Position Available: Unexpired 3-year term ending on June 30, 2026

Position Description:

The Williston Housing Committee is comprised of 7 members and its purpose is to further the goal of providing housing in Williston that is affordable to households across a broad range of income levels, including people with low- and moderate-income levels (affordable housing.) The Committee has an advisory role concerning the use of the Housing Trust Fund. The Committee will advise the Planning Commission concerning housing policy for land use and will take an active lead in delivering community engagement and outreach regarding housing issues.

Specific duties and responsibilities of the Committee are:

• Make recommendations for use of the Housing Trust Fund, including the establishment of one or more permanent funding programs.
• Monitor program activities including compliance with affordability provisions.
• Prepare and submit to the Selectboard an annual report of the accomplishments and activities of the Committee.
• At the direction of the Planning Commission, serve an advisory function concerning housing policy as a component of land use policy.
• Develop an annual work plan in coordination with the Planning Commission and Planning Director.
• Assist in periodic housing needs assessments.
• Develop and implement community engagement and outreach opportunities related to housing issues.
• Develop partnerships with developers, non-profits, state agencies, and social service organizations to advance the community’s housing goals.
• Research and make recommendations on actions the town can take to attract partnerships and funding from outside sources to support the development of housing projects affordable at 50% median income and below.

Expectations for participation include:

• The Committee will generally meet two times per month (schedule to be determined), with the potential to reduce to once per month when appropriate. Committee members should attend all meetings of the Committee, and if a meeting must be missed, notify the Chair as soon as possible.
• Come to all Committee meetings prepared, meaning all material has been thoroughly read and assignments have been completed.
• Fully participate and engage in the meeting discussions, including asking pertinent questions, engaging in respectful dialogue, and giving time for all Committee members and guests to speak as needed.
• Bring your personal experience and expertise to the Committee to be a voice representing that perspective in discussions. Also be open to hearing other perspectives and experiences that may be different from your own.
• Expect there will be periodic work to be done outside of Committee meetings such as external research, possible interviews of subject matter experts, site visits, or training opportunities. This external work is an important component of making progress for the Committee.
• There is no expectation that every Committee member has experience in housing development, sales, affordable housing, planning, or any other related field. There is an expectation that Committee members be willing to learn and absorb the material presented so as to help fulfill the Committee’s purpose (as stated above).