The Affordable Housing Training Module project involves the development of a day-long training program for municipal staff and land use commissioners covering (but not limited to):

1. impediments to affordable housing,

2. conducting a housing needs study,

3. addressing housing needs in local plans of conservation and development,

4. implementation techniques including transit oriented development, transfer of development rights, etc,

5. low impact development and energy conservation, and

6. collaborative processes and techniques.

Once developed, the training program will be conducted on three separate dates and can serve as model for affordable housing training programs in other regions. The project will also include the development, launching and support of a complementary website which can be used not only by participants but by a much wider audience.

The goal of the training project is to develop empowered, educated local officials who can advocate for and implement changes in local land use decisions which will increase opportunities for affordable housing in the region. By educating municipal staff and land use commissioners on how to identify, assess, address and remedy local affordable housing needs, the project is expected to provide local officials with the tools to improve the affordability of housing in their communities and throughout the region.