The Town Manager continues to seek volunteers to serve on Town Boards. Boards and Committees that have or may have vacancies include the Agricultural Commission, Affordable Housing Trust, CDBG Advisory Committee, Council on Aging, Disability Access Advisory Committee, Leisure Services & Supplemental Education (LSSE) Commission, Public Art Commission, Public Shade Tree Committee and School Building Committee (page coming soon).
A current list of vacancies can be found here.
Here is a little about each of the committees. Much more information can be found on the Town’s Boards & Committee Page here
- Agricultural Commission: The Agricultural Commission’s purpose is to support commercial agriculture and other farming activities in the Town. The Commission’s duties include: promoting agricultural-based economic opportunities; acting as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues; working for the preservation of agricultural lands; pursuing all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community; reviewing and advising on development proposed in farmland areas, as may be permitted under zoning and other development regulations.
- Affordable Housing Trust: The Trust’s mission, as an instrument of Town government, is to promote the Town’s affordable housing priorities as determined through the most recent town housing plan, particularly to create safe, decent, and affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations. The Trust meets monthly.
- CDBG Advisory Committee: The CDBG Committee makes recommendations to the Town Manager regarding the Town’s CDBG program that includes both social service and non-social service community development activities. CDBG funds - $825,000 in FY19 - are awarded to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst’s low- and moderate-income residents and/or increase the accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Council on Aging: The Council acts as an advocate for the elderly of Amherst before local, state, and national bodies. The Council works with the Director of Senior Services to promote and support the efforts of the Director and Senior Center.
- Cultural Council: The Cultural Council allocates state Arts Lottery funds and works to support and nurture arts activities in the community by seeking private or other public funds and initiatives.
- Disability Access Advisory Committee: The Disability Access Advisory Committee serves the Town as an advisory committee on issues of physical, programmatic, and employment accessibility, and works to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. The Town is currently updating its ADA self-evaluation and transition plan.
- LSSE Commission: The LSSE Commission – which is Amherst’s version of a recreation department - assists the LSSE Department by advising on recreational facilities and a variety of leisure and recreational programs and supplemental education classes. The Commission develops policies, rules and regulations governing the operation of the facilities and the delivery of LSSE programs. The Commission also advises on public playgrounds, parks, and athletic facilities.
- Public Art Commission: The Public Art Commission fosters a greater community awareness of the interaction with public art, and through public art, promotes cultural diversity and an improved quality of life for Amherst’s residents.
- Public Shade Tree Committee: The Public Shade Tree Committee preserves, protects, and promotes Town shade trees and works in conjunction with the Tree Warden. The Committee advises the Tree Warden and Town Manager to ensure the values of shade trees are taken into consideration when policies are set. The committee also educates the public about the importance and benefits of Town shade trees and has regular tree planting activities.
The Town Manager seeks residents who have relevant expertise or experience. We are especially seeking individuals of diverse backgrounds to serve on all boards, committees, and commissions.
If you are interested in volunteering to serve, please fill out a Community Activity Form here.
If you have questions, reach out to our Community Participation Officers at GetInvolved@AmherstMA.gov
Updated on June 16, 2020