The Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust authorized trustees Jesse and Ellen to work with town procurement staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to update Southborough’s Housing Production Plan, and the board voted to allow Affordable Housing Trust funds to pay for the consultant.

Trustee Alan moved to authorize Jesse and Ellen to forward an RFP and to work with Melanie Osaka (town procurement staff) to issue the solicitation; Paul seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Trustees then voted to authorize the use of Affordable Housing Trust funds to pay for the update; that motion also passed unanimously.

Trustees discussed procurement logistics and timeline. They said town planner materials and an earlier vendor list from Karina provided three likely consultants; one contact no longer provides production plans. Trustees agreed to coordinate with Melanie Osaka to issue the RFP and to accept electronic submissions if procurement rules permit.

The trustees noted timing pressure tied to the town’s DHCD safe‑harbor status: to remain in safe harbor the town needs an approved production plan and the group said it is unlikely the plan can be approved by July; they therefore expect a lapse but will try to submit promptly and seek a quick turnaround. Trustees discussed a two‑week response window for vendors after the RFP goes out but deferred to Melanie on procurement rules.

Trustees instructed Jesse and Ellen to copy the chair and town administrator, Mark Purple, on submissions and to coordinate logistics with Melanie. They also agreed that when bids return, the board will vote to accept and authorize the selected consultant and expenditure.