The Research and Communications Coordinator will collect data and conduct analysis of VHFA programs, general housing market, statewide housing needs, and community development research for use by VHFA staff, management, Board, and for external stakeholders.  This position will also ensure content is accessible through VHFA's core information platforms for internal and external use. This role includes developing and updating Agency-wide data, promoting the Agency’s programs and policies, creating informational tools for Vermont communities and policy makers, conducting research, writing reports, press releases, and social media posts as needed.

Equal access to residential housing (i.e. housing choice) is a fundamental right that is critical to personal, professional, and community development. If equal opportunity is to become a reality, fair housing is a goal that public officials and private citizens must embrace.

To that end, the State of Vermont is planning a comprehensive Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) to further the goal of fair housing and satisfy requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act.

A preliminary survey is underway to collect input of housing & nonprofit professionals across the state. 

On November 16^th, the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference recognized Kathy Beyer's enormous contributions to housing lower income Vermonters by selecting her for this year’s Housing Hero award.  Currently serving as Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development at Evernorth, Beyer has had a long career both as developer and advocate, helping to generate hundreds of permanently additional affordable apartments across the state.

The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is our newest Diamond level sponsor of the 2022 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference. For over 20 years, the conference has drawn hundreds of Vermonters interested in affordable housing together. After cancelling the conference in 2020, we are excited to again host an in-person event next week on November 16th at the Hilton Burlington. 

The conference draws hundreds of housing professionals, including legislators, town and regional planners, advocates, developers, and bankers. This exciting event would not be possible without sponsors like the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Steve Gronlund, a long-time Shelburne resident, has worked at the VHFA for close to 8 years.  During his time with the VHFA, Gronlund worked to help guide the agency through the pandemic as well as new initiatives such as the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program.  Additionally, Gronlund managed VHFA’s excellent compensation and benefits package, ensuring that all staff and their families were taken care of.

VHFA's Executive Director Maura Collins stated "I am very excited for Steve; however, he will be greatly missed here at the VHFA. His positive attitude and dedication to our staff have helped make our organization a great place to work.  All of us at the VHFA wish him the very best in his well deserved retirement".