Chair opened the meeting and notified members of a proposed change to committee assignments that could move the county’s continuum‑of‑care (services for people experiencing homelessness and related supportive services) from the Housing & Economic Development (HED) Committee to the Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee.

Several legislators voiced concern that the reassignment risks separating low‑income and affordable housing topics from other housing policy work. “I personally am a little disappointed,” said one legislator, urging clarity around what would move and what would remain in HED. Another member said supportive services are appropriately the domain of HHS because those services are administered by that department.

Speakers described the core distinction as housing that requires ongoing supportive services versus other forms of housing. “Shelter isn’t housing, it’s services,” a legislator said, arguing transitional and emergency shelter work may belong with HHS while permanent affordable and market‑rate housing should remain with HED.

Several members recommended concrete steps to manage the transition: more precise written language about what transfers, joint HED–HHS meetings to coordinate overlapping issues, and the possibility of members requesting appointment to HHS so they can continue work on homelessness in that forum. One legislator urged that the committee’s prior work — including site identification, operating timelines and the development of permanent supportive housing projects — be recognized as a success even if the committee’s mission shifts.

Chair and staff acknowledged the need for more discussion and clearer definitions before implementation. No formal motion to change committee assignments was made at the meeting; members asked staff to provide specific language and timelines for further consideration.

The committee will continue to follow up with recommended clarifying language and possible joint meetings if the reassignment proceeds.