Housing News
Belvedere
Marin IJ: Belvedere Planning Commission Approve Amended Design for Mallard Pointe
In a 5-1 vote, Belvedere Planning Commissioners approve the new design plans for Mallard Pointe, effectively moving the project along. MEHC Housing Specialist Carmela Davis is quoted.Belvedere, Housing News, Mallard Point, MEHC Quoted, Projects, 3/20/2024Marin IJ: Mallard Pointe Developers Submit New Design
Following several public city meetings and hearing neighbor concerns, the developers for Mallard Pointe have presented an updated version of their design. Belvedere, Housing News, Mallard Point, Projects, 3/16/2024SF Chronicle: Belvedere City Council Vote in Support of the Mallard Pointe Project
The Belvedere City Council made a monumental decision in a 3-1 vote to approve the appeal for the Mallard Pointe project CEQA infill exemption. MEHC board member Claire McAuliffe's testimony is quoted.Belvedere, Advocacy, Housing News, Mallard Point, MEHC Quoted, 1/23/2024The Ark: Developer of Mallard Pointe to Appeal Planning Commission's Decision To Require Environmental Review
Mallard Pointe developer is appealing the Planning Commissions decision to require an environmental review. MEHC supports this project and the appeal.Belvedere, Mallard Point, Projects, 11/21/2023
Bolinas
Point Reyes Light: Downtown Bolinas will have an 8 unit affordable complex developed
Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the Bolinas Community Land Trust will be developing an 8-unit affordable housing complex in downtown Bolinas.Bolinas, Marin County Unincorporated, 31 Wharf Road, Housing News, Projects, 2/28/2024
California
YubaNet: Marin Will Receive State Funds to House Homeless Individuals
The state is funding several counties to help build housing for homeless individuals. Marin County is receiving 3 different funds for particular areas.California, Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 4/18/2024CalMatters: California's housing shortage continues to grow
Despite some efforts from politicians, the California housing crisis is continuing to worsen and grow.California, Housing News, 4/11/2024LA Times: Developers and builders in California can now challenge 'impact fees'
Following a Supreme Court decision, developers and home builders in California are now able to challenge impact fees. These fees are typically considered barriers for new housing, so with this decision there may be an opportunity to see more housing being built.California, Housing News, Policy, State Legislation, 4/12/2024CalMatters: The 'Builders Remedy' housing law may face amendments
The California housing law, the 'Builder's Remedy' will likely be undergoing changes this year as representatives want to propose amendments for it.California, Housing News, Policy, State Legislation, 4/2/2024SF Chronicle: Lawmakers in California Can Now Override Local Housing Limits
State court decision in California now means that lawmakers can override local housing limits.California, Housing News, Policy, State Legislation, 4/1/2024Marin IJ: Rent Bargains in California Are Disappearing
Studies in California show that there is a dwindling cost advantage when choosing cheapest places to live compared to the pricier areas.California, Housing News, 4/5/2024Business Insider: Lack of Condos and Apartments Is An Issue for Seniors Trying to Downsize
This article showcases that a lack of density housing and different types of housing (condos specifically) is an issue for those hoping to downsize from larger single family homes. California, Housing News, 3/24/2024Just Action: Zoning Reform is Essential
In order to combat and solve the current housing crisis, we need zoning reform.California, Housing News, 3/13/2024CalMatters: 3 State Bills Will Tackle the Issue of Corporate Landlords
Two Assembly Bills and one Senate Bill have been proposed in California to tackle the spreading issue of corporate landlords. California, Housing News, Policy, State Legislation, 3/7/2024Marin IJ: New Introduced Bill Would Increase Growth of Community Land Trusts
California Assemblymember Damon Connolly has introduced AB 2897 to promote the growth of Community Land Trusts, as well as clarify the definition of them. California, Housing News, Policy, State Legislation, 3/3/2024CalMatters: California court ruling could stop use of CEQA to delay housing
CEQA has been used by people attempting to slow down the process to build more housing -- and a new California court ruling may be the first step in stopping this tactic from working.California, Housing News, 2/23/2024Marin IJ: Proposition 1 Would Help Combat Homelessness in the State
On the California ballot this year, Proposition 1 will create $6.4 Billion in bonds to go towards mental health. A large focus within this, would be on combatting homelessness in the state and creating more housing. California, Housing News, State Legislation, 2/11/2024
Canal neighborhood
Marin IJ: Threat of Displacement in the Canal Neighborhood is Growing
The Canal neighborhood in San Rafael is facing increasing rates of displacement.Canal neighborhood, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 2/9/2024
