Disclaimer: The views I express here are my own and should NOT be construed as speaking for the City of Bangor or the City Council of Bangor.
Bangor City Council approved the creation of a new standing Advisory Committee on Homelessness last week. A standing committee on homelessness and housing was something I campaigned on and I agree with many residents who have been saying for years we need a strategic plan to address homelessness. The formation of this committee is a major step forward in that regard.
The success of this committee will depend entirely on the willingness of individuals to bring their perspective to the table and serve on this body. Getting the word out that applications are now open for this committee will be key. You can find the link to the committee application at the bottom of the committee’s page by clicking here. Or you can copy and paste the link below. Please share with everyone you know who might be interested.
https://onboard.bangormaine.gov/board/7851Here are the common questions I’ve been asked about this committee and the application process. Again, this is me speaking as an individual. I encourage you to visit the committee’s page on the city’s website for the latest information.
What will this committee do?
The Committee will help advise the City Council on its approach to addressing homelessness, which was selected as a top priority for Council in 2026. Its initial charge is to create a data-driven, evidence-informed strategic plan for the City’s response within 12 months of its first meeting.
Who will serve on the committee?
The Committee consists of nine regular voting members appointed by the City Council. These are “at-large” positions, meaning any individual can be considered. To ensure the committee’s recommendations are operationally viable, non-voting technical advisors from the following City departments will also serve, 1 from each of the following: Public Health, Community & Economic Development, Public Safety, and the School Department.
Will people with lived experience be on the committee?
Yes, that is the explicit goal. The final outcome depends on having people with lived experience apply for a position. The City Council formally recognized that effective solutions to homelessness must be informed by those who have lived through it. To ensure those voices are heard, the ordinance establishes a non-binding goal of at least three Committee members with lived experience. See §23-47(D) of the ordinance, which is at the end of this article.
The reason the ordinance describes this as a “non-binding goal” is a matter of practical reality and privacy: the Council can only appoint individuals who choose to step forward (either through the public application or a nomination) and who voluntarily choose to self-identify their lived experience. The ordinance states a goal, rather than a specific number, in case the individuals with that experience prefer to keep their history private or choose not to serve.
To ensure the perspectives of those with lived experience are prioritized, the ordinance states in §23-48:
“…preference may be given to appointing members who are residents of the City of Bangor and/or have lived experience with homelessness or housing instability“.
By including this language, the ordinance has legally authorized the Personnel Committee to prioritize applicants with lived experience over others.
What if my specific background or expertise isn’t listed in the ordinance?
The list of categories in the ordinance is a starting point, not a boundary. The Council’s stated goal is to bring together a wide variety of perspectives, and the ordinance explicitly states that membership is “not limited to” the specific examples provided.
In fact, the ordinance includes a broad category for “other experts in homelessness response or associated areas that Council believes contributes to the work of the Committee”.
If you believe you can help move this committee’s mission forward, I strongly encourage you to apply. State clearly on your application what you believe you bring to the table and how your unique experience can help the committee.
How are members selected?
Members are selected through a public application and nomination process. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the Personnel Committee, who will make recommendations to the Council. Final appointments will be made by the City Council.
What will the committee do once the Strategic Plan is finished?
After the initial strategic plan is adopted, the Committee’s mission broadens to:
- Recommend sustainable funding and regional coordination strategies.
- Review state legislative proposals and provide feedback to the Council.
- Engage with community stakeholders to ensure broad input into Council recommendations.
- Review and provide feedback on items referred to it by Council.
How often will the committee meet?
The Committee is required to meet at least monthly, and it will provide a quarterly report to the City Council outlining its activities.
How can people apply?
The Advisory Committee on Homeless now has its own page on the City’s website. There’s a link to apply at the bottom of that page. Click here for the Committee’s page.
