Resident Advisory Board

The Resident Advisory Board (RAB) was established in response to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. The diverse board includes residents of Family Public Housing, Elderly/Disabled Public Housing and Section 8 rental assistance. The members are elected through a democratic process.  

The RAB has proven very successful, and is a national model for engaging residents to represent the interests of the greater public housing populations. Read the RAB Bylaws to learn more about how the Board operates. The members are elected to serve a three year term with the possibility of extending to a fourth year. The current term was 2016-2020, however, due to the pandemic, elections have been postponed.  An election is currently being planned for 2024.  A list of RAB members elected to the Board in Aug 2016 is available here.

The RAB was formed to advise Boston Housing Authority on the development and implementation of BHA’s Annual Plan. Through a series of regular meetings, BHA and the RAB reviews policy, practices and program goals; and documents members' comments and recommendations. The role of the RAB is to assist and make recommendations regarding the development of the Public Housing Authority (PHA) Plan and any significant amendments or modifications to it; and to assist and make recommendations regarding the development and revision of the BHA's assessment of fair housing.

Boston RAB members are committed to their organization, to BHA and to preserving affordable housing. RAB members encourage residents to participate in Board meetings and connect with housing issues and policies. RAB members also encourage residents to follow what’s happening in the City, the state and nationwide.

Residents who participate are educated and empowered because they learn what is going on and they know their rights. If you are interested in learning more, email the RAB.

The Boston RAB has provided leadership development with dozens of residents who have stepped up and stayed engaged and who now and in the future will continue to fuel robust resident engagement.

RAB Contact Information

Resident Advisory Board
c/o Boston Housing Authority
Planning Department
52 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
 
Phone: (617) 988-4093 
Email the RAB.

Meeting Details

Meeting Date: 2^nd Thursday of every month
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: RAB meetings are currently being held hybrid virtually via zoom and in person at 52 Chauncy Street.                                                                                                                                   
Please contact Simone Layne at 617-988-4021 or by email at Simone.Layne@bostonhousing.org for meeting link.

Notes from Recent Meetings

May 2023
Jun 2023
Jul 2023
Sep 2023
Oct 2023
Nov 2023
Dec 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Read common RAB FAQs.

RAB meeting notes archive:
June 2022
July 2022
Aug 2022
Sept 2022
Oct 2022
Nov 2022
Dec 2022
Jan 2023
Feb 2023
Mar 2023
Apr 2023