June is National Homeownership Month, which gives us a chance to celebrate the ways homeownership opportunities have improved in the last year, as well as reflect on ways we can improve in the coming year. To kick off the month, US Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary Ben Carson will be discussing the history and outlook of homeownership at 2pm EDT on June 1st, 2017.

There will be a webcast of the event.  

US Department of Housing and Urban Development states the following about their discussion on Thursday:

Allyson Laackman has been appointed as the executive director of the Burlington Housing Authority (BHA), the organization’s board of commissioners announced today. 

Laackman, who was recruited in December as interim co-executive director to help lead the organization through a strategic planning process, has a distinguished career in public service, including serving as the White House’s chief financial officer.

“Allyson has impressed all of us on the board of commissioners with her energy and enthusiasm for BHA’s mission,” said Michael Knauer, the chair of BHA’s board of commissioners. 

New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) President/CEO John J. Dwyer, Jr. announced today a $1 million grant from NEFCU to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) to address the critical need for affordable housing. The money will be awarded by VHFA over the coming year to several housing developments that have funding shortfalls.

Amidst songs, odes, laughs and tears, VHFA staff celebrated the many achievements and enduring friendships of Sam Falzone.  Sam is retiring this week, after a distinguished 38 years at VHFA directing the agency’s rental housing programs. 

Sam’s commitment to preserving and monitoring Vermont’s stock of affordable rental housing benefited thousands of low-income renters across the state.  More than 8,600 much-needed affordable apartments financed through the housing tax credits and direct loans provided by VHFA are monitored by Sam’s department.