Notes from Jenny Silva, MEHC’s Board Chair

I’d like to introduce myself and update you on MEHC’s plans. I have been a board member of MEHC for the past two years, and have been active in housing advocacy. I was a member of the Sausalito Housing Element Advisory Committee, and a volunteer for Yimby Action and the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements.

I am excited to step into the role of MEHC’s Board Chair. Our organization promotes public support for projects and policies that advance affordable housing, environmental integrity, and social justice.

We have mobilized volunteers to speak up for affordable housing at public meetings, and that advocacy has had an impact. But we need to do more. Housing affordability has worsened. We need policies that will speed the building of affordable housing. We need to increase the political will to build. We need to protect existing residents from displacement.

To increase our impact over the next year, we will:

Expand our educational efforts. Marin residents are generally concerned about homelessness and housing affordability, but the natural reaction to new projects is to resist change. MEHC will increase its educational content to explain how housing can help reduce traffic, improve sustainability and make Marin’s built environment better. Look for more Perspective newsletters and more MEHC events in 2023.

Increase our reach. Our efforts helped drive over 70 positive public comments in favor of the Greenbrae Homekey project. However, our base is not broad enough to muster that level of support for the many projects needed to address Marin’s housing needs. Marin has 12 separate jurisdictions for its 260,000 residents. We need more volunteer voices. We will be reaching out into the community to find affordable housing supporters. We encourage everyone to invite a friend or family member to join our efforts.

Thanks for participating with us in supporting environmentally-appropriate affordable housing in Marin. You can reach me at jennysilva@marinmehc.org

Staff Updates

My name is Carmela Davis, and I am the new Housing Specialist for MEHC!
I grew up in Mill Valley, and went to Tam High. I graduated this past spring from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon with a degree in Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics (PPLE) and a minor in Sociology, with a focus on racial equity. I’ve done internships and volunteering with Marin County Health and Human Services, Marin County Youth Court, a lobbying firm CFM Advocates, and a policy & advocacy non-profit Our Children Oregon. Throughout these opportunities, I have gained experience with attending public hearings and watching legislative and city council committee meetings, likely around 60-80 in the past four years. I have spoken in public hearings in California and Oregon. I am excited to join MEHC and help to push the fight for affordable housing, racial equity, and environmental justice. You can contact me at carmeladavis@marinmehc.org

Kiki La Porta is a former MEHC board member. She continues to manage our communications and graphic design. Email Kiki here.