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.

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.

Speakers: to be announced.

March 20

Module 2: Understanding the local ecosystem

Goal: Participants will learn the statutory roles and responsibilities of boards and commissions that impact housing development, along with models for monitoring affordable housing.

Speakers: to be announced.

March 27

Module 3: Building a culture of support for affordable housing

Goal: Participants will learn strategies to build local support for affordable housing using real examples.

Speakers: to be announced.