The most recent data available has been added to the Vermont Housing Data website at www.housingdata.org which is managed by VHFA. The updates to the website include the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau as well as new data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the Vermont Department of Taxes, the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) Out of Reach report, and more. The data available on HousingData.org provide a variety of visualization for housing indicators in every town and county in Vermont. This data can be used to help identify housing trends and need within the community for everyone from lawmakers to nonprofits and local governments. 

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced last week that its annual award of federal housing tax credits will support the construction of 112 homes in perpetually affordable apartment buildings in four communities across the state. The sale of this year’s tax credits to investors is expected to yield over $28 million in funds covering an estimated 60 percent of total project development costs.  

These housing construction projects will take place in a uniquely challenging environment. Elevated development costs, interest rates and housing needs among Vermonters heavily influenced project planning. The cost of developing a unit of rental housing in Vermont has increased 36% since 2018.  

Olivia LaVecchia of Burlington has joined VHFA in the role of Community Development Underwriter. 

LaVecchia is currently completing her Master's Degree in City Planning at University of California, Berkeley and was VHFA’s Vermont Housing Fellow in the fall of 2022.  She has interned at a California-based affordable housing developer. She previously worked in the City of Burlington Mayor’s office as communications coordinator and special projects manager, including for the city’s recent major housing policy reforms.

A webinar on applying for the “10% in Vermont” local investment program will be held at noon on April 17, with applications for the program due June 1, 2023. The program was announced earlier this week by State Treasurer Mike Pieciak who was joined by VHFA’s executive director Maura Collins, state and local leaders and community members.