Town Services and Outreach Committee Mar 5, 2026

The Town Services and Outreach Committee of Amherst, MA, convened on March 5, 2026, to discuss several key topics related to town governance and community engagement. A significant portion of the meeting focused on reviewing strategies to streamline and potentially reduce the number and size of resident-appointed boards and committees. The committee considered outreach to these bodies to assess their effectiveness, mission clarity, and operational challenges, with plans to collaborate with the Resident Advisory Committee (RAAC) for further input. Additionally, the committee reviewed the transition of waste hauler contract responsibilities to a new consultant, Mimi Kaplan, and discussed the upcoming drafting of a related Request for Proposals (RFP). The meeting also included the appointment of new members to the Transportation and Parking Commission, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and continuity. Lastly, the committee explored ways to enhance public engagement and transparency, including improving communication channels, public comment processes, and the potential role of the Civic Academy. The committee agreed to formulate specific questions for staff to address these engagement issues in future meetings, aiming to improve responsiveness and public participation in town governance.