Thurston Housing Land Trust
Nominate a Trustee
We invite interested community members to join with us in our mission to promote affordable homeownership for low and moderate income people in our community. Becoming a THLT member is one way to do that, but we also encourage our neighbors with diverse skills, experience, and life backgrounds to consider becoming a candidate for the board of trustees.
Thurston Housing Land Trust (THLT) is a democratic organization. All Trustees (Board Members) are elected by the general members at our Annual Meeting (December 10th this year).
THLT has a tripartite system with three categories of Trustees. Any member can nominate for Trustee positions in the two categories (“Lessee” and “General”) where candidates must be members. (See below on the three categories.) Only the Board can nominate “Public Trustees,” but the Board welcomes your suggestions. Becoming a member (so you can nominate and vote!) is simple and costs $25/year. Go here to join us!
We strongly encourage your advance nominations and suggestions, no later than November 4th, using the nomination form at the bottom of this page. This gives us time to talk with nominees, confirm their qualifications and willingness to serve, and include their names and background statements on a ballot distributed at least a week before the Annual Meeting. (Nominations at the Annual Meeting are permitted, when necessary, but not encouraged.)
Duties
Trustees generally serve a three-year term, starting right after the Annual Meeting. Positions are evenly divided among three categories. The board has 12 trustee positions, with 3 existing trustees up for relection and 5 new trustee positions that were created at the end of last year but not yet filled. The positions fall into these categories:
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“General Trustees” must be a THLT member (join by December 10). 3 positions are open including one current trustee who is willing to continue.
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“Lessee Trustees” also must be members. They must either be THLT homeowners (under our ground lease) or must otherwise “represent the interests of future Lessees,” for example, as low-income community members or representatives of low-income organizations. 3 positions are open. The nominating form below includes information on the income levels which are considered “low-income.”
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"Public Trustees" represent diverse skills, communities and low-income interests pertinent to our goals and current needs. These Trustees do not have to be THLT members (though we hope they will join). 2 positions are open including one current trustee who is willing to continue.
Engaged trustees who bring a variety of interests and experience to the work are always needed, but in this growth year the Board has identified the following particularly urgent skills and backgrounds we need to fill required roles and provide us with critical expertise:
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Nonprofit management experience
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Experience in financing, lending, and hands-on “deal-making” related to affordable housing.
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Experience/skills in grant writing for large capital projects
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Diversity of racial/ethnic identity, gender, age, and location in Thurston County (including South County representation).
In addition, all trustees must be adults willing and able to:
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Actively and regularly prepare for and participate in monthly Board meetings.
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Participate in one or two additional committees or special work groups at any time.
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Follow basic policies and norms on topics such as respectful communication, compliance with laws and funding requirements, and avoiding conflict of interest.
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Communicate electronically including regularly checking email, participating in electronic meetings (currently Zoom) and accessing web-based material. Training will be provided, if necessary.
Thank you for your contributions, and we look forward to your suggestions.