The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus published an article today following last month's release of VHFA's annual "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Housing and Wages in Vermont" report.

"Despite a decline in prices for homes in Vermont for the first time since 1992, the cost of housing continues to be a struggle for Vermonters, particularly first-time home buyers," writes Eli Sherman.

"Vermonters struggling to find housing don't just face challenges affording where they live, but also finding apartments or houses close enough to their jobs."

Yesterday, VHFA was awarded nearly $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury in exchange for $289,500 of Housing Credit the Agency had awarded to the Upper Story development in Brattleboro.

Developers will use the funding to help create 24 residential rental units over the newly-expanded Food Coop in downtown Brattleboro.

The project closes this month, and construction will begin shortly after. Project sponsors are Windham Housing Trust and Housing Vermont.

We're pleased to announce Barry Zigas, Director of Housing Policy for Consumer Federation of America and Principal of Zigas and Associates LLC, will deliver the keynote at the 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference.

Thanks to our latest sponsor of the 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18:

• Key Bank

Take a look at our sponsorship rate sheet and if you’d like to sign on, contact Maura Collins.