Resident Advisory Board
A Resident Advisory Board (RAB) is a group of public housing residents who collaborate with their housing authority to shape policies, programs, and plans.
What does a RAB do?
Resident Advisory Boards play a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered when housing authorities develop their policies, programs, and plans. There are three main responsibilities of a RAB:
Advocate
Collaborate
Communicate
Representing the needs and rights of residents
As an advocate, the primary role of a Resident Advisory Board (RAB) member is to represent the voices of all residents in their housing community. This means listening and understanding tenant concerns, ideas, and priorities, and making sure that these are communicated to the housing authority. RAB members push for policies and services that reflect what residents truly need, such as better safety measures, improved maintenance, or other programs like job training or youth initiatives.
Advocates on the RAB also play an important role in influencing housing policies and programs. For example, they provide feedback on rules about how residents are admitted or evicted, how rent is collected, and what types of services are offered to the community. They bring attention to issues that need improvement and suggest changes that make a meaningful difference in residents’ lives.
RAB members work to include the voices of all groups, such as seniors, families, and people with disabilities, especially those who may not always feel heard. They also hold the housing authority accountable by making sure resident feedback is taken seriously, and when recommendations from the RAB are not accepted, the housing authority must explain why, ensuring transparency in the process.
Working with the Housing Authority to shape plans and policies
As collaborators, RAB members work closely with housing authority staff to shape housing plans and policies. Housing authorities are required to develop two types of plans to share with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
One of their main responsibilities is to help review and provide input on the Annual and Five-Year Plans. These plans outline things like
- admissions and eviction rules,
- rent collection procedures,
- resident programs and community services, and
- how money is spent on things like maintenance, repairs, and security.
RAB members make sure the plans reflect the real needs of the community by suggesting changes or improvements.
Members also take part in problem-solving. For example, when issues like maintenance delays or safety concerns arise, they work with the housing authority to find solutions. They also participate in public hearings, presenting recommendations and making sure residents' voices are included in discussions.
Building bridges between residents and the Housing Authority
As communicators, RAB members help make sure residents are kept up-to-date on important updates, such as new policies, upcoming public hearings, and changes to housing plans. They make sure residents understand how decisions may affect their homes.
RAB members also gather feedback from residents by hosting meetings and having discussions. They listen to concerns and suggestions, and then they bring these ideas to the housing authority for consideration. At the same time, they provide clear explanations to residents about how their input is being used, and why certain decisions are made. This two-way communication helps build trust and makes sure everyone feels included in the process.
