Training Series: Strengthening local boards and commissions to support affordable housing

What is the municipal role in supporting affordable housing versus the developer or the state? What are the roles and responsibilities of boards and commissions that impact housing development? How can public engagement support affordable housing development and preservation?

Explore these questions in a new three-module training developed by MHP's Community Assistance team, partly funded by Eastern Bank Foundation. Using real examples from communities across Massachusetts and experienced practitioners, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem that supports or hinders the development and preservation of affordable housing. This learning can facilitate more effective board/commission work and collaboration, as well as thoughtful engagement by interested residents and organizations. We hope you will join us in March for this timely series.

This training series was created for key local boards that touch the housing development process (e.g., planning, ZBA, select, housing trusts, AHC/AHPs, CPCs), people engaged in supporting affordable housing, and people interested in becoming engaged in supporting affordable housing.

Registration is required but the training is free. Register here.

March 13 - Module 1: Municipal role in affordable housing development

Goal: Participants will gain clarity on what the municipal responsibilities are in supporting affordable housing development and preservation versus the developer or state. A development example from Lenox will demonstrate these role differences and offer ways that municipalities and developers can work collaboratively to support affordable housing.

Speakers:

Jessica Allan, Real Estate Development Director, Valley Community Development Corporation
Karmen Cheung, Regional Vice President, New England, Pennrose
Marybeth Mitts, Select Board and Affordable Housing Trust Fund member, Town of Lenox

March 20 - Module 2: Understanding the local ecosystem

Goal: Participants will learn the statutory roles and responsibilities of local boards and commissions that impact housing development, and how to address common bottlenecks in the local approval process. Case studies from Bridgewater and Andover will illustrate how strong local leadership and collaboration among boards and committees can result in successful projects.

Speakers:

Judi Barrett, Principal, Barrett Planning Group
Jason Korb, Principal, Capstone Communities
Lisa Schwartz Associate Planning Director; Jacki Byerley, Planner, Town of Andover

March 27 - Module 3: Building a culture of support for affordable housing

Goal: Participants will learn strategies to build effective local support for affordable housing using practical examples from cities and towns across the state. By examining existing resources and advocacy groups, participants will gain insight into leveraging support for housing to develop long-term capacity at the local level to build more homes.

Speakers:

Monica Keel, Municipal Engagement Program Manager, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)
Joyce Mandell, Regional Organizer, Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA)
Lor Holmes, Community Lead, Revere Housing Coalition
Amanda Bebrin, Director of Housing Advocacy, Community Development Partnership