Source: Burlington FreePress, November 15, by Dan D’Ambrosio

“Dean Pierce wants to learn about a new environmental and energy design program for neighborhoods. Kathy Miles wants to know why so many people are homeless and rents are so high. Tom Pelletier wants to understand the recent changes in underwriting guidelines from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the giant federally subsidized housing lenders.

All three hope to have their questions answered at the 2010 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference coming to the Hilton Burlington on Thursday. Held every other year since 2000, the conference is the biggest gathering of housing professionals and advocates in the state, and this year includes a keynote address from Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gov.-elect Peter Shumlin will speak during the lunch break, and Speaker of the House Shap Smith will present a workshop on the state’s housing policies.

A total of 20 workshops are planned on subjects ranging from foreclosures and short sales to energy efficiency, housing for new immigrants and refugees, and rental housing safety and codes…”

More information: VT Statewide Conference.

Full story: Conference to put focus on Vermont housing needs, opportunities.

PDF of story: Conference to put focus on Vermont housing needs, opportunities.