Leslie Black-Plumeau

The board meeting included a review of core software investments and recent IT department structure changes. A presentation on state housing data highlighted the long-term need for significant additional housing units. The strategic plan discussion focused on increasing production while maintaining quality. Representatives from external organizations presented on housing initiatives, legislative achievements, and advocacy efforts regarding homelessness and rental agreements. Finally, the board received an update on the Qualified Allocation Plan process, including stakeholder engagement and future public review steps.

The board discussed and approved funding resolutions for housing projects in St. Johnsbury, Rutland, and Castleton. The meeting included a review of Priority Economic Development projects and their funding structures, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of the State Homeownership Tax Credit program. Commissioners deliberated on policy changes, including the implementation of a scoring system for tax credits, the potential transition of subsidies from grants to deferred loans, and strategies to address homebuyer cost burdens and geographic equity in development.

The meeting focused on housing initiatives aimed at increasing housing production, specifically the Vermont Homes for All toolkit. Key discussion topics included addressing zoning and infrastructure barriers, the importance of fostering small-scale development to create diverse housing typologies such as duplexes and townhomes, and the launch of a state-level pre-approved home design catalog designed to streamline the permitting and development process.

The Board meeting included discussions on two primary development projects. The first was the Packard Court project in St. Johnsbury, a 27-unit age-restricted housing development, where the Board approved a Hive CMF loan. Discussion covered project costs, construction complexities including site remediation and infrastructure relocation, and the integration of housing credit units. The second project discussed was East Creek Commons, a scattered site rehabilitation project in Rutland and Castleton. The Board reviewed finalized rehabilitation scopes, increased construction costs reflected in a guaranteed maximum price, and adjustments to the project's capital stack, resulting in approval for increased construction loan funding and additional tax-exempt bond credits.

The board discussed the authorization of a Hive program loan of up to $650,000 for the Waybridge Street Apartments. The loan aims to facilitate refinancing of maturing debt, improve project financial health, and preserve long-term affordability for the property. Additionally, the meeting included an educational presentation on the agency's home ownership programs, detailing the operational structure, the role of participating lenders in originating mortgages, and how the agency adds benefits to existing mortgage products to support the mission.