The City of Somerville’s Fair Housing Commission (FHC) seeks one new member. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. The person who fills this opening must be a Somerville tenant who is income-eligible for assisted housing in the city. Applicants should also have experience or demonstrated interest in housing, social services, or civil rights. 

The Fair Housing Commission works to ensure that all current and prospective Somerville residents have equal access to housing, free from discrimination and prejudice. The FHC plans annual events, reviews complaints submitted in the last month, discusses member participation in Anti-Displacement Task Force meetings, and meets with City of Somerville legislative staff on fair housing issues.

 Commissioners serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity. The FHC typically meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. on Zoom. There are occasional commitments outside of regular meeting hours, such as Fair Housing Month events. FHC members are appointed by the Mayor. All Commissioners must comply with and sign the City of Somerville’s Code of Conduct for Board, Commission, and Committee Members. 

 Applications are due Friday, September 29, at 12:30 p.m. Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest no longer than one page by email to Hanalei Steinhart at hsteinhart@somervillema.gov or by mail to 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145, ATTN: Hanalei Steinhart. Applicants can also leave a voicemail at 617-625-6600 ext. 2584 and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible. Please contact Hanalei at the email or phone number above with questions.  

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.  

 Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.