Affordable Housing Trust Vacancy

Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust Vacancy Application Deadline: Monday, May 1, 2023

What is the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust?

The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (the Trust) works to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. The Trust administers and oversees most City funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs.

The Trust has helped thousands of families and individuals afford to remain in the Cambridge community. Trust funding is used for:

• Affordable housing development and acquisition;
• Affordable housing preservation;
• First-time homebuyer assistance;
• Affordable housing rehabilitation.

What is the role of the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust?

The Trust reviews requests for funding for new housing, development proposals and preservation efforts, and other housing programs. The Trust also provides housing policy and program advice to the City Manager, City staff, other City boards and commissions, and the Cambridge City Council. Some of the criteria the Trust uses when reviewing proposals for new programs, policies, and housing developments include:

• Creation and preservation of long-term affordability;
• High-quality sustainable design to benefit housing residents and the surrounding neighborhood and community;
• Use of energy-efficient materials, and environmentally-friendly construction techniques;
• Emphasis on creation of family-sized housing (units with two or more bedrooms); and,
• Leveraging of Trust funds by other public and private financing sources.

The Trust offers predevelopment, acquisition, construction, and permanent financing to support the efforts of local housing development organizations to create new affordable housing units, preserve existing affordable housing, and finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing properties. The Trust also provides direct financial assistance to income-eligible families seeking to purchase affordable homes.

What are the terms of appointment?

The Affordable Housing Trust is made up of nine members appointed by the City Manager to 3-year terms. The Board is also chaired by the City Manager.

When does the Board meet and what is the time commitment for members?
The Cambridge Housing Authority currently meets virtually on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 4-5:30 p.m.

What kind of skills/experience should members have?

Members generally have experience in affordable housing, housing policy, finance, development, planning, and design.

What other skills/abilities do you need to effectively serve on the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust?

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How can I apply to serve on the committee?

Applications to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
The application deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023.

If you have questions, contact Chris Cotter in the Community Development Department at 617-349-4634 or ccotter@cambridgema.gov or visit Cambridgema.gov/CDD/housing/housingtrust.