Vermont Bond Bank has announced its first annual Capital Plan Contest as well as the Vermont Capital Planning Forum. In sponsoring the contest, the Bond Bank seeks to recognize best practices in communities of all sizes while allowing all Vermonters to benefit from exemplary models of capital planning throughout the state.
AIA to offer free design services for affordable housing
The Vermont chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), will host a design charrette session with pro-bono services for affordable housing projects.
AIA-VT invites Vermont nonprofits, municipalities, and community-based groups to submit specific affordable housing projects in the early or conceptual stages for review.
Developer survey reports widespread cost increases and delays related to pandemic
A new white paper from Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) finds that 86% of Vermont housing developers were experiencing project delays during the pandemic. The report draws from an online survey of statewide developers in August and a subsequent forum that brought together over 60 development professionals and state regulators to discuss challenges and potential solutions. Despite unprecedented state and federal funding increases from pandemic relief bills, Vermont’s development community is encountering significant challenges completing projects.
Ribbon-cutting celebrated at New Avenue in St. Johnsbury
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Executive Director Maura Collins joined housing partners on Wednesday for a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony for New Avenue Apartments in downtown St. Johnsbury. The historic building, redeveloped by RuralEdge and Evernorth, offers 40 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. The project received the majority of its funding from federal tax credits and a long-term loan awarded by VHFA.