The federal tax reform conference report released Friday preserves tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs), including Housing Bonds, both single-family (and MCCs) and multifamily, according to reports from the Novogradac and the National Council of State Housing Agencies.  PAB uses, authority, and carryforward rules are all unchanged as is the low-income housing tax credit program, the organizations reported.

The Senate and House are expected to vote on the final bill this week.  

BURLINGTON-Executive Director Sarah Carpenter announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has hired Zach Nelson of Burlington’s North End for the position of Business Development Coordinator-Homeownership.  Nelson comes to VHFA from the Burlington Free Press where he was an Account Executive.  “Zach’s background in developing marketing campaigns and digital marketing solutions will be valuable in marketing for the  Agency’s  mortgage products”, Carpenter remarked. In addition, Nelson will work with the Manager of Business Development to increase support to VHFA’s lending partners and consumers. 

National Life Group has doubled their investments in charitable giving this year to 2 million dollars. Part of the National Life Group Foundation’s giving will support Main Street Grants, a new project designed to support revitalizing downtowns. As we all know, affordable housing is often a key component of strengthening our state’s downtowns. Municipalities, community partners, and housing organizations should go to National Life’s website soon to learn more about this exciting opportunity because applications are due at the end of December.

Vermont housing partners honored Connie Snow last week as she retires from her role as Executive Director of Windham & Windsor Housing Trust.  Snow has led the housing trust in this region for 30 years, since it was first established in 1987.  

Read more about Snow's accomplishments in this in-depth story from The Commons.