Mayor Deb Whitfield of Lawrence has taken a concrete step towards addressing the city's housing challenges by establishing the Housing Ready Task Force. Announced in her State of the City Address last month, the mayor has now confirmed the members who will spearhead the initiative to create viable housing policies. According to an announcement on the City of Lawrence website, the task force's goal is to pave the way for diverse housing solutions in the community. "Here in Lawrence, we seek a thoughtful, more progressive approach to develop policies which will ensure that our city will have an environment where all types of housing can be developed and thrive," Mayor Whitfield affirmed.
The Task Force is set to include voices from various sectors within Lawrence. Among these are Liz Masur and Tyrrell Giles from the City Council; Alison Cole, a local with expertise in affordable housing; Lacey Everett, the Political Affairs Director for MIBOR Realtor® Association; Judy Dages, a Realtor® and city resident; and Renea Rafala, who will offer insights as the Interim DPW Director in an Ex-Officio capacity. Overseeing the coordination of the Task Force will be Jim Perron, who holds the Communications Director position for City's Fund Development. The mayor has indicated that additional members may join the Task Force as the need arises.
The inaugural meeting for this newly formed coalition was slated for yesterday, at the Lawrence Government Center—a gathering that symbolizes the onset of a new chapter in the city's pursuit of housing readiness. As the Mayor and Task Force members convene, Lawrence anticipates the development of inclusive, forward-looking housing strategies, acknowledging the importance of a robust plan that can support the city's growth and diversity.
