Legislature Names Co-Chair for Housing + Transportation Citizen Advisory Board
More than 70 municipal leaders attend Municipal Housing Summit
Legislature continues to seek appointments for Citizen Advisory Board and Task Forces
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County Legislature Chairwoman Nicole Watts has named Darrell Buckingham as co-chair to the newly formed ad hoc Housing + Transportation Citizen Advisory Board (CAB). Chairwoman Watts announced the appointment at the Municipal Housing Summit Tuesday evening at Onondaga Community College.
The Housing + Transportation CAB and associated task forces will make recommendations and provide advice to the Planning and Economic Development Committee of the Legislature. The recommendations will focus on current and future housing needs aiming to align housing policy, transportation planning, infrastructure investments, and mobility needs.
“The housing and transportation needs across the region involve a multitude of voices and community needs. Darrell has been praised for facilitating spaces where a diversity of voices can be heard and collaboration takes place,” said Chairwoman Watts. “I look forward to working with him and members of the advisory board to build on the ideas that emerged from our municipal leaders.”
Darrell Buckingham is a Senior Program Officer at the Central New York Community Foundation where he advances racial, social, and economic equity through community driven philanthropy. Buckingham leads and supports initiatives such as lead poisoning prevention and literacy. He also oversees the administration of grants from the Black Equity & Excellence Fund (BE&E Fund).
“I was appreciative to be in the room tonight and watch municipal leaders from the towns, villages, and the City of Syracuse identify major challenges, dream big, and explore solutions together,” said Buckingham.
Prior to philanthropy, Buckingham’s experience included expanding workforce diversity and inclusive practices at Onondaga County Public Library System and the Onondaga County Workforce Development Center. Buckingham has also served in various civic and nonprofit roles at Everson Museum, Vera House, Inc., and New York Health Foundation’s Food Equity Advisory Committee.
Seeking New Faces for Boards & Commissions
The Legislature is actively seeking new faces interested in serving with the Housing + Transportation CAB as well as other Onondaga County Outside Boards and Commissions. Residents can apply to serve on a board at the Legislature’s Engage on a Board web page where they can read through descriptions for various outside boards including the board size and appointment term limits.
“The Housing + Transportation CAB and task force plan to continue gathering informed and involved feedback from throughout the county. Tonight, we had elected officials and representatives in the room providing input toward actionable steps the county can take to address the housing needs and opportunities for our people,” said Watts.
The Housing + Transportation Summit was attended by more than 70 municipal leaders:
– 28 from Towns
– 21 from Villages
– 9 County Legislators
– 5 Syracuse Common Councilors
– 7 representatives of municipal leaders