Yearly Archives: 2015

At yesterday’s meeting, the City Council endorsed the use of an innovative streetscape design guide that will serve as a foundation for future roadway improvements. The Urban Street Design Guide, developed in 2013 by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) – an organization of transportation leaders in forward thinking cities – provides a flexible toolbox for cities to make streets safer, more livable, and more economically vibrant.

Money is available for Vermont communities for the purpose of mitigating the effects of future disasters on public infrastructure and some private property. Communities, tribal organizations, and private non-profit organizations may still apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds following the most recent federal disaster declaration and previous disasters

This week, VT Digger reported more on the strain that this year’s winter weather has put on the emergency housing budget. Read the article below or click here to view on their website: In February, temperatures dropped to minus 19 degrees at the Burlington International Airport, breaking a record that stood since 1914.

Chris Donnelly, director of community relations for the Champlain Housing Trustand Vice Chair of the VAHC Steering Committee, wrote this piece for theBurlington Free Press on making affordable housing for the workforce a priority.

Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) is seeking proposals, on behalf of the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH), from qualified applicants to become the HMIS Lead Agency to serve the Vermont Balance of State Continuum of Care geographic area.

Hinesburg is one of several communities that was recently awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the Vermont Community Development Program. Read how Champlain Housing Trust, Housing Vermont, and Snyder Homes plan on using these funds to build 23 new affordable housing units in this article from the Burlington Free Pres

MyChamplainValley.com recently reported on a new, affordable senior housing complex in Milton that is set to begin construction later this year, spearheaded by Cathedral Square Corporation. To read more about it view the article and video footage below or here at their website

Sunshine Week is a time to celebrate one of our nation’s most basic values, the public’s “right to know.” Our very democracy is built on the idea that our government should not operate in secret. James Madison, a staunch defender of open government, whose birthday we celebrate each year during Sunshine Week, wisely noted that for our democracy to succeed, people “must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” Transparency enables the American people to hold their government accountable

Thirteen Vermont cities and towns will receive more than $4 million in grants to make them more resilient, affordable, and accessible, Gov. Peter Shumlin announced last week. The municipalities will use the funds to build and improve affordable housing, complete disaster repairs, make public spaces accessible to all residents, and revitalize community centers.

The municipalities will use the funds to build and improve affordable housing, complete disaster repairs, make public spaces accessible to all residents, and revitalize community centers.

The Senate Tuesday morning began debate on legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation, a form of modern day slavery that affects thousands of people every day. 

Vermont Federal and Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty will walk you through the complete home buying process and answer any of your questions. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) will also be onsite to answer questions. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) will also be onsite to answer questions.

As the Senate prepares to consider legislation to combat human trafficking as soon as next week, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is urging lawmakers to support meaningful legislation to prevent vulnerable youth from becoming targets of trafficking and sexual exploitation

 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Wednesday announced $1.5 million in grants to revitalize communities and support access to affordable housing across Vermont. 

In 2014, the Lake Chamber of Commerce, through its Burlington Young Professionals group, created the Young Professionals Advocacy Task Force with a specific focus on housing issues in and around Burlington. The Task Force compiled a survey to better understand the needs and concerns of Vermont's young workforce.

Gov. Peter Shumlin issued the following statement as the Legislature worked to wrap up early session efforts in advance of Town Meeting week. “I want to thank the House and the Senate, and especially Speaker Smith and Senate Pro Tem Campbell, for the hard work so far this session

With a growing number of communities having experienced water main breaks over the past week and other communities reporting frozen underground water pipes affecting a number of individual customers, Vermont state agencies are ready to provide assistance to communities that may need resources, Gov. Peter Shumlin and Public Safety officials announced today

Highgate & Berkshire —Three farms were recently conserved in Franklin County: the Bernard and Sue Rainville farm in Highgate and two farms in Berkshire owned by John and Margie Barabe. The families conserved their properties with the Vermont Land Trust, which will ensure that the land will always be available for farming and forestry. Both families protected the land by selling a conservation easement—a legal tool that limits subdivision and development. The proceeds from the sales will help the Rainvilles and the Barabes transfer their farms to the next generation