With close to 100 people registered to attend the November housing conference, we're beginning to see what workshops people consider the day's hot tickets.
In the morning session, "What Lies Ahead for Vermont's Housing Economy" is the most popular workshop, holding 40% of all registrations for that time-slot. Using the latest state-level data, panelists will quantify Vermont's current need for affordable housing, the role of real estate in the state's economy, and what local housing markets can expect in 2011 and beyond.
In the early afternoon session, "Federal Housing Policy" is in the lead with 25%; "Challenging Changes for Housing" is a close second with 22%.
November's mid-term congressional elections could bring major changes in Congress, affecting federal appropriations and long-awaited initiatives like the National Housing Trust Fund, Section 8 Voucher Reform, and Affordable Housing Preservation. During the federal policy workshop, a panel of national experts will discuss what this means for national housing policy and its likely impact on Vermont.
In the late afternoon, the leader is "State Housing Policy Highlights," with 48% of all registrants for that time-slot. Attendees will be able to hear House Speaker Shap Smith and others review major housing-related outcomes of the 2010 State Legislative session and a preview of what's in store for 2011 in light of the recent election and how this might impact housing.