The Affordable Housing Trust on Dec. 2 voted to authorize $550,000 to continue the town’s Lease to Locals program, a multiyear owner‑incentive initiative aimed at converting and retaining units for year‑round local tenants.

Placemate consultant Colin reviewed program results before the vote, saying the initiative has enrolled 44 properties and has “broke a 100 total people housed” to date; he reported an average monthly rent of about $3,100 and described a stepped multiyear incentive structure that has produced strong renewals. Colin said marketing (postcards to second‑homeowners, digital ads and phone outreach) generated about 50 property‑owner leads this year and that roughly 25% of leads convert over time.

Brooke Moore moved to authorize the $550,000 continuation as outlined in Placemate’s presentation; Forrest Bell seconded. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with ayes from the members present and one member (Mary Mack) noted as dropped off during the tally. The board recorded the motion as an authorization for program continuation and directed staff to integrate the funding into the Trust’s budget planning.

Trust members said the program’s multiyear step‑down incentives appear to be encouraging owners to commit for longer terms and that continued marketing will be important because owner decisions have a long sales cycle. Colin told the Trust that, in year 2, the program had allocated $550,000 total and expected to have about $50,000 remaining to spend before year‑end; for year 3 he forecast a similar budget need if the Trust continues the same scale of participation.

The board asked staff for follow‑up materials quantifying expected unit counts, renewal assumptions and whether additional funds would be needed if owner interest exceeds the current forecast. Placemate said staff will return with refined budget modeling and a final grant report in early 2026.