Scott announces new $50 million homeowner assistance program
A new program designed to keep Vermont homeowners in their homes is now open, Gov. Phil Scott said.
Scott awards $3.5 million in block grants for 14 projects
In a news release last week, the governor announced that $3.5 million in Community Development Block Grants will be dispersed for affordable home repair, financing, mixed-income housing, and community facility improvements.
Vermont using ARPA funds to upgrade housing stock, address homelessness
Existing and under-utilized housing structures around the state will be getting a facelift through the Vermont Housing Improvement Program, Gov. Phil Scott said.
Gov. Scott Announces Vermont Housing Improvement Program to rehabilitate housing stock
Vermont has launched the Vermont Housing Improvement Program to bring housing units back online by investing in existing, but under-utilized structures. The program, funded using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, will invest a total of $5 million into the state’s aging housing stock.
Scott administration announces path forward for Vermonters experiencing homelessness
Administration officials announced an extension to the current General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing Program until December 31, and other meaningful actions to support Vermonters experiencing homelessness and permanent housing development.
Don Turner: Vermont has housing supply problem driven by overly burdensome regulatory process
Vermont doesn’t have a housing “demand” problem. We have a housing “supply” problem, driven by an overly burdensome regulatory process that creates uncertainty, raises costs, and delays and deters projects from becoming a reality.
Keelan: Does Vermont really want new housing units?
If Vermont communities really wanted to add residential housing units to their existing stock, why haven’t such communities changed their zoning laws, approved timetables, and developed a welcoming attitude to provide for new housing opportunities?
Neil Johnson: Housing in the Vermont I grew up in
Sadly, those with the power to make decisions don’t want modest home ownership, it’s that simple. It’s coming from the state down, too, make no mistake. People are making a ton of money building rental properties, subsidized by the state.
Keelan: Get that home mortgage now, before climate change mandates kick in
Inevitably, the banking and mortgage finance industry will pass down to the homeowner its requirements for meeting new loan standards intended to mitigate the impact of climate change.
New Hampshire weighs tax breaks to expand affordable housing
The legislation, which was approved by the state Senate last week, would allow local governments to offer tax breaks for housing developments anywhere within their borders, if a third or more of the units qualify as affordable housing.
Keelan: Substantial quantity of new housing will never happen
if a typical new home costs anywhere near what The Shires’ cost is, the potential homeowner would need $40,000 in cash for a down payment and closing costs and an annual family income of $87,000. Either of these amounts is beyond the ability of many Vermonters.
Opinion: What’s really driving the homelessness crisis
As an emerging body of evidence shows, homelessness in America’s West Coast cities — particularly unsheltered homelessness — is not driven primarily by high housing costs, but rather by three interrelated phenomena: addiction, mental illness and permissive public policies.