Posted on August 18, 2015
BOSTON, Aug. 18, 2015 --- MHP’s work with rural communities reached a major milestone in July when Gov. Charlie Baker OK’d the creation of a 15-member rural policy advisory commission.
The idea grew from an 18-month effort by MHP to bring rural leaders together to discuss challenges and policy solutions. Through public meetings, research and the guidance of a 19-person steering committee, MHP produced a rural white paper that included a recommendation for a rural commission.
State Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington, and state Sen. Dan Wolf, D-Harwich supported the recommendation and sponsored a 2016 budget amendment which Gov. Baker signed into law on July 17.
According to the budget amendment (Sec. 42, ch. 23A), the advisory commission will serve within the state's Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. It's mission is to enhance the economic vitality of rural communities, defined as municipalities with population densities of less than 500 persons per square mile.
The commission will consist of the following:
• Speaker of House, ex officio, or designee.
• President of the Senate, ex officio or designee.
• Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, ex officio or designee.
• 12 positions appointed by the governor. There will be one each from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Cape Cod Commission, Central Mass. Regional Planning District Commission, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Martha's Vineyard Commission, Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, Nantucket Planning and Economic Commission and the Pioneer Valley Commission. In addition, there will be four open positions appointed by the governor.
Appointees will serve three-year terms, with a maximum three terms. The commission will meet on a quarterly basis.
For more information, contact MHP's Rus Lodi at 617-330-9944 x227 or Callie Clark at 617-330-9944 x336. Here are previous news releases and stories on the creation of the rural policy commission:
Policy recommendations unveiled at rural housing summit