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Dear Generation,
Our deepest gratitude goes to those folks who have supported our work to catalyze North Bay housing solutions and to those who have exhibited great leadership in moving us toward housing solutions. There are too many to thank by name—and we don’t want to miss anyone—so if you see yourself in this, you’re probably right.
We’re grateful for funders who are willing to play the long game and invest in solutions and systems change rather than solely in problem management and mitigation.
We’re grateful to our #WeAreGenH members who help inform our work, amplify our efforts, and ensure we’re financially sustainable.
We’re grateful to our action team members, who speak up for housing through petitions and public comments, and coalition letters.
We’re grateful to our Advisory Board, Policy Advisory Committee, Membership Committee, and Community Connectors, and unofficial braintrust members who show up at meetings, on the phone, by text, or over an occasional local IPA to ensure our work is driven by subject matter expertise and diverse perspectives.
It was pointed out to me recently, that with respect to Generation Housing’s policy work—which we believe is the key to the real housing systems change necessary for a prosperous, equitable, sustainable community—the hard thing is that we at Generation Housing want things done, but we aren’t the do-ers. Huh. Good point.
And so this season of gratitude, we offer our special thanks to the do-ers of policy:
Thank you to anyone who steps up into leadership roles to represent the public—under a spotlight— and do their best to move the slow gears and turn the bigger rudders of giant bureaucratic boats, especially with competing priorities, tightening budgets, and the challenge of balancing short-term vs long-term goals.
We are grateful to all leaders who have resisted provincialism and organizational insularity and leaned into collaborative and regional solutions.
Our deepest thanks go to the elected and jurisdictional staff leaders who have been willing to be first and to try something new, and those who have not let fear, complexity, or perfection be excuses for inaction or delay. Your courage is inspiring, contagious, and more necessary than ever.
In community,
Jen
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North Bay Next Update
November 2023
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We are excited about the response from jurisdictions seeking to model solutions to affordable housing production. In the last month, we have begun to discuss implementation strategies with Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Windsor, and Petaluma.
We want to congratulate the following jurisdictions that have taken initial steps to move data-driven solutions to the top of their agendas:
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Rohnert Park for being the first Sonoma County jurisdiction to endorse the Bay Area Housing for All (BAHA) bond by a unanimous resolution
- Healdsburg recently conducted a study session and discussed the BAHA bond in November, and will consider putting forward a resolution endorsing it in the new year;
- Santa Rosa will be discussing BAHA bond in December via Study Session
- County of Sonoma is moving forward with plans to place BAHA on their agenda
Our rollout of North Bay NEXT policy briefs continues with the release of our Incentivize Affordability plan–a proposal to restructure impact fees to ensure new Affordable housing projects receive special preference when seeking to build in Sonoma County. As part of our plan – modeled on Sacramento’s highly successful trial program which enabled them to surpass their state mandated requirements – affordable projects will get relief from onerous fees that interfere with completion. Fee relief is part of our holistic policy platform and serves as the best solution to offset costs at a time when elevated interest rates and rising material costs threaten to bring affordable housing production in the county to a halt. If you are interested in the details of our plan as well as evidence of past success, please read them here.
Looking ahead to the new year, you can support North Bay NEXT by adding your voice to our petition and utilizing our letter to the editor tool. Hearing from residents ensures that our council members identify the crucial role that housing plays in our daily lives. Showing up to council meetings empowers our elected officials to direct staff on how best to develop policy.
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Policy Update November 2023 | |
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Housing Advocacy Highlights!
This month we showed up for some major deliberations on local housing issues!
Petaluma
On November 14, 2023, the Petaluma Planning Commission held a joint meeting with the Historic & Cultural Preservation Committee to discuss the Downtown Housing & Economic Opportunity Overlay. The overlay proposes to support housing and mixed-use development in a portion of the Downtown area through modification of Floor Area Ratio (‘FAR”), building height, and lot coverage maximums, and associated revisions, including development and design controls for properties located in the overlay.
The proposed zoning overlay was met with considerable opposition, but prohousing voices countered with a strong and affirmative voice. And after 8 hours of education, public comment and deliberation, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to approve amendments to the General Plan and zoning code.
Barring an appeal, the Zoning Overlay issue will proceed to the City Council for further deliberation and possible adoption at their December 4, 2023 meeting.
