Nantucket committee prepares housing update for annual town meeting

In a recent meeting held by the Town-County of Nantucket, officials discussed significant updates regarding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address the island's housing crisis. The meeting, which took place on April 17, 2025, highlighted the progress made since the fund's inception in 2009, particularly the substantial funding secured since 2019.

The committee reported that they have successfully obtained $80 million in funding, which has facilitated the creation of 322 deed-restricted housing units, with an additional 64 units currently in progress. This initiative aims to serve families earning between 80% to 240% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which for a family of four is now set at $1,635. The discussions underscored the importance of these efforts in maintaining Nantucket's housing stock and ensuring affordability for local residents.

A key point of discussion was the communication strategy for the upcoming annual town meeting. The committee plans to distribute informational materials that outline the progress and future goals of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. They aim to enhance public awareness through various channels, including social media, local newsletters, and community events. Suggestions were made to include QR codes on printed materials to direct residents to the town's website for more detailed information.

The meeting also addressed the need for clear visuals to accompany the data presented, making it more accessible to the public. Committee members expressed a desire to create engaging graphics that illustrate the growth in housing units over the years, particularly highlighting the impact of funding on housing availability.

As Nantucket continues to grapple with housing challenges, the discussions from this meeting reflect a proactive approach to not only secure funding but also to communicate effectively with the community. The committee's commitment to transparency and public engagement is crucial as they work towards achieving their goal of 10% affordable housing by 2027. The next steps involve finalizing the communication materials and ensuring they reach a broad audience ahead of the town meeting, where further discussions on housing initiatives will take place.