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5 <br /> go in a lot of different directions. She asked how they can focus on what they can bring best and <br /> not duplicate efforts within the county. <br /> Jemm Merritt said other issues that have come up are diversity of LGBTQ folks not feeling <br /> that their identify was respected or valid. She said they do not want to repeat efforts. She said <br /> that dividing into subcommittees has proven helpful because they can focus on individual things. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked where people might not feel welcome. <br /> Jemm Merritt said the example she referenced was in a private business. She said that <br /> someone was trying to pick up their prescription for HRT and they had a bit of an issue with <br /> someone at the pharmacy. <br /> Chair Bedford said if the HRC has a need for an increased budget, they should share that <br /> information with the director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. She said she appreciated that <br /> they were thinking of concerns in the community. <br /> Lynn Nilssen of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board said they are undertaking a <br /> historical analysis of how much affordable housing the county has approved since 2001. She <br /> said they would like to get an understanding of how much affordable housing is currently in the <br /> county. She said they helped review outside agency applications. She said they received <br /> presentations on the homelessness coalition and the consolidated plan. She said they are <br /> meeting with other organizations that are working on affordable housing issues. She said they <br /> would like to work with Justice United in the future as well as other advisory boards and <br /> commissions. She said they evaluated CIP applications and made suggestions on how to <br /> improve the evaluation matrix going forward. She said the previous year was a transitional year <br /> for staff and the board. She said they would like to collaborate with the Human Relations <br /> Commission, the Planning Board, and the Economic Development Advisory Board. She said that <br /> there are many factors that go into affordable housing. She said they would like to hold a listening <br /> session to understand the needs in the community, and they would like to do so in conjunction <br /> with the Human Relations Commission. She said they would like to meet with the Board of <br /> Commissioners after to relate what they learned during the listening session. She said they would <br /> like to make policy suggestions for improving affordability of housing. She said they will provide <br /> a report for the historical analysis of affordable housing in the county, where it exists and how <br /> much of it there is. <br /> Chair Bedford said that when the Affordable Housing Advisory Board saw the mismatch <br /> between the rubric, and she thought they did a great job and their analysis, and it matched the <br /> Board of Commissioners' thoughts. She said having members of the public provide their time <br /> and energy to county needs is valuable and appreciated. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what number of affordable housing units is needed in <br /> the county, excluding the municipalities. <br /> Lynn Nilssen said they would first provide the number of affordable housing units in the <br /> county, then they can begin analyzing the gaps. <br /> Commissioner Fowler thanked the board for bringing both successes and challenges. <br /> Commissioner Carter said thanked them for partnering with the planning board and <br /> economic development because this is a critical juncture in time. <br /> Blake Rosser, Housing Director, represented the Orange County Housing Authority Board. <br /> He said the board oversees the housing choice voucher program. He said they had a meet and <br /> greet with participants in the Fall of 2024. He said they convened a resident advisory board in <br /> 2024, per HUD requirements, to provide input and comments on the annual and five-year plans. <br /> He said they participate in landlord roundtables quarterly. He said they filled all their board <br /> vacancies and currently have one recent vacancy. He said they have two program participants <br /> on the board for the first time and the perspective they offer is fantastic. He said the voucher <br /> program collaborates with the Partnership to End Homelessness through the Housing Authority. <br /> He said the use of the voucher program is the highest it has been in over a decade. He said they <br /> are working with one resident in an effort to create home ownership. He said they have 10+ clients <br />