2024 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference Schedule

Room:  Carlton Boardroom

The state’s Comprehensive Energy Plan notes that “the burdens and benefits of energy policy in Vermont have not been equitably distributed across the state or its citizens”. This session will engage panelists and audience members in discussing what resources their clients, partners, and projects need to reduce fossil fuel use across our affordable housing stock, and how we can ensure that Vermont’s most vulnerable households are not left behind as we transition to a clean energy future.

In this workshop, presenters will describe the creation of a multi-agency Assertive Community Treatment Team (Healthworks ACT LLC) to work with individuals experiencing significant mental health and/or SUD challenges as well as homelessness or other connection to Groundworks Collaborative.. 

In 2023 and 2024, Vermont enacted major reforms to state, regional, and local planning, regulation, and coordinated investment. These changes focus on accelerating housing production to meet Vermont’s goals. From new opportunities in Act 250 and planned growth areas to municipal zoning reforms, this session will tell you what you need to know about key reforms and offer a preview of likely 2025 legislation. Leave with a better handle on new opportunities for homes in smart places near you.

Created for those new to the housing sector or in need of a refresher, Housing 101 will provide a crash course in all things housing. We'll cover the latest data on housing supply and needs, an overview of federal and state housing agencies, policies and funding, and a review of how Vermont provides shelter and services for all who need them.

The growing threat of flooding in Vermont is reshaping communities and livelihoods. Join us to explore the direct impacts on housing and the collaborative efforts by residents and organizations to safeguard their future.

This session will explore creative, non-traditional housing finance opportunities for a variety of homebuyers and home types, such as multi-generational housing, Accessory Dwelling Units and communal home buying.

The Inflation Reduction Act offers billions in rebates, tax credits, and other funding, offering an unprecedented opportunity to finance efficiency and electrification in affordable housing. This session will describe these new resources and discuss how housing developers can leverage them in their projects.

Come explore the trends in homebuying, some of the challenges and opportunities to make homebuying more accessible.

VHIP is an innovative state program administered by local housing organizations that offers grants to housing owners and managers to repair vacant rental units, add new units to an existing building, or create an accessory dwelling unit on an owner-occupied property. This session is for housing providers, property managers, and service providers and will look at the process for housers utilizing VHIP to coordinate with service providers. It will highlight the relationship between Vermont's Coordinated Entry process for those exiting homelessness and property owners and managers using VHIP.

This session will offer reflections on the recent national elections and what federal housing opportunities may be in store in the coming year.

This session will explore the needs for farmworker housing and the innovations taking place in Vermont and around the country to ensure all of Vermont's farmworkers have safe, decent affordable housing.

Learn how to access the latest information about Vermont’s housing needs and how to use visualizations from the Vermont Housing Data website to make compelling, data-driven summaries. 

Room:  Atrium

The State of Vermont is planning for net-zero ready building standards by 2030. This session will discuss recent updates to the State’s Building Energy Standards, and the technical innovations that are paving the way for the next phase of building design.

This session will explore down payment assistance and affordable financing options available in Vermont. It will provide real-world examples where programs have been used in combination to create life-changing benefits for eligible homebuyers, and will address some of the challenges that arise.

Join the team that created Vermont’s Zoning Atlas and learn how to answer questions about where local zoning laws allow future housing and new neighbors.

This session will explore the various tools, financing, supports and resources available to new and emerging housing developers across Vermont. Whether you're brand new to the sector or have two rental units and want to expand your portfolio by building infill housing, this session is for you.

Hosted by the VT POC Network, this will be an opportunity for BIPOC-identified people to share ideas for additional support from the network and state.  

In the face of rising homelessness, practice deep listening, center humanity and co-create shelter for all.