For Local Boards & Committees

If you are new to a board or new at dealing with housing policy and development, then this website will give you a good introduction to this work, from how to understand and quantify housing need in your community to understanding how affordable housing is funded. We recommend reviewing all guides, beginning with Assessing Needs.

Anyone who serves on a board or committee should read the Local Support guide, which provides information on how to talk about housing, build coalitions, and address concerns. The one-page resource Running an Effective Public Meeting can also be a valuable resource for your role.

In our Resources section, three of the most requested items for those serving on boards and committees are:

• Guide to Addressing Community Concerns
• Site and Building Assessment Checklist
• A study by the firm RKG on the fiscal impacts of building new multifamily housing in Westford