VPR and Vermont PBS have released the results of the annual Vermont Rural Life Survey, which polls households from all across Vermont about life in their communities and the daily challenges they face. Vermont has the second highest percentage of its population living in rural areas in the United States. The survey revealed challenges in affording decent quality housing, as well as concerns about the future of Vermont’s rural towns and cities.

VHFA honored Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tom Connors and Information Technology (IT) Director Rick Jean for their many years of service as they retire from the Agency this month.

Tom Connors served as VHFA’s CFO since 2006. Prior that, he worked at Trak Sports USA and IDX. In addition to his work at VHFA, Connors has served on the Boards of the Energy Co-op of Vermont and ReSource, and has taught courses on finance and accounting at Champlain College and Community College of Vermont. He is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College and Bentley University.

The State of Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is inviting the public to complete a survey on community needs to inform its upcoming HUD Consolidated Plan. 

The 5-year HUD Consolidated Plan outlines priorities for over $10 million in funding that Vermont will use for affordable housing and community development from 2020 through 2024. DHCD's survey asks for input on local needs for public facilities, job creation, housing and homelessness, which will be incorporated into the plan. 

New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc. (NERSC) is calling for nominations for its annual Excellence in Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievement and extraordinary performance among Resident Service Coordinators, housing management companies and others working in the field of housing services throughout New England.

Nominations can be made for either individuals or groups that have displayed visionary thinking and successfully implemented programs or modified the way they perform service coordination to better meet the future needs of their residents. Instructions on how to submit a nomination are available on NERSC's website.