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.

John Thompson addressed hundreds of data users at their annual conference Thursday while news broke of his abrupt resignation as director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Several experts pointed out the great challenges Thompson’s resignation creates. Meanwhile, Census officials and analysts strategized about how to most effectively use the Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimates to provide much-needed information about conditions facing the population.