During a recent meeting of the Lawrence Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB), members discussed the ongoing challenges and strategies related to affordable housing in the community. Leah Roseland, the affordable housing administrator, emphasized the importance of diverse representation on boards and commissions, noting that all members are nominated and voted on by the Lawrence City Commission. She encouraged attendees to voice any concerns or recommendations regarding the nomination process to the city commissioners.

The meeting featured introductions from board members, each sharing their backgrounds and motivations for serving. Roseland highlighted her personal connection to affordable housing, having grown up in such environments and now working to address housing affordability and homelessness in Lawrence.

Mark Buehler, a long-time resident with extensive experience in real estate and community development, expressed his commitment to improving housing conditions in the area. Mariela Ferreiro, who has a background in political and public will building, shared her passion for addressing housing and homelessness issues, particularly from an equity and justice perspective.

Other members, including social worker Beth O'Neil and urban planning professor Hae Sung Han, brought diverse expertise to the table, focusing on the intersection of housing with health and urban policy. Christina Gentry, a former housing voucher recipient, shared her journey from homelessness to homeownership, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in addressing housing challenges.

Andrew Dallagher, a local business owner, expressed his desire to contribute to solutions for affordable housing, reflecting on his own experiences of struggling to find suitable housing as a young parent. The meeting underscored a collective commitment among board members to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in Lawrence, with a focus on community engagement and strategic planning.