query: citizen oversight boards for city policy

[colist at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  please feel welcomed to copy COMM-ORG with responses to Aubrey's
query.]

From: aubreyw at umich.edu

I am writing from Avalon Housing, a non profit supportive housing
provider in Ann Arbor, MI, regarding a policy question about the level
of citizen oversight for city housing issues. Our citizen oversight
board for housing, the Housing Policy Board, has historically had
project review and funding allocation powers.  This model is under
attack.  City staff is attempting to restrict the Housing Policy Board
to decisions regarding annual proposals and approving plans.  The actual
funding and implementation decisions will no longer be made by this very
important citizen oversight board. I have been contacting cities
throughout the country with the intention of establishing what level of
citizen oversight they have for human service decisions (particularly
housing).  I have been asking other cities if their citizen oversight
boards vote on annual human service, housing, or operations allocations
for CDBG funds and/or if their citizen oversight boards get to review
actual housing projects for HOME or others. If we can establish that
other cities have substantial citizen oversight, it could help make the
case for Ann Arbor's citizen oversight needs. Are there any cities in
particular that you believe have an exceptional level of citizen
oversight in human service decisions? Are there any publications you
would suggest provide a useful theoretical framework to back the need
for citizen oversight? I sincerely appreciate any feedback you may have.

Aubrey Williams
Candidate, Master of Social Work
University of Michigan
Intern, Avalon Housing
603 W. Huron
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734)663-5858