An Open Letter to Our Marin Community
November 14, 2024
Dear Marin community members, elected officials, and local advocates,
We represent Marin County nonprofit organizations working alongside and on behalf of thousands of Marin residents disproportionately impacted by the current housing crisis—particularly immigrants, communities of color, seniors, persons with disabilities, and other lower-income residents. We see first-hand the desperate need for stronger local anti-displacement and tenant protection measures that go beyond current state law, because we know rapidly rising rents will continue to force out valued community members.
The results of the election do not change the reality that Marin has a severe housing crisis that affects our entire community. The impacts of this crisis are widespread and devastating—leading to greater segregation, increased traffic from commuters, rising homelessness, children uprooted from schools, older adults forced into isolation, and local businesses struggling to attract and retain employees who are priced out of our community.
Our organizations are dedicated to solutions that make Marin a healthier, more affordable, more integrated, and more just community. To achieve these goals, our county must pursue all three P’s: producing new housing, preserving existing housing, and protecting all precariously housed people. Yet the funding, rezoning, and construction needed to produce and preserve affordable housing will take decades. Marin needs immediate solutions for the displacement happening now. Our organizations will continue to advocate for anti-displacement policies as an essential part of solving Marin’s housing crisis.
We look forward to partnering with you on these housing solutions to further strengthen the social and economic fabric of our Marin community.
Sincerely,
- Legal Aid of Marin
- Community Action Marin
- North Marin Community Services