Accessibility Advisory Committee 10/20/2026

The City of Worcester Accessibility Advisory Committee met on October 20, 2026. Housing Development Director James Brooks discussed affordable and accessible housing supported by the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Since 2021, 999 affordable units have gone through the fund; 130 (about 13%) are accessible or being made accessible, including 47 completed units. Brooks said the fund requires at least 10% of units in funded projects to be accessible and affordable, compared with a 5% statewide minimum for new construction. He also demonstrated how to search Massachusetts’ Housing Navigator website for accessible units and explained that affordability and subsidy options vary by development. Members and presenters discussed accessible-unit definitions, rent levels, and the needs of residents with very low incomes. A presenter also described advocacy that resulted in a 10% wheelchair-accessibility target for the state affordable housing trust fund.

The committee approved the September minutes by roll call. No contracts, vendor selections, bid approvals, or spending motions were reported. Other business included introductions for a new member, upcoming disability-related events, and discussion of possibly changing the committee’s meeting night to make in-person meetings easier.