The ECOS (Environment. Community. Opportunity. Sustainability) project has moved into the next phase of its work – prioritizing actions to achieve common goals. Come meet with others interested in the impact of housing on Chittenden County’s sustainability to identify criteria for prioritizing future action.
After an interruption Thursday, the Vermont Housing Data website and the Vermont Housing Managers Association website resumed operation.
Thanks for your patience!
A study looked at how borrowers who owe more than their home is worth (underwater) might be limited in their ability to move because of their housing situation. This can perpetuate a high unemployment rate if homeowners can’t move for economic reasons. The report’s authors found that “house lock” definitely decreases a household’s mobility options, but in aggregate has had a negligible effect on the nation’s unemployment rate.
Last week, the Census Bureau released information never before available—detailed population and housing information from the 2010 Census, such as age, relationship and homeownership for census tracts, towns, counties, and the state level.
A recent study looking at the six New England states’ home lending activity between 2006 to 2010 shows Vermont compared to neighboring states. Some highlights are:
The low interest rates offered by mortgage lenders during the economic downturn have improved housing affordability, according to an index prepared each year by the Vermont Economy Newsletter. The percentage of income consumed by mortgage payments on the average Vermont house for the average married couple family in Vermont decreased to 13.1%.
Housing discrimination is prevalent in Vermont, according to a recent study conducted by Vermont Legal Aid's Housing Discrimination Law Project.
The University of Vermont's Jefford's Center for Public Policy will be hosting Sandra J. Newman, PhD for a discussion titled, "U.S. Housing Policy: Debates, Puzzles and Insights."
Of the 10 largest housing expenditures, by dollar cost, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit is only 3%, according to an analysis reported by Novogradac yesterday. By contrast, the five largest housing-related tax expenditures combined represent 93% of the ten largest housing-related tax expenditures in FY 2011.
