After September's elections, the new RAB Board will continue to advise BHA Policy, and advocate for BHA families
This month, BHA’s Resident Advisory Board held election, welcoming 30 new board members and 12 alternates to help advocate for residents and voucher families across Boston.
The election for the eighth Resident Advisory Board was the first RAB election since 2016. The members are elected to serve a three year term with the possibility of extending to a fourth year. The previous term was 2016-2020, however, due to the pandemic, elections had been postponed.
“My goal now is to join others already dedicated and committed, and put in the time, effort and work to affect continual changes and improvements across Boston’s housing ecosystem,” newly elected RAB board member Michael Dear of Orchard Gardens said.
The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) was established in response to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to assist the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) by making recommendations regarding the development and implementation of annual plans including policies that affect rent, admissions, and our future. The RAB elects representatives from Family and Elderly/ Disabled Public Housing, including Mixed Finance, as well as from the Leased Housing and Section 8 programs.
Through a series of regular meetings, BHA and the RAB review policy, practices and program goals; and document members' comments and recommendations. The role of the RAB is to assist and make recommendations regarding the development of the Public Housing Authority (PHA) Plan and any significant amendments or modifications to it; and to assist and make recommendations regarding the development and revision of the BHA's assessment of fair housing.
“The RAB is very important in policy decisions, BHA’s 5-year plan, meeting with other RAB’s across the country,” returning RAB board member Eugenia Smith from Bellflower said. “Through all of this we are working to make the RAB a more powerful organization”.
Boston RAB members are committed to their organization, to BHA and to preserving affordable housing. RAB members encourage residents to participate in Board meetings and connect with housing issues and policies. RAB members also encourage residents to follow issues around the City, the state and nationwide.
Congratulations to the 8th Resident Advisory Board for their recent elections, and a special thanks to the 7th Resident Advisory Board for their years of incredible service.