Housing Commission Board Size
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Housing challenges are complex, touching every corner of our communities—from affordability to zoning, to sustainable development and so much more. This Tuesday, we will be looking at a number of very qualified candidates who’ve applied to help us navigate these issues as a member of our advisory Housing Board, the Ottawa County Housing Commisison.
To tackle these issues effectively, and to take advantage of these residents and community members who have applied, I do beleive now is the time to have a a decision-making body that reflects the diversity of our communities, brings fresh ideas, and adapts to changing needs. The current five-member Housing Commission, with its five-year terms, has served us well, but it’s time for an upgrade. We have talked about the proposal before, but I think now is the time to replace it with a 10-15 member Housing Advisory Board with three-year terms. Here’s why I believe this change is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive housing future.
A Broader Table for Broader Perspectives
A 10-15 member Housing Advisory Board would bring a richer mix of voices to the table. Imagine tenants, landlords, developers, urban planners, housing advocates, and community leaders all working together to shape housing policy. With a larger board, we can ensure representation from diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic groups, fostering trust and inclusivity. A larger board means more perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions.
Expertise to Tackle Complex Challenges
Housing isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. It demands expertise in areas like finance, law, zoning and urban planning. It needs advocates for more Housing Opportunity across the board. A 10-15 member board allows us to recruit specialists who can dive deep into specific challenges—whether it’s crafting affordable housing policies or addressing housing affects on groundwater depletion and farmland preservation. Subcommittees could form to focus on targeted issues, speeding up progress without overwhelming members.
Fresh Ideas Through Shorter Terms
Three-year terms strike the balance between long enough for meaningful contributions, short enough to keep ideas fresh. Housing markets shift rapidly—economic changes, population growth, and new regulations demand agile responses. Shorter terms allow for regular turnover, bringing in new voices to address emerging challenges. A three-year term cycle ensures our board stays dynamic and responsive.
Stronger Community Connection
A larger board can better mirror the geographical diversity of our communities, making residents feel heard and represented. This inclusivity builds trust, encouraging more public participation in housing decisions. A 10-15 member board, with its wider reach, would strengthen ties between policymakers and the people they serve.
I recognize that a larger board might face coordination challenges. Strong leadership and clear processes can ensure meetings stay focused and productive. Similarly, shorter terms could risk losing institutional knowledge, but robust onboarding and documentation can bridge this gap. These challenges are manageable and far outweighed by the benefits of a more inclusive, adaptable, and dynamic board. The vast majority of our boards and commissions are of larger memberships. The Groundwater Advisory Board, a proposed model for an expanded Housing Advisory Board, currently has 17 members
Our housing challenges demand bold, innovative solutions. A 10-15 member Housing Advisory Board with three-year terms offers the diversity, expertise, and agility needed to build a better future and embraces a structure that truly reflects our communities and responds to their needs.
