Member Column: Commissioners as a Positive Force for Change
Submitted by Nancy Rhead, Member, Howard County (MD) Department of Housing and Community Development Board
NAHRO’s Professional Development Committee (PDC) recognizes the challenge of supporting new and not so new commissioners by developing a two-tiered training for Commissioners. The content reflects the needs of volunteer Commissioners of varying backgrounds and interests. The first Tier contains the basics while the second will refine skills and push us all further into the twenty-first Century of partnerships and creative funding.
Let me say that as a commissioner who came to the housing industry from a different background, my learning curve has been rather steep in many areas. Consequently, it has been exciting to be able to work with the PDC as a member of the NAHRO Commissioners’ Standing Committee in the development of this curriculum.
Not only do Commissioners have differing backgrounds, but housing authorities come in all sizes and shapes. Having been able to attend three years of national conferences, and engaging differing views offered by Commissioners on their responsibilities, the training development should be welcomed. It is well that NAHRO sets common expectations and guidelines for us all. Once a standard is set, it should be easier to enhance Commissioners’ abilities to oversee their Housing authority, to be ambassadors to the community networks, and to be open to creative options that provide affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate individuals and families. In short, success requires working with your Executive Director and fellow Commissioners as a proactive and positive force.
So to all of you new or not recently trained commissioners, I say, take a deep breath and seek training and encourage each other, listen, ask questions, set policy. Use “plain English” at meetings when discussing programs and processes. Watch for Long Distance Learning for Commissioners offered by NAHRO via the Internet and telephone. It works and is engaging, even fun. Look for information on Commissioner Training at conferences and work with your Commission and ED to make this help available to you.
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