The Vermont Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development (DEHCD) is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct and prepare an Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice for the State of Vermont in connection with the State’s programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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New HUD administrator for New England
Barbara Fields has become the new administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's (HUD) New England Region.
Fields was Executive Director of the Rhode Island office of Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC), a community development intermediary.
"Barbara's extensive knowledge of affordable housing and her comprehensive approach to community revitalization are a perfect complement to the Obama Administration," said HUD Sec. Shaun Donovan.
Champlain Housing Trust featured in The American Prospect
Our friends across the street at Champlain Housing Trust are featured in The American Prospect magazine.
The (substantial) article, titled "The Rent Trap," explores issues of renting, homeownership and shared equity housing.
Founded in 1990, The America Prospect is a monthly magazine "of liberal ideas, committed to a just society, an enriched democracy, and effective liberal politics."
AAHSA changes name to LeadingAge
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) has changed its name to LeadingAge.
The organization is a national network of 5,400 non-profit organizations that provide services and support to people as they age.
Last week, LeadingAge's Vermont chapter held an event at the Statehouse to celebrate its name change to LeadingAge Vermont and discuss its work to develop and expand the Support and Services at Home (SASH) program.
CEDO seeks Housing Programs Specialist
The Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) is looking to hire a Housing Program Specialist.
The job is responsible for administering a variety of housing rehabilitation programs; and reporting, monitoring, record keeping, loan closing, marketing, and procurement for all City of Burlington housing programs.
Application deadline is Feb. 4.
Photo: Windsor Village event
VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter (left) and Housing Vermont President Nancy Owens (center) joined Sen. Bernie Sanders at last week's announcement at Windsor Village.
Read more about the energy efficiency project underway there.
Report: Homebuyers default less often with local lenders
"Location, location, location" has long been held as a primary factor in real estate sales. Turns out the same might be said for successful home loans.
New research from Ohio State University reveals low-income homeowners who get their mortgages from a local lender — within 10 miles of their new home — were less likely to default on their loan than borrowers who go with more distant lending institutions.
The rule seems to apply even when comparing identical loan products at the same interest rate.
“Local banks seem to offer some protection to homebuyers, particularly those with low incomes who may be seen as risky borrowers," according to Stephanie Moulton, Assistant Professor at the university's John Glenn School of Public Affairs.
Support affordable housing at tonight's Burlington City Council meeting
The Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC) is encouraging Burlington residents to attend tonight's Burlington City Council meeting and speak out in support of affording housing in Vermont.
The Council is considering adding a question to Burlington's March ballot urging Vermont lawmakers to protect 300 affordable housing units in the Queen City by passing preservation legislation.
According to VAHC, more than 2,500 affordable units are at risk statewide.
The Council's meeting is at 7 tonight, at City Hall, 149 Church St., Burlington. The public forum begins at 7:30.
Energy efficiency funds secured for Windsor Village
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has made a grant of nearly a quarter-million dollars to improve energy efficiency at Windsor Village.
The $243,500 grant will be used to improve the 77-unit housing development in Windsor.
Housing Vermont began work on the $5 million improvement project last month. It's expected to be completed in about a year.
Brown becomes Smart Growth Vermont Executive Director
Faith Brown of Underhill has become Interim Executive Director of Smart Growth Vermont in Burlington.
Brown has served as Vice President for Finance and Operations and Interim CEO at the Vermont Community Foundation, and Director of Planning and Program Evaluation for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.
“Faith is highly respected in Vermont’s philanthropic community as well,” says Smart Growth Vermont founder John Ewing. “We are confident that she will not only lead us through our transition, but help us define the next generation for our organization.”