Spring Newsletter: Marching Ahead! | |
A Message From Our Executive Director | |
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Dear Generation,
Let’s talk about Minneapolis! Why, you ask? Because Minneapolis is the proof.
Minneapolis is the proof that when a city council gets serious about taking a clear-eyed look at the root causes of a housing crisis and its inequitable human impacts and resolves to find solutions, that it, a local elected body, can actually make significant headway toward solving said housing crisis. And fast. We don’t need the state and federal governments to rescue us—local government is largely responsible for the conditions that make it easy or hard to build.
And Minneapolis is the proof that a city council can be moved to adopt and implement transformational housing policy by a dedicated group of residents; the Minneapolis housing revolution started with a small but passionate group of individuals called Neighbors for More Neighbors. Yep, regular folks dedicated to a better future for our community, people like you and us at Generation Housing can inspire the doers (City and Town councilmembers and County Supervisors) to do the things that need to be done to ensure that we can keep building the housing we need.
Local policy produces big results! In just 5 years, through local policy changes enacted between 2017 and 2022, Minneapolis increased it’s housing stock by 12%, homelessness decreased 12%, and rents rose by 1%—although when adjusted for rising wages, effective rents dropped 20%.
We can do this here! We must do this here! And “we” needs to include you. Neighbors for More Neighbors was not successful because it had a handful of staff and volunteers hustling around alone to do the research, education, and advocacy needed; it was because the work of that handful of hardworking staff and volunteers was supported and amplified by thousands of residents who signed petitions, wrote letters to the editor, placed signs in their yards, and showed up at council meetings to deliver public comment.
Generation Housing has proposed and is supporting the Right Size Impact Fee policy as an emergency ordinance effective until the later of three years or the City’s 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (“RHNA”) obligations are met, as part of our North Bay NEXT Action Steps that calls on jurisdictions to take immediate action to address our worsening housing crisis. The current economic climate requires that our local leaders take bold steps to avoid a years-long slowdown to housing production. We need to do this NOW. To be clear, the Right Size policy is not a silver bullet, it must be the first of a series of reforms, but it’s the place we need to start.
We cannot wait for housing action while thousands of families sit on waitlists for affordable homes. We cannot wait for housing action while thousands make their homes on our streets. We cannot wait for housing action while thousands drive hours each day from more affordable counties to fill the essential jobs of our local economy. We cannot accept excuses of “we cannot afford it” from our elected officials, the same who name housing and homelessness as priorities, while thousands of families struggle to meet their basic needs because they pay too much for rent. We cannot afford to wait. We are Gen H, the people powering Generation Housing, and we are done waiting. Can Sonoma County do what Minneapolis did? You betcha.
In partnership,
Jen
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You can take action to support incentivizing housing affordability in three different ways:
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Sign up to SHOW UP at one of the following meetings to make public comments in support of an impact fee reform adoption. We will provide talking points ahead of time, and will keep you updated on timing as we get closer to the meeting date.
- Wednesday, April 3, Town of Windsor study session
- Tuesday, April 9, City of Santa Rosa study session (please note that this was previously scheduled for March 26 and has been rescheduled. If you’ve already committed to showing up March 26 and cannot attend on April 9, please let us know!)
- Monday, April 22-Wednesday, April 24, County of Sonoma budget workshops
***Because housing anywhere in our county impacts the health of the county’s overall housing system and all of its community, you are welcomed and encouraged to come to any and all meetings for which you are available, not just for the jurisdiction of residence***
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Write a letter to the editor telling our elected officials that we cannot wait any longer for decisive local action to solve our housing crisis.
If you’d like to discuss more ways to get engaged, contact me, at jen@generationhousing.org, or Sonia Byck-Barwick, our Civic Engagement Manager, at sonia@generationhousing.org.
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A Catalyst for Housing in Sonoma Valley | |
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We are excited to share a significant development in our work towards creating vibrant, inclusive communities in the North Bay. Generation Housing is proud to partner with Sonoma Valley Collaborative on a transformative project, funded by the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, aimed at enhancing housing affordability and diversity across our region. You can read Sonoma Valley Collaborative’s announcement here and in the Sonoma Index Tribune.
Generation Housing will be supporting this project with research and development on production strategies to reimagine housing affordability in Sonoma Valley.