Windsor
On November 15, 2023, the Windsor Town Council received a presentation for a pre-application concept review of a project proposed at 9290 Old Redwood Highway, a site proximate to the Town Square, SMART, and Oliver’s.
After careful consideration, Generation Housing determined it was necessary to once again voice our opposition to the applicant’s proposal. The project continued to conflict with what was envisioned in the General Plan and the minimum zoning requirements outlined in the Station Area Plan. The site has always been viewed as one of the last major opportunities to create a sizable share of multifamily housing in the core of Windsor. Yet, the applicant continues to propose predominantly single family detached homes that they are calling “affordable by design”. Opting for such low density in this location endangers our collective efforts to curb further urban sprawl in more sensitive or less built out areas of Windsor. The Town Council agreed with our sentiments and those of others who spoke.
Generation Housing has never spoken in opposition to a housing development. However, the availability of large infill properties that are transit-centric is few in number. It is for this reason we elected to vocalize our concerns and urge the applicant to return with a proposal that better aligns with the higher intensity vision for this property.
Click here to view the November 15 meeting agenda!
On the Horizon: What’s Coming Up on the Sonoma County Policy Front?
People might be wrapping presents already, but the year is far from wrapped up. See what’s in the pipeline of upcoming agenda items. This is not an exhaustive list, so be certain to sign up for Action Alerts.
Santa Rosa
December 5, 2023: Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (“BAHFA”) and 2024 Regional Affordable Housing Bond
December 12, 2023: Draft Economic Development Strategic Plan (Study Session), Declaration of Multiple City Owned Parcels as Exempt and Non-Exempt Surplus (Report)
Petaluma
December 4, 2023: Downtown Housing & Economic Opportunity Overlay
County
November 28, 2023: The County Board of Supervisors will review the First Reading of the Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) Ordinance. At this same meeting, the BOS will review the Fall General Fund Fiscal Forecast - this includes review of funds and will be an opportunity to revisit TOT, Teeter, and reinvestment/redevelopment policies.
December 5, 2023: Annual Legislative Review (Consent); Permit Sonoma Management Review Implementation Update (Report)
December 11, 2023: Climate Action and Resiliency Workshop
December 12, 2023: General Plan Kickoff
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At Generation Housing, we envision vibrant communities where everyone has access to safe, stable, affordable housing.
Generation Housing has worked hard to understand the current challenges residents face when it comes to housing. Through our survey-driven "Making the Rent" study and our "2023 State of Housing in Sonoma County" report, we've sought to illustrate the scale at which our housing deficit impacts our community. But as we launch our North Bay NEXT initiative, we also want to understand what Sonoma County residents hope to see in their communities. What types of housing, amenities, and plans would make your community stronger and healthier? To do that, Generation Housing is launching a short survey on the types of communities we most want to see.
Please take 10 minutes to complete this survey by Monday, December 13.
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Its not to late to join us for #givingtuesday, we are reminded of the collective power we hold to create lasting change in our communities. This is more than a day of giving – it's a movement towards a future where everyone in the North Bay has a place to call home.
This is your invitation to be part of the solution. We encourage you to join Generation Housing as a member, or gift a membership to someone who shares our vision. Remember, memberships start at just $5/year – a small investment for a significant impact. Our membership structure allows us to be inclusive, and provides an opportunity for each of you to join at a level that is financially feasible and personally meaningful and reflective of your commitment to housing solutions.
Why Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever
Your involvement is crucial. Each membership, whether it's your first time joining or you're gifting it to someone else, fuels our mission to advocate for affordable, diverse, and sustainable housing. Your support means we can push harder, reach further, and advocate louder.
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December Holiday House Party | | | |
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Have you been dreaming of building a gingerbread apartment building? Join us for a quick catch-up on housing happenings and an update on Generation Housing's work across the county, and then take part in a fun gingerbread house activity and a delicious hot cocoa treat!
Gingerbread houses will be judged by a surprise guest judge!
#WeAreGenH Members - Pick up your 2024 Generation Housing calendars!
👉 Click to Register Today and join the holiday fun! 👈
Hosted by Generation Housing, coLAB and Cookie... Take a Bite!
