San Rafael, CA – County of Marin funding set aside for the preservation and creation of affordable housing was allocated September 27 for the benefit of two projects in Terra Linda and two in Bolinas.
This home in Bolinas is one of the properties receiving support from the County of Marin's Housing Fund so it can become an acquisition for Habitat for Humanity.During its regular meeting, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $6.25 million loan to the nonprofit BRIDGE Housing to the acquisition of existing units at Terra Linda Manor and Northview Apartments, both just behind the Northgate One shopping center. Also, the Board approved $800,000 in grants to the nonprofit Habitat For Humanity Greater San Francisco for the acquisition of four prefabricated homes in Bolinas – two on Overlook Drive and two on Aspen Road.
The allotments are consistent with the County’s efforts to address a shortage of homes units for lower-income households. They were prompted by recommendations from the Marin County Community Development Agency’s Housing and Federal Grants Division, which works closely with community land trusts, nonprofits, and other groups to maximize resources in the Affordable Housing Fund.
The County has a long track record of distributing money from its Affordable Housing Fund to similar projects around the county and then occasionally budgeting for the fund’s replenishment. The Affordable Housing Fund is designed to support projects in all jurisdictions in Marin, including towns and cities, but with a priority for multifamily projects in unincorporated areas that house those earning at or below 60% of the area median income, or about $109,000 for a household of four.
With the Bolinas properties for low-income buyers, half of the allotted grants ($400,000) is from the County’s Measure W Community Housing Fund. The voters of West Marin passed Measure W in November 2018 to establish the West Marin Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) area and provide revenue to mitigate the impacts of tourism to the area. Long-term local workforce housing is one priority for the Measure W tax revenue spending. An ad-hoc TOT oversight committee works with CDA staff to recommend housing opportunities to the Board of Supervisors.
After supporting the two agenda items September 27, Board members applauded the creative partnerships between CDA and nonprofits, the effective use of tax measure funds, reduction in tenant fears of being displaced through eviction, and quelling concerns about being priced out of Marin by rent increases.
Learn more about CDA housing’s program or the federal grants program on the County website.