2024 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference Schedule
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Legislative Breakfast
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Welcome
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Keynote
The conference's 2024 keynote speaker is Heather McGhee. Heather is an author, national political contributor, educator, and public policy leader. Heather is the author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, which spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award and Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction.
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Overcoming Housing Challenges in Flood-Prone Vermont
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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.
Team-ACT Implementation With Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: The Healthworks ACT Example Project
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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.
Unique Homebuying Opportunities: Understanding, Promoting & Financing a Diversity of Home Types
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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.
‘Need to Know’ Housing Legislation: Act 250, State Designation, Regional Planning & Local Regulation
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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.
A just climate transition for housing: What will it take?
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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.
Housing 101: All You Need To Know About Housing In VT
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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.
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Lunch and Housing Hero Awards
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The State of Homeownership
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Come explore the trends in homebuying, some of the challenges and opportunities to make homebuying more accessible.
The State of Vermont's Housing Needs: A Deep Dive into State & Regional Housing Data.
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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.
Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP): A case study for housing and service provider coordination
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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.
What Lies Ahead for Federal Housing Efforts in 2025?
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This session will offer reflections on the recent national elections and what federal housing opportunities may be in store in the coming year.
Affordable Housing for Vermont's Farmworkers
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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.
Unlocking New Energy Finance Opportunities for Affordable Housing
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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.
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Net zero by 2030? A Roadmap for Affordable Housing
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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.
BIPOC Attendee Focus Group
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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.
Homebuying Programs: A Primer for Home Financing
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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.
Ensuring Shelter When There Are No Homes
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In the face of rising homelessness, learn about some successes that may help communities and residents who have urgent needs for shelter.
The Vermont Zoning Atlas: A hands-on guide to learning about land use
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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.
Let's Make Homes! Tools for Small Scale Housing Developers
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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.