The Milton Equestrian Committee meets Wednesday evening to – among other matters – discuss the City’s efforts to give citizens, including those who own horse farms, more incentive to retain their large lots.

That’s one of several items on the agenda for the January 15 meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers. Citizens can attend in person or watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bAM5L9v3hc.

This City board, sometimes referred to as MEC, consists of seven individuals appointed by Milton’s Mayor and Councilmembers. Together, they consider matters of importance to the local equestrian and agricultural community – sharing expertise, advice, and opinions with City staff and leaders.

The MEC’s first meeting of 2025 will begin with members deciding on who will be the committee’s chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary for this year.

City staff will then share relevant updates, starting with information from Community Development Department team members on large lot incentives. This project explores innovative, effective ways to encourage those with properties of 3 acres or bigger – many of which are active farms – to keep their lots that size rather than subdivide them.

Parks and Recreation staff next will share plans for a new Eagle Scout project in Birmingham Park, a 200-acre natural property beloved by the equestrian community.

This will be followed by sub-committee reports, which are regular items at every MEC meeting. On Wednesday, this is set to include a discussion of CUVA (Conservation Use Valuation Assessments, which can be used to reduce property taxes), as well as updates to the committee’s  “farm census.”

After Wednesday’s meeting, the Milton Equestrian Committee is next scheduled to convene on February 12.