May 4th Housing and Inequality Event Recap
Marin Economic Forum
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Robin Sternberg
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Rob Eyler
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Jesús Guzmán
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Senator Mike McGuire
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Marin Economic Forum held its first significant event on Housing and Inequality at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael May 4. The turnout was excellent with 170 attendees, including press representatives from the Marin Independent Journal, North Bay Business Journal, Marin Magazine and The Registry. After opening remarks from MEF CEO Robin Sternberg, Forum’s Chief Economist Rob Eyler presented an economic overview of Marin County trends related to employment, housing and commuting, which was followed by the research findings of Jesús Guzmán, a temporary Economic Policy Consultant on loan to MEF from the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, where he is completing graduate work for a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree.
Senator Mike McGuire (D – Healdsburg) was the keynote speaker. After the individual presentations, the Senator, Eyler and Guzmán fielded questions from the fully engaged and inquisitive audience.
“If we don’t work together to produce affordable housing in Marin, the state will do it for you.” -McGuire
Coverage of the event by two of the publications was excellent.
NorthBay Business Journal Coverage
In terms of recommendations and solutions to address the housing crisis in Marin County, the following are the key points from Sternberg’s presentation.
What are the goals?
- Increase Housing Supply
- Increase Acceptance of Sustainable Growth
- More Workers to Live near Jobs
- Build Wealth for Low Income Residents
- Have a Plan for the Future
Strategic Recommendation #1
Create a long-range Economic Development and Housing plan with strategic actions and accountability
- Cities and County Collaborate to map In-Fill Areas, Underutilized land, Developable and Re-Developable sites
- Create an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District (EIFD) to help fund projects
- Other State and Federal Funding for Economic Development and Housing
Strategic Recommendation #2
- Streamline the Permit Process – Create a Concierge Culture
- Proactive/paid for EIRs and Shovel Ready sites
- Attract and Train Construction workers
- Education Pipeline
- Construction Worker Housing
Strategic Recommendation #3
- Facilitate Low Income Home Purchases
- Establish a Public Project Disadvantaged Business Program
- Minority Business startup Microloans Program
Strategic Recommendation #4
- Where are we now? – Polling
- Communications/Education/Awareness Campaign
- Dispel Myths/Mis-Information/Fear
MEF Staff with Sen. McGuire L-R: Cesar Castillo, Lisah Horner, Guzmán, McGuire, Eyler, Sternberg and Gary Marsh
For a complete copy of the PowerPoint slides presented by Eyler, Guzmán and Sternberg, please click here: May4Event_PP
About Marin Economic Forum
The Marin Economic forum provides information and opportunities to collaborate for improving Marin County’s economic vitality and equity. Marin’s Economic Stakeholders include private sector companies, chambers of commerce, county and municipal governments, educational institutions, organizations supporting workforce employment, housing, and similar economic-related activities, consumer groups, and other organizations as designated by the MEF Board of Directors. Marin Economic Forum is a nonprofit organization.
Media Contact: Gary Marsh (415) 999-3793 or gary@marshmarketing.com
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