Betsy chairing the MBTA meeting

Service for Brookline

Betsy DeWitt has served Brookline in many ways over the last thirty-two years, including six years on the Board of Selectman.
As Chair of the Board of Selectmen 2010-12

• Chairing the search for our new Town Administrator, Mel Kleckner

• Working with the Town/School Partnership to maintain budget fairness
• Working with Town Administrator Kleckner to assess departmental organization and resource allocation
• Co-chairing the Licensing Review Committee updating regulations on alcohol and food establishments
• Chairing the 2010 Census Re-precincting Committee
• Supporting the search and appointment of a new Fire Chief
• Chairing the planning and oversight of construction of the Olmsted Hill housing project
• Member, Advisory Committee, Steps to Success (1996- present) leveling the education playing field for low income families

As Selectwoman 2006-2010

• Developed a policy on payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) by not-for-profit institutions and organizations, now implemented by the Finance Department.
• Co-chaired the 2008 Override Campaign for schools and town long-term sustainability
• Initiated a policy for art in public places and the creation of new display spaces in Town Hall with the Brookline Commission for the Arts.
• Supported neighborhood efforts to limit noisy parties, overhousing and traffic impacts
• Supported many local business and nonprofit community activities

1984 – 2006:  Town Meeting Member representing Precinct 5
2000 – 2006:  Committee on Town Organization and Structure
1988 – 1998:  Advisory Committee Member
1994 – 1998:  Chairwoman 

• Chaired Schools Subcommittee
• Chaired Revenue Subcommittee
• Member, Personnel Subcommittee

Service on other town committees

• Member, Town-School Partnership Committee
• Member, Joint Labor Advisory Committee
• Member, Town Audit Committee
• Member, Development Committee
• Member, Housing Resource Committee
  

Schools-related organizations and committees

1980-1984:  Lincoln School PTO President

• Led campaign to for building renovation after Town referenda opposing capital improvements for Lincoln succeeded
• Served on Partnership for a New Lincoln School Campaign

 Member BHS Renovations Feasibility Study Committee
 Chaired Town-wide School-Citizen Input Committee
 Member, Gifted & Talented Advisory Committee
 Member, Special Education Advisory Committee

1999-2006:  President, Brookline Improvement Coalition, a nonprofit affordable housing corporation
BIC, in partnerships with the Town, Pine Street Inn, the Committee to End Elder Homelessness, and Brookline Housing Authority, has developed more than 50 affordable dwelling units.

1984-2006:  Executive Director, Brookline Community Fund/Foundation

• Managed evolution of 120 year old Brookline Friendly Society into the Brookline Community Foundation.
• Set up community grants program to support local nonprofit organizations, distributing $250,000 annually
• Established Brookline Safety Net, emergency assistance program for people in financial crisis, working closely with Brookline Community Mental Health Center, the Health Department, Human Relations Commission, Housing Authority, Council on Aging, and Interfaith Volunteers to Prevent Homelessness
• Established Brookline Youth Fund in partnership with the Town and The Country Club.
• Sponsored a $300,000 local funders matching grant program for Brookline High School students with serious health problems, in partnership with Brookline Community Mental Health Center
• Established a Philanthropy Day Breakfast in collaboration with the Brookline Chamber of Commerce
• Worked with GreenSpace Alliance and Town Parks Division to start up Brookline Parks Rangers program
• Established Tercentennial Fund with the Town to support celebration of Brookline's 300th Anniversary
• Supported capital campaigns for the Senior Center, the Library renovation, and the Coolidge Corner Theater