Northampton Housing Partnership members used their January meeting to consider priorities under the state Affordable Homes Act, coordination with city council and local housing stakeholders, and recent project updates.

Keith (staff member) told the partnership it can advise city council, write letters of support and coordinate with state-level efforts on the Affordable Homes Act. He said: "you guys are able to... talk to city council, give them your feedback. You can write letters... at the state level." Members discussed a recent Valley CDC mortgage item at city council and said a partnership letter had been drafted but missed some meeting timing; one member said they regretted not finishing the letter in time to voice the partnership’s work during council consideration.

Members asked how they would be notified when housing items appear on the city council agenda. Keith explained members can subscribe to newsletters and agendas; Melissa Fowler offered to resume a practice of informing the partnership every two weeks about planning board items so members do not have to track agendas individually. Members agreed such notifications and advance coordination would help the partnership provide timely feedback.

The partnership also heard a brief update on local projects. A member noted a lottery for new apartments at 23 Laurel Ave that is currently open for 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units and said construction is progressing. No formal partnership action was taken on the Affordable Homes Act priorities at the meeting; Keith said staff will prepare materials and a draft for the partnership to review before any formal submission to the council or state representatives.

The chair also encouraged members to use public comment at city council meetings when timely input is needed, noting that council protocols may require arranging comments in advance depending on the agenda.