Town of Hebron, CT Housing Choices Advisory Committee

Establishment. The Town hereby establishes a Housing Choices Advisory Committee.

Purpose. The Housing Choices Advisory Committee will serve as a planning and advisory body, and as a center of expertise and communication, with the objective to ensure Hebron offers a full range of housing choices for all households. The Committee will work through the Board of Selectmen, in coordination with other boards, commissions, and departments, while also engaging businesses, organizations and residents on matters pertaining to housing diversity and affordability.

Terms of office. The Committee shall be composed of five regular members and two alternate members who will serve staggered four-year terms, appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The initial appointments by the Board of Selectmen shall be for one-, two-, three- and four-year terms, and thereafter all terms shall be for four years.

Membership. All Committee members and alternate members shall be electors of the Town of Hebron. The Commission should have diverse representation and views, along with relevant areas of expertise. When possible, preference should be given to ensure membership includes: one member with experience in real estate/housing; one from the social services field, and one with planning and land use experience. The additional seats should be given to those who will help ensure the balanced and diverse views needed to build collaboration on these complex issues.

Powers and duties. The Commission shall, among other things:

(1)

Work in a collaborative manner to evaluate, define, and monitor the need for affordable housing, and identify approaches to meet those needs. The term "affordable housing" shall be as defined by General Statutes § 8-39a, as may be amended.

(2)

Prepare an updated Affordable Housing Plan for Hebron, and continue to perform periodic updates at least every five years, according to the provisions of General Statutes§ 8-30j, as may be amended.

(3)

Make recommendations on housing policies and practices designed to meet the need for affordable housing in Hebron, related to both home ownership and rentals, including possible changes to zoning regulations and ordinances, as well as exploring the potential for a local Housing Trust Fund. These recommendations should be developed in collaboration with relevant staff and Boards/Commissions. On no less than an annual basis, an update should be shared with the Board of Selectman.

(4)

Work with Planning and Zoning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Commission on Aging and other Town functions as appropriate, on matters related to housing. Similarly, ensure proactive engagement of relevant Boards/Commissions.

(5)

Monitor legislation and regulations relevant to affordable housing. When applicable, work with the Board of Selectmen on outreach and advocacy related to relevant public policy.

(6)

Monitor the availability of grants, programs, partnerships, and other resources to support affordable housing planning and development.

(7)

Develop and maintain a program of public engagement, communication, and education on the topic of affordable housing for the residents of Hebron, and, when applicable, stakeholders from around the region or state.

(8)

Other responsibilities relevant to affordable housing as determined by the Board of Selectmen.