Priority Area D: Housing and Homelessness
Facilitate new housing development, assist in ensuring housing stability, support a “Housing First” model, and implement strategies that reduce homelessness.
Core Services
Coordinate with Partners on Homelessness Response
Partner with the County of Marin on high utilizer case management programs and outreach efforts to unhoused individuals.
Provides funding opportunities for affordable housing
Review applications and allocate housing funds to support affordable housing developers.
Oversee programs and allocates funds to support homelessness initiatives
Promote and provide long-term funding for innovative programming to reduce homelessness in San Rafael, such as work training programs, mental health services, alternative policing like the SAFE team, and others.
Maintain safety and upkeep of residential rental properties
Ensures the safety and upkeep of housing units by effective code enforcement and public education.
Evaluates and Improves Housing Policy
Critically evaluate existing housing programs, policies, and constraints, and make recommendations for improvements.
Implements and Updates the Housing Element
Implement programs and policies outlined in the City’s Housing Element, provide annual updates, and prepare a new Housing Element as required by stare law, informed by community needs.
Collaborate with the County of Marin and other community partners to implement comprehensive strategies that prevent and reduce homelessness. - D.1
D.1.1 In collaboration with the County of Marin, explore the implementation of a housing-focused interim shelter program, supported by robust case management services to assist in transitioning unhoused community members into permanent supportive housing, or other permanent housing solutions.
D.1.2 Develop a Homelessness Strategic Action Plan, including community engagement and communications strategies, to guide future work relating to solving homelessness.
D.1.3 Evaluate the City’s camping ordinance as the legal framework changes and make revisions as needed that align with the City’s goals to reduce homelessness.
D.1.4 Strategically increase and secure additional funding sources by leveraging key partnerships that will support additional programs that reduce homelessness.
Advance the development of new housing across all affordability levels to meet the state's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements as outlined in the City's Housing Element, ensuring diverse, sustainable, and equitable housing opportunities for all residents. - D.2
D.2.1 Analyze state housing laws and relevant case laws to streamline policies, remove barriers, and support the development of new housing in alignment with legal requirements and community needs.
D.2.2 Evaluate the Below Market Rate program model and identify opportunities to better leverage affordable housing assets and increase impact.
D.2.3 Explore policy options regarding fee waivers or deferrals that would support the development of affordable housing projects.
Evaluate and consider implementation of specific housing policies and programs that promote fair housing practices, ensure housing habitability, and foster diverse housing communities that accommodate all income levels. - D.3
D.3.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of existing tenant protection policies and consider revisions as needed.
D.3.2 Explore policies that protect renters and low-income earners from rising housing costs and economic instability and prevent displacement and preserve housing while ensuring fair returns and sustainability for property owners.
D.3.3 Analyze data from the Housing Inspection Program and residential complaints to identify properties with sub-standard housing conditions and develop a systematic approach that improves the quality of existing housing stock.
Calendar Year 2024 by the Numbers
1,364
Units inspected for code compliance as part of the Housing Inspection Program
38
Housing units permitted
202
Code Enforcement complaints investigated
54
Tent sites supported at the Mahon Path Sanctioned Camping Area
1,660
Housing units entitled