West Marin residents have until Oct. 7 to apply for seven seats on two groups related to Measure W, the transient occupancy tax increase passed in 2018 that supports affordable housing and emergency services in West Marin.
The community housing working group, comprising nine members, identifies priorities for community housing funds, while the oversight committee ensures that revenue is being distributed equally within the boundaries of the tax area and for the measure’s dual purposes.
Four positions on the working group are open to anyone who lives or works in West Marin and feels passionately about affordable housing, said Leelee Thomas, the deputy director of housing and federal grants at the Community Development Agency. The county accepts members who live outside West Marin because it recognizes how much of the coastal workforce commutes from more affordable areas. The group meets twice a year to discuss proposed projects.
Three positions on the oversight committee are open to applicants who live in the tax area and have a working knowledge of relevant topics ranging from financial management and reporting to public agency administration to the provision of fire or emergency services. Though the committee has not met in person due to the pandemic, Rhonda Kutter, aide to Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, said that meeting in Point Reyes Station is a goal.
Neither group’s bylaws prevent current members from applying again, and there are no term limits for appointed members. Cathy Schwemm and Emmanuel Serrière, both members of the oversight committee, will not reapply; Pamela Lichtenwalner, whose position is also about to expire, could not be reached.
On the working group, Scott Hochstrasser has not yet decided if he will reapply, while Elizabeth Hollis said she will not. “I’ve been with the group since its conception and I feel that it’s time for a new and important voice to take my place,” Ms. Hollis said.
So far, Measure W has funded seven projects totaling just over $1 million, with the largest grant of $625,000 going to the Bolinas Community Land Trust’s development on Wharf Road. On Tuesday, supervisors approved $400,000 in Measure W funds for another Bolinas project: Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s acquisition and development of two lots.
The working group’s latest priorities include establishing a baseline understanding of housing market conditions, needs and barriers, for which it allotted up to $100,000. Housing acquisition, development and preservation is slated to receive 65 percent of proceeds, with predevelopment and payment assistance both receiving 15 percent. Finally, the group reserved up to 5 percent for larger projects down the road. Owen Clapp, who is in his first year on the working group, applauded the group’s collective foresight for setting aside that pool.
“There were some bigger projects down the road,” Mr. Clapp said. “We learned that from the project on 31 Wharf Road and CLAM’s Coast Guard renovation project.”
Those interested can apply by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at https://marincounty.jotform.com/222437006836959.