All jurisdictions in Marin County are currently updating their Housing Elements as required by State law. Each Housing Element includes a local plan to meet current and future housing needs and outlines how the locality will further fair housing. Resident input is critical to advancing our shared values of equity and justice and achieving local housing justice goals. 

The County of Marin website states: “…The purpose of the Housing Element is to achieve an adequate supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for Marin’s residents at all income levels, particularly the workforce, seniors, and other special needs populations. The Housing Element assesses housing needs for all income groups and lays out a program to meet these needs…The overall goal of the Housing Element is to present goals, objectives, policies, and action programs to facilitate housing for existing and future needs in a balanced way that retains these attributes.“ 

Community Action Marin is making Housing Element recommendations to the County of Marin, as well as local cities and towns with a focus on equity, tenant protections, and below market rate homeownership.  We urge Marin residents who share our commitment to housing justice to participate in this critical process. If you’ve ever thought “…why doesn’t Marin do something to help with the affordable housing crisis…?”  now is the time to present your thoughts to the local decision-makers.   

Gina Guillemette, Chief Strategy Officer at Community Action Marin, says, “The Housing Element is an important opportunity for Marin to ensure that future housing policies address longstanding inequities and create a community where all have a chance to thrive. As a community we must take active steps via the Housing Element process to provide for tenant protections, affordable housing preservation, and the creation of housing and services for our unhoused neighbors.” 

Community Action Marin encourages your input in your local Housing Element process. You can learn more about your local Housing Element by visiting your city or town website or the County of Marin if you live in unincorporated Marin. Several jurisdictions have public forums happening where you can learn more and voice your input to local officials.   

And if you need immediate help with housing, Community Action Marin is in your corner. Visit camarin.org to learn more about all our services.