Corte Madera
Marin IJ: The Casa Buena Opens Its Doors For Residents
The Casa Buena housing development opens its doors and begins the process to house previously homeless individuals.Corte Madera, Housing News, Projects, The Casa Buena, 3/12/2021
Fairfax
Marin IJ: Fairfax Requests Grant to Purchase 'The Wall' Property
The Town of Fairfax is seeking a grant in order to purchase The Wall property, so they can designate it as a protected open space.Fairfax, Housing News, 4/19/2024Marin IJ: Fairfax Housing Element is certified by the state
The state (HCD) has approved and certified Fairfax's housing element.Fairfax, Housing Element, Housing News, Policy, 4/11/2024Marin IJ: Fairfax is Close to State Certification of its Housing Element
Fairfax has revised and resubmitted their Housing Element based on feedback from the state, and are now close to certification.Fairfax, Housing Element, Housing News, Policy, 3/12/2024Marin IJ: Fairfax Establishes System to Review Rent Control Challenges
Fairfax Town Council have created a new system to process tenant complaints and challenges to their landlords. This includes new rules for hearings regarding landlords implementing rent increases.Fairfax, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 3/11/2024Marin IJ: Fairfax Planning Commission Unanimously Recommend Adopting Housing Element
The Fairfax Planning Commission unanimously voted last week to recommend that the Town Council approves and adopts the Housing Element and Environmental Impact Report (EIR).Fairfax, Housing Element, 12/2/2023
Larkspur
KQED: Larkspur Rent Control Wins with 51.4% of the Votes
KQED is actively tracking the Marin County election results. The most recent update shows that Measure D won with 51.4% of the vote.Larkspur, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 3/13/2024SF Chronicle: Larkspur Rent Control Passes
A live election map shows the results of Marin County voters. The Measure D in Larkspur for rent control passed.Larkspur, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 3/10/2024KQED: Larkspur residents will vote on rent stabilization in March 5th ballot
On the March 5th ballot, Larkspur residents will vote on Measure D. This measure determines whether or not to approve and implement the rent stabilization ordinance originally passed by City Council. MEHC supports this ordinance.Larkspur, Housing News, Tenant Protections, 2/26/2024Marin IJ: Some Larkspur Residents Do Not Want More Housing Built
At a Larkspur Planning Commission meeting on the Housing Element, some residents expressed opposition to the building of more housing in the city.Larkspur, Housing News, 12/16/2023
Marin City
Marin IJ: Golden Gate Village Rehabilitation Project Receives $3M Loan
The Golden Gate Village rehabilitation project has received a $3 million loan from Marin Housing Authority in order to cover costs of pre development and development.Marin City, Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/15/2024Marin IJ: Marin County Provides Funds for Golden Gate Village
A $3 Million loan and $650,000 grant has been approved for the Golden Gate Village housing complex.Marin City, 12/6/2023Black Press USA: 825 Drake Development Paused
A Marin County judge has halted the public funding for the 825 Drake project in Marin City. Marin City, Marin County Unincorporated, 825 Drake Ave, Housing News, Projects, 12/5/2023
Marin County Unincorporated
Marin County: New Marinwood Plaza Affordable Housing Project Proposes 125 Units
A new housing project has been added on the Marin County affordable housing plan page. This project would build 125 units of affordable housing.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Marinwood Plaza, Projects, 4/18/2024Marin IJ: Marin Board of Supervisors Delay Zoning Change Decision
The Marin Board of Supervisors have delayed a decision on zoning changes to the summer.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 4/20/2024YubaNet: Marin Will Receive State Funds to House Homeless Individuals
The state is funding several counties to help build housing for homeless individuals. Marin County is receiving 3 different funds for particular areas.California, Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 4/18/2024Marin IJ: Marin is preparing for an affordable housing bond measure
The affordable housing bond (also known as BAHFA) is much needed for Marin County. Marin supervisors have begun to plan for how the money would be allocated if the bond measure were to be passed. MEHC strongly supports the affordable housing bond measure.Marin County Unincorporated, BAHFA, Housing News, Policy, 4/8/2024Marin IJ: Stricter short-term rental caps approved by Coastal Commission
A proposal for stricter short-term rental caps in Marin have been approved by the California Coastal Commission. Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 4/12/2024Marin IJ: $850,000 of Federal Funds for Coast Guard Base Housing Project