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As we approach the end of 2023, we at Generation Housing would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our 2023 outgoing advisory board members, Ali Kalia and Devika (Dev) Goetschius, for their unwavering service and leadership. Their contributions have been invaluable in advancing our vision of an equitable, healthy, and resilient North Bay, and their knowledge and legacy will continue to inform our work.
We are very grateful for Ali and Dev for their years of service and look forward to our continued partnership and their continued work in the community.
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Ali Kalia
Ali Kalia is the past Board Chair at Generation Housing. With a background in private equity, asset management, and residential and commercial real estate development, Ali brings to the organization knowledge of financing, development, and management, along with a passion for community.
Ali has been involved in community development and local advocacy since 2017. Ali is deeply committed to ensuring that all Sonoma County residents have access to affordable housing so we may all enjoy a sustainable community for all future generations.
At Generation Housing, Ali has been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability of the organization and its fundraising efforts. Outside of Generation Housing, Ali is passionate about interior design, exploring Sonoma County’s cuisine, and building a home with her husband and two Doberman Pinchers.
Ali's Reflections:
I am Gen H and joined the Generation Housing Board because I want to be part of the solution; I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, and I want to ensure that those who grew up and work here can afford to live in Sonoma County.
I have witnessed Generation Housing's evolution firsthand since its inception in 2020, particularly in how Gen H has become a pivotal force in research - collecting and analyzing housing data in and around Sonoma County. I can envision Gen H continuing to grow and being the leader in housing advocacy throughout Northern California.
Lastly, when reflecting on the ways Gen H has impacted the North Bay Community, Ali shared, "I think Generation Housing has done an incredible job of getting its name out in the community, and because of this, several projects have been brought in for review by Gen H. With this, Gen H has helped several projects get the support needed for approval."
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Devika (Dev) Goetschius
Dev Goetschius is the founding Executive Director of Housing Land Trust of the North Bay, an organization that has been in partnership with cities throughout Sonoma County to produce and preserve permanently affordable, owner-occupied homes. She has over 20 years of experience in management, strategic planning, program design and fundraising for nonprofit organizations.
Dev is a partner at Burlington Associates in Community Development the national consulting firm specializing in the development and evaluation of affordable housing policies and community land trust programs. She currently serves as a founding board member and Treasurer at the Center for Community Land Trust Innovation.
Dev holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish Literature, is a licensed Teacher of the Handicapped; she is fluent in Spanish, Hindi and Sindhi.
Dev's Reflections:
Dev reflects on her board tenure and expresses immense pride in being part of Generation Housing's founding board. "I am honored to have been part of the founding board, to help establish the organization with our first Executive Director, Jen Klose, to offer support to staff through committee work, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow board members; we all shared all deep sense of commitment, and I am proud of that.
When reflecting on how Generation Housing has impacted the North Bay Community, Dev shares how Gen H provides a meaningful platform for the community to meet, learn, and engage in person or virtually through conferences and house parties, sometimes just for business, sometimes just to connect and affirm that we are all aligned with the mission, and most importantly, to have a voice that represents many on housing issues.
Lastly, "I am Gen H because I am an educator who was priced out of where I worked for housing and a mother who wants stability for her family that comes in the form of housing and community resources for a healthy environment and growth."
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Demystifying Housing Policy:
Four Housing Terms Everyone Should Know
CHDO Pronounced CHO-DOE. A HUD term for a Community-Based Housing Development Organization in relation only to the federal HOME program (see “HOME”). HOME reserves 15% of its funds for CHDOs. A CHDO must have on its board at least one-third low-income people, their specially elected representatives, or residents of low-income census tracts.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A term broadly used to describe any efforts to improve housing, infrastructure, education, social services and employment in lower income areas.
EXCLUSIONARY ZONING An oft-mentioned policy that keeps affordable housing out of neighborhoods through land use and building code requirements. It’s a legal practice that has been used for decades to keep lower-income people—disproportionately racial minorities—out of wealthy and middle-class neighborhoods across the country. It can have a damaging effect in that it prevents these lowincome families from having access to the education and employment opportunities typically found in wealthier neighborhoods
HOUSING FIRST An innovative approach to ending chronic homelessness in which people are provided rapid access to low-cost apartments, with vital medical, mental health and other support services available on site. It is a more humane, a more successful and a more cost-effective method than paying for these same individuals to cycle in and out of the emergency room, rehabilitation centers or jail.
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