Central to the meeting was a presentation on the liberatory visioning project by representatives from the town’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) department. The project, initiated in 2021, seeks to elevate community voices in local governance. During the presentation, it was revealed that community feedback emphasized the need for more affordable housing. Concerns included the high average home price in Amherst, which exceeds $530,000, in contrast to the mean income of $65,000. Participants called for updates to the housing production plan and zoning reforms to reduce single-family zoning. The need for first-time homebuyer assistance programs was also a prominent theme, alongside strategies to balance student and family housing.

The presentation also highlighted the importance of community-led policy development and genuine engagement beyond traditional surveys. A potential grant application to the Heart and Soul Communities initiative was discussed, aimed at fostering resident-driven policy decisions.

Following the presentation, board members expressed the need for more direct, one-on-one conversations with community members to gather meaningful feedback. The board was urged to support the application for the Heart and Soul grant to advance community engagement and policy development.

Another topic was the update on the Amherst Community Homes project in North Amherst, presented by a real estate project manager from Valley Community Development. This 30-unit development is geared towards first-time homebuyers and is currently 25% complete, with anticipated completion in spring 2026. The project has garnered interest from over 300 households, though a challenge remains in attracting applicants from the 100% area median income (AMI) bracket. Strategies to address this include outreach to local workers and direct engagement with potential homebuyers. The project incorporates sustainable building practices, such as passive solar elements.

The meeting also covered updates from the Amherst Community Land Trust, including efforts to promote affordable homeownership and neighborhood stabilization. A notable project involves a property on Fearing Street, offered at a reduced price to maintain affordability. Additionally, a potential development on Amity Street was discussed, which involves creating family units within a Victorian residence and adding new units. Challenges related to wetlands on the property were noted, requiring engagement with the conservation commission.

Further discussions centered around procedural aspects, such as the need for permits and potential collaborations with Habitat for Humanity. The board also explored the idea of establishing a revolving loan fund to support developers in pre-development stages, addressing the risks associated with securing funds.

The introduction of a local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance was another point of interest. This ordinance would allow larger units compared to state-defined protected use ADUs, with the potential for innovative ownership structures. The board discussed the implications of such units and their potential benefits for affordable housing initiatives.

The board also touched on stakeholder engagement strategies, highlighting the need for effective communication frameworks. A proposal was made to form a subcommittee to refine stakeholder classifications and enhance community education efforts. The conversation included the development of a draft mission statement and informational flyer aimed at educating the community about the Trust’s objectives.