Executive Order No. 33-22

(No. 08-11)

[Vermont Housing Council

WHEREAS, decent and affordable housing is a basic need of all Vermonters and an important component of a viable economy;

WHEREAS, there exists a significant and growing need among Vermonters to secure safe, decent and affordable housing, especially for families and those with low incomes;

WHEREAS, federal funds for housing have been substantially reduced and state and local housing resources remain limited;

WHEREAS, the price of unregulated fuels poses a threat to the sustainability of Vermont's affordable housing stock and state policy requires investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy;

WHEREAS, the continued development of affordable housing involves myriad barriers that must be considered and evaluated so that affordability is achieved and maintained;

WHEREAS, the preservation of affordable housing at risk of loss as a result of deterioration or conversion is a state priority;

WHEREAS, Vermont's role in the promotion of permanently affordable housing is recognized internationally; and

WHEREAS, cooperation and collaboration among state and federal agencies and housing providers is necessary to implement the state's housing policy.

NOW, THERE, I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby order as follows:

1. The Vermont Housing Council is formed to coordinate and oversee implementation of the state's housing policy, to evaluate housing services and initiatives, and to be a resource to housing providers in their efforts to supply decent and affordable housing to Vermonters.

2. The Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development (or designee) shall serve as chair of the Council. Other members shall include representatives of the Vermont State Housing Authority, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Vermont Association of Public Housing Directors, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Vermont Agency of Human Services, the Vermont Department of Public Safety, and the Division for Historic Preservation of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the agencies they represent. The Governor shall also appoint community members to represent each of the following interests: a statewide nonprofit housing developer, a regional nonprofit housing provider, a private sector housing provider, and a low-income advocate. These four community members shall each serve two-year terms beginning February 1 in odd-numbered years, and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

3. The responsibilities of the Vermont Housing Council shall include, but not be limited to:

a. reviewing and analyzing available information and data on housing resources and related issues including housing, energy and transportation costs for low and moderate- income Vermonters as well as credit availability, foreclosures, regional development trends, and coordination between housing and services;

b. recommending initiatives to increase the supply of smart growth sites for affordable housing, seeking the elimination of regulatory barriers for affordable housing and promoting the development of resources for such housing;

c. considering innovative private/public partnerships and initiatives designed to create and maintain housing opportunities for low-income Vermonters;

d. providing an organized forum for the discussion of affordable housing issues and to propose reasonable solutions;

e. recommending models of partnership among housing and human service providers to implement supportive housing solutions that alleviate homelessness, and reduce recidivism and institutionalization;

f. recommending policies to the governor and congressional delegation that can improve Vermont's access to resources, housing quality and affordability; and

g. establishing subcommittees to address specific issues and develop recommended solutions.

4. The Council shall be attached to the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development for administrative support. To the extent funds permit, community members shall receive reimbursement of expenses and a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010(e).

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and rescinds Executive Order No. 02-95 (codified as Executive Order No. 33-10).

Dated June 27, 2011.