Project Endorsement Guidelines
MEHC determines its endorsements on a project-by-project basis. Our decisions consider the nuances of individual projects. We consider the following when deciding whether to endorse a specific project.
Housing affordability – Projects should improve access to safe and affordable housing for Marin’s workforce, and vulnerable communities, including low-income, older and/or disabled residents. This includes:
- Subsidized projects;
- Projects with significant inclusionary housing units;
- Projects that will increase housing stock that is naturally more affordable such as ADUs, JADUs and multi-family housing.
Environmental benefits – Projects should support environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through environmentally friendly building practices, and improved transit outcomes. This includes:
- Use of green building materials;
- Water and energy conservation;
- Infill development projects (building within unused and underutilized lands within existing development patterns, taking into account climate change vulnerability);
- Access to public transit, including biking and walking infrastructure; and
- Reduction in average daily commute distances.
Racial Equity – Projects should advance racial equity in Marin. This includes:
- Production of multi-family and affordable housing projects located in high resource areas;
- Development or redevelopment of housing in low resourced areas that does not cause displacement of existing community members and engaging directly with those historically marginalized and under-resourced communities of color most likely to be impacted or affected by the project.
- Community engagement that centers the voices of local people of color in design, siting and implementation of the housing development and housing policies.
