February 1, 2010 -- Connecticut median sales prices for single-family homes fell 10.1% in 2009, a full-year picture that changed somewhat when prices rose in five of Connecticut’s eight counties in December. The $240,500 year-end median sales price was down about 18% from the state’s price peak in 2007, a smaller decline than a national average above 30%.

Connecticut Association of Realtors President Robert Kennedy said last week the statewide price decline occurred mostly at the higher-price end of the spectrum, reflecting the supply shortage of affordable and modest-market rate homes in the state. The widely acknowledged supply shortage of those homes has led many housing experts to predict a significant rise in prices when demand picks up.

Click here to read more and to view statistics from the Warren Group.

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January 5, 2010 -- Gov. Rell's veto of a deficit mitigation plan passed by the General Assembly over the holidays provided the HOMEConnecticut program with a temporary reprieve. The program was slated for a $380,000 reduction under the plan passed by Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.

That would have left $2 million for planning and technical assistance grants, and incentive payments, to municipalities taking part in the program. But because the bill cut spending by only about $12 million and also delayed a reduction in the estate tax, Gov. Rell vetoed the measure.

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December 22, 2009 -- The General Assembly reduced or delayed funding  for supportive housing, HOMEConnecticut and other affordable housing programs Dec. 21, when it passed a deficit mitigation plan -- SB2101 -- for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.  The bill has been sent to Gov. Rell for her approval. 

The bill identifies a number of budget cuts meant to address the state’s projected $470 million budget deficit, including reducing funds to the HOMEConnecticut program (the Housing Program for Economic Growth) by $380,000. 

Read more.

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December 22, 2009 -- Despite the drop in home prices fueled by the foreclosure crisis, Connecticut and 12 other states saw the number of low- to moderate-income households burdened by their housing costs jump markedly between 2005 and 2008.

Of Connecticut's 574,233 households making 120% of median income or less, 127,380 or about 22% were spending more than half their income on housing, according to a new report from the Center for Housing Policy entitled Housing Affordability Trends for Working Households.

Read more.

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December 21, 2009 - The Partnership for Strong Communities is seeking a Development Director. The Development Director, a new position for the Partnership, will work with Diane Randall, Executive Director, an energetic team of professionals and an influential board to consolidate and build a state-of-the-art development program for a dynamic organization, positioned for growth. Read full job description here.

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