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City staff propose nine-member Housing Commission to monitor and implement housing strategy
Summary
City staff proposed creating a nine-member Staunton Housing Commission to help implement the city’s housing strategy and provide ongoing advice to council; staff recommended starting the commission with six members from the existing housing work group and three new appointees chosen by application.
Becca Joyce, housing planner and grants coordinator for Staunton, presented a proposed resolution on Oct. 9 to establish a nine-member Housing Commission to oversee and help implement the city’s recently completed housing strategy.
Joyce said the commission would begin with six members drawn from the existing housing-strategy working group and three new members selected through a public application process. Terms would be staggered at three years, with initial short one- and two-year terms used to establish rotation. The commission would meet quarterly and provide an annual written report to city council. Up to two commission members would participate in an advisory role on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual planning where appropriate.
Joyce said the commission’s role would be to (a) serve as a partner to staff on implementing the housing strategy, (b) provide expertise and recommendations to council and city leadership, (c) participate in periodic strategy reviews and (d) help identify appropriate funding and programs to increase affordable and workforce housing. She estimated the first Housing Commission meeting could be held in January 2026.
Councilors discussed desired membership and outreach. Several members urged diversity of perspectives and suggested including representatives with commercial housing, development or real-estate experience. Joyce said she would reach back to the current work group to confirm who wishes to serve and follow the city’s standard appointment procedures for additional members.
There was no vote Oct. 9; staff said the resolution would return to a future council agenda after council and staff finalize membership selection details and confirm the proposed charter language.
