Partner organizations

The Vermont Zoning Atlas team is seeking volunteers to help complete its build-out across the state. This is an exciting opportunity to join a national data standardization project, be part of a grassroots team and be among the first researchers to work with raw zoning data across Vermont. The project started this summer by focusing on Chittenden County towns.   

The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) is currently designing the Medicaid Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Assistance Program. This new program is for adults who have Medicaid and who meet certain health and risk criteria. The Program will provide people with access to help getting and keeping housing as well as the support services and connection to resources that provide rental assistance. 

Join local officials, planners, business and property owners, statewide leaders at the Designation 2050 Design Summit on September 12, 2023.  Hear about the findings of the Designation Program Evaluation underway and help design the future of these programs – and Vermont.

Another way to contribute your ideas is through surveys tailored to your role in the community,  as a member of the general public or with a municipality, agency or partner organization or as an elected or appointed official.  

The Vermont Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) opening today can assist a variety of small businesses impacted by July flooding, including landlords. Landlords may receive assistance up to $20,000 for up to three properties.  Properties with extensive damage may qualify for up to $100,000. 

A webinar recording available here answers many questions pertaining to assistance for rental property damage. 

Vermont communities now have more ways to promote inclusive, smart growth. Last week, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development launched the Community Partnership for Neighborhood Development grant program and is accepting applications.

Apply to be one of five pilot communities for free neighborhood design infill design services. 

 Vermonters need better housing options and more affordable homes. Meeting that need requires changing the ways homes are built in Vermont, especially the location and types of new homes. "Missing middle" homes (MMH), like accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and small-scale multi-household buildings were once common but have been increasingly limited by zoning and other regulations. MMH is a solution to providing a diverse mix of housing options for homeowners and renters that creates more walkable and vital neighborhoods.   

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has released its second annual report for the Vermont Housing Investment Fund (VHIF). VHFA established the fund in 2020 in recognition of a growing need for more flexible financing opportunities for affordable housing development. VHIF investments are intended to fill gaps in project budgets, allowing worthwhile housing projects to move forward despite complex and changing development conditions.

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced last week that its annual award of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 112 homes in perpetually affordable apartment buildings in four communities across the state. The sale of this year’s tax credits to investors is expected to yield over $28 million in funds covering an estimated 60 percent of total project development costs.  

These housing construction projects will take place in a uniquely challenging environment. Elevated development costs, interest rates and housing needs among Vermonters heavily influenced project planning. The cost of developing a unit of rental housing in Vermont has increased 36% since 2018.  

On Monday, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners awarded $14.2 million to 12 projects totaling 92 homes across eight counties as part of the Missing Middle-Income Homeownership Development Pilot Program (Missing Middle-Income Program). The program represents the largest single investment in the state’s history to create new homeownership opportunities. Signed into law by Governor Scott in June of 2022, the program was established by the Vermont Legislature with an initial investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

MIDDLEBURY, VT - With many Vermonters feeling stuck because of the increasing costs of homes and the dire lack of availability, officials announced a new program to build more moderately priced homes across the state. The Missing Middle-Income Homeownership Development Program will provide subsidies and incentives for home builders to construct or rehabilitate modest homes affordable to Vermont homebuyers at 120% of the area median household income or lower.