Our friends at Smart Growth Vermont in Burlington have a new Board of Directors Chairperson. Robin Scheu (top) succeeds founder John Ewing (middle).

The Times Argus published a story today about the slumping economy and its effects on first-time homebuyers.

"For would-be first-time home buyers, the quest to get into that home is more challenging today and likely to remain that way until the economy turns around," Bruce Edwards writes.

VHFA Executive Director Sarah Carpenter, among many other housing partners from across the state, is quoted in the article.

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (right) announced a $200,000 commitment in U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Economic Development Initiative (EDI) funds for Salisbury Square in Randolph.

The Addison Independent has published another story in its "Making a Life in Addison County" series, which looks at how residents aged 20-34 live in Addison County.

Today's article, "Lack of jobs, housing strains young adults," looks at two of the biggest factors that determine whether an area is livable.