Garner to form Housing Advisory Committee to guide affordable‑housing policy; council to consider resolution June 2

At the May 26 work session, staff from the town's Innovation and Strategy team presented a proposal to form a Garner Housing Advisory Committee to continue work begun by the Affordable Housing Task Force. The committee's recommended mission is "to provide informed guidance, community perspective, and strategic recommendations on policies, programs, and partnerships that promote safe, affordable, equitable, and diverse housing opportunities for the Garner community."

Staff proposed a seven‑member committee with staggered three‑year terms, monthly meetings, a council liaison and a staff liaison. Lewis Herd, the community development specialist, said the nominating committee will prioritize applicant diversity and expertise in development, funding and partnerships. Herd advised that committee members should be residents of Garner and that service providers under contract to the town (for example preservation partners) should be considered carefully to avoid conflicts of interest; he suggested non‑voting ex‑officio roles where appropriate.

Council members welcomed the timeline and recommended a joint orientation or work session after the advisory committee is seated to share priorities and ensure productive coordination with council. Staff said they plan to post vacancies after council action, interview applicants in late June/early July, and seek council appointments at the July regular meetings; the aim is to hold orientation and the first organizational meeting in August.

Next steps: staff will draft a resolution for council action on June 2, advertise vacancies, and return recommendations from the nominating committee for council appointment.