ideas for local housing challenges
Although Vermont communities face hard work in turning the tide of declining housing affordability, consensus is growing about the most effective ways to do this. At a recent gathering convened by Fannie Mae and the Urban Institute, business, government and non-profit leaders agreed that many of the root causes and solutions to the nation’s housing affordability crisis are tied to local action.
The most powerful strategies available to communities seeking more balance in the affordability of their housing stock are:
Whose voices are heard in local decision making?
In our increasing complex system of government, housing is one of few policy areas that is still largely decided at the local level. Resident input can have a significant influence on the number and types of homes that are built in a community. However, a study of local governments in Massachusetts reveals that people who participate in planning and zoning meetings often do not match the demographics of their communities as a whole. The study suggests that this lack of representation has contributed to the affordable housing crisis that America is currently facing.
VHFA seeks public comment on Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is seeking feedback and comments on the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) that guides the agency in making housing tax credit allocation decisions. The agency is opening the comment and feedback period effective April 23, 2019 and will close the period on Friday, May 24. The current version of the QAP is available on VHFA’s website.
Vermont towns can improve housing affordability
With town meeting day behind us and many new faces elected to local office across the state, this post shares a few key housing resources for towns.
A growing number of Vermont communities seeking economic and community vibrancy through housing have taken foundational steps of conducting local needs assessments and appointing housing commissions. These commissions are typically charged with recommending policy changes that will ensure the local housing stock offers options affordable at a range of income levels.