Housing Commission

On 7/26/23, the Joint Housing Commission became the Housing Commission. This Commission was previously a joint commisison with the Town of Essex. As a part of the Town-City separation, the Joint Housing Commission has been separated into Town and City Housing Commissions.

Mission

The mission of the Housing Commission is to help ensure that any resident (or aspiring resident) of Essex Junction has access to a home that:

• Is affordable (generally no more than 30% of household income is spent on housing);
• Is a desirable type and size for their household;
• Is located with easy access to basic needs (jobs, schools, food, health care, and cultural experiences) via walking, biking, or public transit;
• Is of sufficient quality to ensure the health, safety, and enjoyment of its residents;
• Meets residents’ special needs, including senior care, ADA-accessibility, recovery housing, and housing for people who are homeless, etc.; and
• Is made available regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, pregnancy, disability, or status of citizenship, family, and military service

Purpose

The Commission advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and other municipal boards and committees on the housing needs of the community, including review and consultation of policy and zoning changes related to housing. The Commission maintains and analyzes the community’s demographic and housing stock information and provides periodic updates on housing issues to elected officials. The Commission also works to educate the public on housing topics and develops partnerships with developers, non-profits, state agencies, and social service organizations to advance the community’s housing goals.

Commission Membership

The Commission is composed of up to seven members appointed by the City Council. Each member shall serve a staggered three-year term with no term limit. In appointing Commission members, the City Council should select members who represent a variety of relevant interests and backgrounds, including but not limited to: for-profit and non-profit housing developers; housing authorities and agencies; social services organizations; representatives of area businesses; and at-large members of the community. Of the seven members, three shall be residents; for the remaining members, residency is preferred but not required. The Commission shall receive staff support from the Community Development Department and other departments as needed.

Regular meetings of the Housing Commission have yet to be determined. They have generally be once a month and are held in the meeting room at the City municipal office building at 2 Lincoln Street in Essex Junction or via remote access. (See the municipal calendar).