Policy & initiatives

Due to breadth and depth of its staffs' experience, VHFA serves as a coordinator, supporter and information resource for housing organizations and policy makers. If an initiative is consistent with VHFA's mission, we support it through our programs, guidance to policy makers and housing research.

Recent multi-agency initiatives VHFA helped advance include:

• Guide to using local ARPA funds for housing, produced with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. 
• Governor's Economic Recovery Task Force and Municipal Engagement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tool
• The Housing-Ready Toolbox for planners and community members 

Every two years, VHFA convenes the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference which draws nearly 500 policy makers, housing developers, lenders and advocates. Participants hear from national and state leaders about the state’s most pressing housing issues. The conference is run on behalf of a multi-agency planning committee: Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Housing Vermont, USDA Rural Development, VT Affordable Housing Coalition, VT’s Department of Housing and Community Development, VT Housing & Conservation Board, VT Housing Finance Agency, VT Mortgage Bankers Association and VT Realtors. 

VHFA also supports partner organizations by developing and maintaining the Vermont Housing Managers Association and Vermont Resident Services Coordinators websites.  VHFA also developed and maintains Vermont's Housing Data website, including the statewide Directory of Affordable Rental Housing.