California lawmakers requested federal funds to go towards Marin County, and $850,000 of the $4.75M total will go towards the Coast Guard Base project in Pt. Reyes that will develop housing for seniors.Marin County Unincorporated, Coast Guard Housing, Housing News, Projects, 4/2/2024Marin IJ: Housing is a Key Element for the Marin Race Equity Action Plan
Marin County is one of the most racially disparate county's in the state of California, and in order to address this the Marin Race Equity Action Plan was created. Housing is a key element of this plan.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/27/2024PG&E: PG&E Donates Land for Affordable Homeownership Development
PG&E has donated land to Marin County in Novato, and by doing so, the development will become the largest affordable homeownership development in the state of California. It will be built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/27/2024Marin IJ: Median Home Price in Marin Increases to $1.64 Million
Marin homes have seen a slight increase in median price, as it is now up to $1.64 million.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/30/2024Marin IJ: Marin Housing Authority Employees Go on Strike
Union employees at Marin Housing Authority have gone on strike.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/11/2024Marin IJ: Plans for 117 Apartment Care Center in Strawberry Moves Forward
The developer of the 117 apartment care center proposed in Strawberry has made forward progress, and intends on filing a SB 330 housing project application in the next 180 days.Marin County Unincorporated, Strawberry, 70 N Knoll Rd, Housing News, Projects, 3/13/2024Marin IJ: Golden Gate Village Rehabilitation Project Receives $3M Loan
The Golden Gate Village rehabilitation project has received a $3 million loan from Marin Housing Authority in order to cover costs of pre development and development.Marin City, Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/15/2024The Ark: Stephanie Moulton Peters Wants to Focus On Developing Affordable Housing in Strawberry
Stephanie Moulton Peters has listed affordable housing as a top priority. The Seminary at Strawberry is a plan she wants to help developers and community members reach a consensus on.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Projects, The Seminary at Strawberry, 2/20/2024Marin IJ : BAHFA Bond Is What Marin Needs
Marin is facing a housing crisis, and affordable housing bonds (BAHFA) are what we need to tackle the issue. MEHC Board Chair Jenny Silva urges elected officials and Marin residents to endorse BAHFA.Marin County Unincorporated, BAHFA, Housing News, Policy, Written by MEHC, 3/8/2024Point Reyes Light: Downtown Bolinas will have an 8 unit affordable complex developed
Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the Bolinas Community Land Trust will be developing an 8-unit affordable housing complex in downtown Bolinas.Bolinas, Marin County Unincorporated, 31 Wharf Road, Housing News, Projects, 2/28/2024Marin IJ: Marin County Planning Commissioners approve of new zoning changes
The Marin County Planning Commission voted 4-2 to approve zoning changes that could have the potential to increase housing density in new developments.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 3/1/2024Marin IJ: Marin County has extended offer to lower fees for ADU development
In order to create more incentives for residents to develop ADUs, the fees to build them have remained low.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 2/29/2024Mercury News: Marin County home prices decline 7%
New data shows that Marin County homes are facing a 7% decline in median home price.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 2/26/2024Marin IJ: Marin Community Foundation executive explores land bank venture
Marin County Unincorporated, Policy, 2/19/2024Marin IJ: Marin's Segregation Stems From A History of Racist Housing Discrimination
MEHC's Housing Specialist, Carmela Davis, writes about the racist history Marin County harbors when it comes to housing discrimination and racial segregation. Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Learn, Written by MEHC, 2/8/2024Marin IJ: There Is Growing Tension Between Housing Advocates and Preservationists
There is growing tensions between cinephiles and preservationists and housing advocates. This is due to the recent movement to demolish "movie theater palaces" and transform them into newly much needed housing.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 2/11/2024Marin IJ: Plan For Marin Racial Equity Project Details Need For Rent Stabilization
Marin has allocated $1.7M in funds to go towards racial equity. Part of the plan for how to utilize the funding includes creating a countywide rent stabilization program.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 2/11/2024Marin IJ: $1.7 Million Will Be Spent on Housing, Among Other Racial Equity Goals
Marin County has acquired funds to go towards housing, mental health, and economic opportunities. This comes as a result of the County pushing for more racial equity. MEHC Board Member Lucie Hollingsworth is quoted.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, MEHC Quoted, 1/30/2024Joint Center for Housing Studies: Home Price-to-Income Ratio Is At An All Time High
