Medford Seeks Applicants for Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board

Trustees Tasked with Managing Affordable Housing Trust Funds and Helping Guide the City’s Housing Strategy 

(MEDFORD) — The City is seeking applicants to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is dedicated to supporting the preservation and creation of low- and moderate-income housing in Medford. Upon passage of the Affordable Housing Trust by the City Council last year, the new ordinance established a Board of Trustees tasked with oversight of the fund. 

“The need for housing has only grown while the supply of affordable options has continued to dwindle, creating a crisis in our region,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “That’s why I pushed for this Trust to be created and am thankful to have worked with the team in Planning, Development, and Sustainability and the City Council to get this approved.”  

The Mayor’s Office, in conjunction with the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability, worked with the City Council to pass the Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust aims to create housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford to live in Medford. 

Board of Trustee members will oversee the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including raising funds through donations, grants, and other strategies.  The Trust will then use the funds to facilitate the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and to meet housing needs in accordance with state law. The Board will consist of seven members: one member will be the Mayor or a designee of the Mayor, one may be a member of the Community Preservation Committee, and the remaining members will be residents of Medford with experience in real estate, housing, finance, architecture, planning, social services, and/or experience residing in low-income housing. The Mayor will appoint the trustees subject to confirmation by the City Council.  

To apply to be a Trustee, visit www.medfordma.org/boards-commissions and fill out the Boards and Commissions application form. Please include a resume and statement of interest. 

"I'm proud to serve on a City Council that prioritizes affordable housing,” said Kit Collins, Medford City Councilor and Chair of the Subcommittee on Housing. “Now that we have passed a strong Affordable Housing Trust Ordinance, the real work begins. Together we must develop robust, dedicated funding streams for the Trust so that this tool can manifest in expanded affordable housing opportunities for Medford residents as quickly and broadly as possible. 

“The need to expand the City’s affordable housing options has never been greater,” said Alicia Hunt, Director of Planning, Development, and Sustainability. “We need to maximize our residential zoning opportunities, identify potential housing developments, and work with our public and private partners to meet the needs of our residents.” 

With questions, reach out to the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability at ocd@medford-ma.gov or (781) 393-2480. 

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