Although Vermont communities face hard work in turning the tide of declining housing affordability, consensus is growing about the most effective ways to do this.  At a recent gathering convened by Fannie Mae and the Urban Institute, business, government and non-profit leaders agreed that many of the root causes and solutions to the nation’s housing affordability crisis are tied to local action. 

The most powerful strategies available to communities seeking more balance in the affordability of their housing stock are:

VHFA joined Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) and Housing Vermont last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Jeudevine Housing. The project involved the extensive rehabilitation of three buildings in downtown Hardwick, preserving 18 affordable apartments and a commercial business space. Jeudevine received nearly half of its funding from federal tax credits awarded by VHFA. 

VPR and Vermont PBS have released the results of the annual Vermont Rural Life Survey, which polls households from all across Vermont about life in their communities and the daily challenges they face. Vermont has the second highest percentage of its population living in rural areas in the United States. The survey revealed challenges in affording decent quality housing, as well as concerns about the future of Vermont’s rural towns and cities.

VHFA honored Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tom Connors and Information Technology (IT) Director Rick Jean for their many years of service as they retire from the Agency this month.

Tom Connors served as VHFA’s CFO since 2006. Prior that, he worked at Trak Sports USA and IDX. In addition to his work at VHFA, Connors has served on the Boards of the Energy Co-op of Vermont and ReSource, and has taught courses on finance and accounting at Champlain College and Community College of Vermont. He is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College and Bentley University.