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together city and county staff, housing organizations, and community leaders to address one of the most pressing issues facing Sonoma Valley today. By focusing on extending housing services, building on available land, and engaging the community in redevelopment projects, we are setting the stage for a future where everyone has a place to call home.
We are committed to this cause, driven by our belief that safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to economic mobility, educational opportunity, and a thriving community. Join us as we embark on this journey to reimagine housing in the North Bay, fostering an environment where every individual can contribute to an equitable, healthy, and resilient community.
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Gen H Member Announcements | |
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Get up to $100,000 of Down Payment Assistance!
Our partners at Burbank Housing can help make your dream of homeownership a reality!
Since 1980, Burbank Housing has been a local nonprofit leader dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities in the North Bay. As part of its mission, Burbank administers affordable down payment assistance programs and in 2022 was awarded over $14,000,000 by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to further expand homeownership opportunities in Sonoma County. Up to $100K for down payment assistance for eligible buyers. This Program is designed for first-time homebuyers. Income limits apply and are based on household size*. Interested buyers must be pre-qualified for a loan before applying for assistance and should sign up below to receive an application link.
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April House Party
Thursday, April 18
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
Join us as we celebrate National High Five Day.
Giving High Five's spreads positivity and builds connections. Come engage with your community in a fun, uplifting way while shining a light on housing in Sonoma County.
High Fives are a universal symbol of encouragement and support. By associating this day with housing, we hope to spread a positive message for housing advocacy.
Let’s come together for a common cause.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, April 18th - Don’t miss this chance to join a community of housing advocates.
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Stay connected with us for future updates, events, and more ways to contribute to our shared vision. | |
Thank you to our Departing Board Members | |
We would like to extend a special thank you to our outgoing board members, Craig Anderson and Keith Rogal, who have been instrumental in guiding our vision and mission. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, advocacy, and service.
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Keith Rogal
Managing partner
Rogal Projects
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Craig Anderson
Executive Director
LandPaths
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Meet our 2024 New
Advisory Board Members
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Generation Housing is thrilled to welcome our newest Board Members, Joti Chandi, Octavio Diaz, Rex Shults, and Lauren Taylor, whose diverse backgrounds, vast experience, and unique perspectives will be valuable as we grow and continue to advance our shared, bold, and attainable vision of vibrant communities where everyone has a place to call home and can contribute to an equitable, healthy, and resilient North Bay.
Congratulations to our new Board Members!
Meet the rest of our board members here!
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Joti Chandi
Co-Owner
Chandi Hospitality Group
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Octavio Diaz
Business Owner
Mitote Food Park
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Lauren Taylor
Director of Resident Services
Burbank Housing
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Rex Shults
Vice President of Industry Relations
Napa Valley Vintners
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Sonia Byck-Barwick, Civic Engagement Manager
Drumroll please! We're so excited to welcome Sonia to the team as our new Civic Engagement Manager! Sonia is already bringing her creativity, passion, and advocacy to the team, and she is excited to engage with everyone in our community.
Born and raised in Sonoma County, Sonia is the newest addition to the Generation Housing team, bringing her experience, connections, and passion for positive change.
During her 27-year career in wine industry management, Sonia honed her skills in relationship building, leadership, and collaboration. Motivated by a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector, using her talents to support disadvantaged communities. Prior to joining Generation Housing, Sonia supported at-risk youth through corporate partnerships and fundraising events at Social Advocates for Youth.
Sonia enjoys being active in her local community and has served on many boards, including the Russian River Wine Road, Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, Russian River Winegrowers, and the Sonoma County Hospitality Association. Sonia currently serves on the Sonoma County Tourism Community Engagement Committee and the Roseland Library Steering Committee.
Armed with natural enthusiasm and dedication to making a difference, Sonia is ready to use her passion to support expanding housing opportunities throughout Sonoma County.
"Affordable housing is the foundation of an inclusive community; helping create a stable environment for our children to grow and for local businesses to flourish. I look forward to meeting our Gen H supporters and working together to build a Sonoma County where everyone can thrive."
If you are interested in connecting and engaging more, you can reach Sonia at sonia@generationhousing.org.
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ICYMI: HOUSING NEWS ARTICLES | |
Stay Informed | Get Involved | |
Thank you to our Catalyzing Members | |
Thank you to our Movement Partners
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