Council creates Summit County Housing Authority, approves bylaws and names three council representatives

The Summit County Council on April 7 adopted bylaws creating the Summit County Housing Authority and appointed three county council members to serve as the authority's elected representatives.

Jeff Jones presented draft bylaws and told the council the proposed governing structure mirrors a model used elsewhere with a five-member board: three seats reserved for elected council members and two seats filled by at-large community members. The bylaws limit commissioners to a maximum of three consecutive terms (including partial terms), require council approval of future bylaw amendments, and require the council to adopt a strategic housing plan that the authority would implement.

Council members discussed term staggering and the size of the board. Chris said he favored the 3-elected/2-at-large structure to provide council oversight in the authority's early stages. After discussion, the council adopted Resolution No. 2025-07, creating bylaws for the Summit County Housing Authority.

The council then appointed Tanya Hanson (chair), Megan McKenna and Canis Harich as the three council representatives to the Authority. The council assigned staggered terms: Canis to a two-year term, Tanya to a three-year term and Megan to a four-year term, consistent with the bylaw language on staggered terms.

Why it matters: establishing a housing authority and bylaws is the county's step toward a formal vehicle to implement a strategic housing plan, oversee deed-restricted units and pursue housing initiatives. The authority's bylaws require council review of the authority's strategic plan and give the council an ongoing role in governance.

What's next: the county is advertising for the two at-large authority seats; staff said the application window closes April 11 and the council will interview candidates and fill the at-large positions.