Volunteers Sought for City Boards and Commissions

Mayor Sean R. Reardon is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on Newburyport’s Boards and Commissions. Interested applicants can send a letter of interest and resume to Christine Jackson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, by email at cjackson@cityofnewburyport.com or mail at Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 60 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. All appointments are voluntary and unpaid positions, and require the appointment of the Mayor and approval of the City Council.

The following Boards and Commissions have openings for those interested in volunteering their time:

Affordable Housing Trust

Commission on Disability

Cultural Council

Fruit Street Historic District Commission

Historical Commission

Affordable Housing Trust: The mission of the Newburyport Affordable Housing Trust is to support, preserve, and create housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households in the City of Newburyport. The Trust defines affordable as housing costs of no more than 30% of gross income for a household that earns 80% of the Area Median Income, as determined by HUD. The City is interested in increasing affordable housing opportunities for those who would like to live in Newburyport. The Trust works with developers to increase the City's supply of units that are reserved for people who are of low to median income, who might not otherwise be able to afford housing in Newburyport. https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/affordable-housing-trust

The Commission on Disability works to advocate on disability-related issues, make recommendations and provide technical knowledge where needed, to City departments, businesses and organizations throughout the community. The Commission also has oversight over a Revolving Fund that can be used for initiatives that support their mission. They generally meet the second Thursday of the month in the evening.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/commission-on-disabilities

The Newburyport Cultural Council promotes the availability of rich cultural experiences for city residents and is dedicated to strengthening the cultural ecosystem in Newburyport across all sectors and neighborhoods. The Council receives annual funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council through its Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, which it then awards as grants to organizations across the city.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/cultural-council

Fruit Street Historic District Commission: On October 29, 2007, the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing the Fruit Street Historic District, Newburyport’s first local historic district. This Commission is tasked with compliance with the local ordinances outlined by this district and considers any variances or other policy decisions that are requested by residents. It generally meets in the evening on the third Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/fruit-street-historic-district-commission

Historical Commission The mission of the Newburyport Historical Commission (NHC) is to protect, preserve and promote Newburyport’s historic structures, neighborhoods, and landscapes. The Historical Commission reviews applications subject to the Demolition Delay ordinance and any other projects occurring within the Newburyport Historical District that may seek the advice of the Commission. The Commission, which is a volunteer board made up of local residents, acts as a local advisory group to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for projects that require Section 106 or M.G.L. Chapter 254 review for historic preservation. Please note:  The Newburyport Historical Commission (NHC) is the official City board that provides the advisory opinions on historic properties.  The Commission generally meets in the evening on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/historical-commission