New research shows that the median home price in the US was 5.6 times higher than the median household income. This article includes an interactive map to highlight this growing discrepancy. Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Learn, 1/22/2024CalMatters: State Deadlines for Housing Rezoning Implementation Are Approaching
Many Marin jurisdictions that did not submit Housing Elements on time will be facing rezoning deadlines by the state. MEHC Board Chair Jenny Silva is quoted.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing Element, Housing News, MEHC Quoted, 1/25/2024Marin IJ: Short Term Rental Ordinance Headed to California Coastal Commission
More regulations on short term rentals in Marin County may go into effect if the California Coastal Commission approves it.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 1/12/2024NBC Bay Area: Marin County Supervisors May Limit Number of Short Term Rentals
Marin County Supervisors are tackling the issue of short term rentals, and may vote soon on limits of the number of vacation rentals that can be in the jurisdiction.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, 1/11/2024Black Press USA: 825 Drake Development Paused
A Marin County judge has halted the public funding for the 825 Drake project in Marin City. Marin City, Marin County Unincorporated, 825 Drake Ave, Housing News, Projects, 12/5/2023Marin IJ: County Approves of $200k in Funds For West Marin Housing
Through the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin, the coastal parts of Marin may receive $200k in funding for more housing. Marin County Unincorporated, 12/1/2023Marin IJ: Builder's Remedy Project on Lucas Valley Road Requests County Review
The developers for a project proposed at 1501 Lucas Valley Road has requested a review of the housing plan by the county. This is a "builder's remedy" project that would build 44 residences. Marin County Unincorporated, 1501 Lucas Valley Rd, Projects, 11/27/2023North Bay Business Journal : Bay Area Mortgage Payments Have Significantly Increased Since Pandemic
In the Bay Area, mortgage payments have significantly increased since the end of the COVID pandemic.Marin County Unincorporated, 11/20/2023Marin IJ: 126-unit Senior Living Facility Approved by County
The Oaks Senior Living Community project plans were unanimously approved by the county in 2018.Marin County Unincorporated, Housing News, Projects, The Oaks Senior Living Community, 12/11/2018North Bay Business Journal : Down Payments in Marin Are Among Highest In The Country
Homeowners in Marin County are faced with some of the most expensive down payments in the United States.Marin County Unincorporated, 11/20/2023
Mill Valley
Marin IJ: Mill Valley Begins Process To Rezone for New Housing
The City of Mill Valley is making progress on their housing element. Rezoning in order to implement new housing has begun.Mill Valley, Housing Element, Housing News, 1/26/2024Marin IJ: Mill Valley's Housing Element Approved By State
Mill Valley submitted its Housing Element to the state for review, and HCD has approved it.Mill Valley, Housing Element, Housing News, 1/12/2024Marin IJ: One Hamilton Drive Project Is A Great Opportunity For Housing
Mill Valley needs more housing, and 1 Hamilton Drive is a good opportunity to meet this. Mill Valley, 1 Hamilton Drive, Housing News, 12/13/2023Marin IJ : Mill Valley Planning Commission Unanimously Approve 1 Hamilton Drive
The Mill Valley Planning Commission has unanimously approved and endorsed the 1 Hamilton Drive project to City Council. MEHC supports this project.Mill Valley, 1 Hamilton Drive, Projects, 11/29/2023
Novato
Marin IJ: Novato School District Pursuing Workforce Housing
In order to retain more teachers, the Novato school district is seeking workforce housing.Novato, Housing News, 4/16/2024Marin IJ: Residents of Novato Mobile Home Park Might Form a Co-op
Residents at a Novato mobile home are starting to research the possibility to form a cooperative, in order to buy back the land the mobile home resides on.Novato, Housing News, 3/31/2024CalHDF: CalHDF Submits Applications for Four Separate Affordable Housing Projects
Through utilizing state bills, four 100% affordable housing projects have been submitted in Novato.Novato, 1st Street & Grant Avenue Mixed Use Project, 3rd Street & Grant Avenue Mixed Use Project, 4th Street & Grant Avenue Mixed Use Project, Housing News, Landing Court Apartments, ProjectsNBC Bay Area: Habitat For Humanity Will Build 80 Affordable Homes on PG&E Donated Land
Land that was donated by PG&E will now be a site for 80 affordable homes, built by Habitat for Humanity.Novato, Housing News, 3/16/2024Marin IJ: Novato School District Makes Forward Progress for Workforce Housing
The Novato school district has selected their consultant for the workforce housing program.Novato, Housing News, 3/16/2024Marin IJ: Homeward Bound of Marin Receives $14.4 Million Grant
