The Community Advisory Team (CAT) is a subcommittee of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB). It serves as a hub for gathering community input and fostering accountability in housing policies through equity, anti-racism, and housing justice. This committee builds stronger relationships and amplifies voices from communities most impacted by housing challenges.
Current status
- Internal Kickoff Meetings Scheduled – CAT members will participate in racial equity training, develop a work plan, charter, and participate in Commerce trainings.
- First Public Meeting – The inaugural open-to-the-public meeting is estimated to take place in late spring 2025 via Zoom. All future public meetings will also be held virtually. Once finalized the date for meeting will be announced via GovDelivery.
Membership
Current members
Meet the newly selected members of the Community Advisory Team! (Membership announced January 2025; Orientation begins February 2025.)
- Adam Dibba – Executive Director, Africans on the Eastside
- Angela Bazan – Program Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Yakima
- Angelica Saldivar – Regional Community Services Manager, Yakima Valley Conference of Governments
- Cheyonna Lewis – Community Advocate and Volunteer
- Curtis Rodgers – Reentry Navigation, The Foundation
- Darian Sheldon – Health & Human Services Program Manager, Pacific County
- Ethan Robinson – Advocacy and Policy Manager, Habitat for Humanity Seattle – King & Kittitas Counties
- Faaluaina Pritchard – Executive Director, Asia Pacific Cultural Center
- Frank Martinez – Associate Director of Supportive Services, Opportunities Industrialization Center Washington
- Ganesha Gold Buffalo – Housing Justice Advocate and Community Organizer
- Gaye Hallman – Founder/Executive Director, A Woman’s Worth
- Heather Sheppard – Equity and Collaborative Impact Manager, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health
- Ismail Mohammad – Housing Developer and Advocate
- Kathryn Witherington – Executive Director, Common Roots Housing Trust
- Pavel Parfilo – Affordable Housing Program Manager, Spokane County
- Vivian Rogers Decker – Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Wanjiku Kahacho – Community Liaison, King County Metro
- William Booth – Director of Operations, First Nation Foundation
Equitable representation was a central focus during the formation of this process. The inaugural group is made up of over three-quarters BIPOC members and one-third individuals from rural areas.
Apply to join CAT
Applications are currently closed.
When seats become available, an application period will be announced.
Community member compensation
Community members participating in CAT are eligible for compensation in line with the Washington State Office of Equity Community Compensation Guidelines (Box).
CAT materials
Meeting agendas, minutes, and other resources can be accessed on the Community Advisory Team (Box) page.