VHFA's Sarah Carpenter and Maura Collins talked with reporters this week about likely impacts of the many provisions related to housing included in the federal tax reform bill passed this week.   

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) has released a digital version of An Illustrated Guide to Vermont Renter’s Rights. The guide is narrated by visually striking cartoons that explain tenant rights and responsibilities throughout the rental process, and suggests resources for renters who need additional assistance. The guide is currently available in English, French, Arabic, and Nepali.    

The federal tax reform conference report released Friday preserves tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs), including Housing Bonds, both single-family (and MCCs) and multifamily, according to reports from the Novogradac and the National Council of State Housing Agencies.  PAB uses, authority, and carryforward rules are all unchanged as is the low-income housing tax credit program, the organizations reported.

The Senate and House are expected to vote on the final bill this week.  

BURLINGTON-Executive Director Sarah Carpenter announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has hired Zach Nelson of Burlington’s North End for the position of Business Development Coordinator-Homeownership.  Nelson comes to VHFA from the Burlington Free Press where he was an Account Executive.  “Zach’s background in developing marketing campaigns and digital marketing solutions will be valuable in marketing for the  Agency’s  mortgage products”, Carpenter remarked. In addition, Nelson will work with the Manager of Business Development to increase support to VHFA’s lending partners and consumers.