What more do we need to know to improve housing and community development policy and practice?  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) is formulating its research agenda for the next 5–10 years and would like your input. 

Think critically and provide input about the above question as it relates to four targeted topic areas:

Ten affordable apartments have been renovated and upgraded thanks to a variety of funders and construction professionals.   VHFA provided both construction financing and housing credits.   Improvements were made to the buildings’ drainage system and included constructing a new retaining wall—both of which were already tested by Tropical Storm Irene and held up well.

FEMA officials have determined that there are enough vacant housing opportunities in the state for residents displaced by Tropical Storm Irene.   This means that the use of FEMA standard temporary housing units will not be needed in Vermont.   Read more in today's Burlington Free Press.

VHFA-ers spent time together this afternoon assembling household items and gift cards into gift baskets for five families whose homes were damaged by Tropical Storm Irene. 

All of the families are residents of Stockbridge, Vermont--a town particularly hard-hit by the storm and ensuing flood waters.