The Local Solutions and Community Action Team of the Vermont Governor’s Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force created a tool for municipalities and local leaders looking to expand the vibrancy of their communities. The ideas and recommendations in the tool come from Vermonters and in many cases have already been implemented with success in communities across the state.
Economy
Vermont homes used as short-term rentals on the rise
Until the recent COVID-19 restrictions, the number of Vermont homes used as short-term rentals has ticked up each year, according to a recent analysis by Vermont Housing Finance Agency. In a typical month last year, about 8,000 homes were listed as short-term rentals across the state.
Governor’s recovery task force releases initial recommendations
By: Mia Watson
Earlier this week, the Local Support and Community Action Team released its interim report with recommendations on how Vermont can begin its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The team is a part of the Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force charged by Governor Scott with identifying recovery initiatives and best practices.
Report suggests 17% of Vermont households at risk of housing insecurity due to job loss
By: Mia Watson
A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston estimates that job losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic could put 21,351 Vermont homeowner and 23,561 renter households at high risk of not being able to pay their mortgage or rent.
Help identify high impact strategies for promoting Vermont’s recovery
The Local Support and Community Action Team of the State of Vermont Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force needs your help prioritizing high impact ideas and actions identified by diverse stakeholders for COVID-19 recovery. The task force was established by Governor Scott to help mitigate the short-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop strategies for long-term business and community recovery.
Economic impact of coronavirus outbreak on Vermont housing
By: Mia Watson
Vermont has received over 71,000 unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic reached the state. An economic recession is almost certainly forthcoming. This economic disruption will impact Vermont’s housing markets and households, but the full effects will depend on the duration of the coronavirus outbreak.
Location matters for housing affordability
By: Maura Collins
This commentary by VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins appeared recently in VTDigger
Housing affordability can’t be judged just on how much it costs to rent or buy a home. Although those indicators are important, the total costs of housing, both for households and the community, depend heavily on where the home is located.
Homeownership declines among young Vermonters
By: Maura Collins
This commentary by VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins appeared recently in VTDigger
Vermont Rural Life Survey highlights affordability challenges
By: Mia Watson
VPR and Vermont PBS have released the results of the annual Vermont Rural Life Survey, which polls households from all across Vermont about life in their communities and the daily challenges they face. Vermont has the second highest percentage of its population living in rural areas in the United States.
Housing recovery leaves black households behind
By: Mia Watson
The economic recovery is being felt among many households, with home equity wealth rising and more Millennials becoming homeowners. However, gains in homeownership have not been equally distributed among all Americans.