$14.4 million was awarded to Homeward Bound of Marin in order to aid the development of 50 units of supportive housing in Novato.Novato, Homeward Bound Workforce & Veteran Housing, Housing News, Projects, 1/24/2024Marin IJ: Novato City Council Approves 130-home Housing Project
Novato City Council has approved of the Valley Oaks North project that will create 130 homes. Novato, Housing News, Projects, Valley Oaks, 1/15/2024Cohousing California : C Street Village Proposal
Cohousing California has created a page for information about the proposed C Street Village housing development.Novato, C Street Village, Housing News, ProjectsMarin IJ: Vehicle Buy Back Program Approved For Binford Road Encampment
A vehicle buyback program in Novato at the Binford Road encampment has been approved. This will allow residents there to receive payments in exchange for their vehicle.Novato, Housing News, 12/14/2023Marin IJ: 7711 Redwood Blvd Project is Approved by Novato City Council
The project at 7711 Redwood Blvd in Novato is approved by City Council.Novato, 7711 Redwood Blvd Residences, Housing News, Projects
San Anselmo
Marin IJ: San Anselmo adopts rent control ordinance
San Anselmo councilmembers approved 3-2 and have now adopted their rent control ordinance.San Anselmo, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 4/13/2024Marin IJ: San Anselmo Town Council Advances Rent Control Ordinance
In a 3-2 vote, San Anselmo Town Council approves the first reading of the proposed rent control ordinance. There will be a second reading on April 9th, and if passed, will be implemented within 30 days of the meeting. San Anselmo, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 3/29/2024
San Rafael
Marin IJ: Protections for Canal Neighborhood Residents Are Unanimously Approved
In a unanimous decision, San Rafael city council members approve urgent eviction and tenant protections for residents in the Canal neighborhood.San Rafael, Housing News, Policy, Tenant Protections, 4/17/2024Marin IJ: San Rafael to Continue to Work With Homeless Encampment Residents
In this opinion piece, the author explains why the city of San Rafael must continue outreach and communication with homeless encampment residents to find a solution.San Rafael, Housing News, 4/20/2024Marin IJ: Lack of Affordable Housing is Biggest Barrier for Homeless Individuals
A survey was done in San Rafael to get input from homeless individuals about what barriers they face, and a lack of affordable housing was deemed the main issue.San Rafael, homelessness, Housing News, 3/17/2024Marin IJ: Developer of Northgate Mall Housing Project Submits Expanded Proposal
The developers behind the Northgate Mall redevelopment project have submitted a pre-application for an expanded version of the project under Senate Bill 330 (SB330). When a project is submitted under SB330, it has an expedited process and cannot be denied based on subjective standards.San Rafael, Housing News, Northgate Town Square - Northgate Mall, Projects, 3/23/2024SF Chronicle: Marin County residents worry plan to turn mall into housing will destroy ‘peaceful’ setting
San Rafael, Northgate Town Square - Northgate Mall, Projects, 2/23/2024SF Gate: Horrendous: Wealthy Bay Area county worried about sprawling development
San Rafael, Northgate Town Square - Northgate Mall, Projects, 2/22/2024Marin IJ: San Rafael critics fault mall housing environmental report
San Rafael, Northgate Town Square - Northgate Mall, Projects, 2/19/2024Marin IJ: Vivalons Healthy Aging Campus Will Open Soon
The Vivalon senior housing project in San Rafael will open soon. San Rafael, Housing News, 12/16/2023Marin IJ: San Rafael Votes Unanimously To Provide More Funds For Housing
San Rafael City Council has voted unanimously to require a commercial linkage fee for nonresidential developments, to support affordable housing funds.San Rafael, 12/8/2023
Sausalito
Marin IJ: Sausalito Waterfront Housing Project Sparks Some Controversy
The newly proposed 47-home development on Sausalito's waterfront is already facing some public outcry, claiming that the housing project goes against the character of the city.Sausalito, Housing News, Waterstreet project, 2/8/2024Marin IJ: Sausalito's Housing Element Environmental Report is Released
A newly released Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on Sausalito's Housing Element shows that there are no severe concerns. The report finds that future housing plans for the city have risks that can be mitigated. Sausalito, Housing Element, Housing News, 1/24/2024
Strawberry
Marin IJ: Plans for 117 Apartment Care Center in Strawberry Moves Forward
The developer of the 117 apartment care center proposed in Strawberry has made forward progress, and intends on filing a SB 330 housing project application in the next 180 days.Marin County Unincorporated, Strawberry, 70 N Knoll Rd, Housing News, Projects, 3/13/2024
Tiburon
Marin IJ: Tiburon Town Council Approves Rezoning For Paradise Drive
Tiburon Town council unanimously voted to approve the rezoning plans for Paradise Drive.Tiburon, Paradise Drive, Projects, 12/1/2023
