Present: Jennie Mollica, Lao Family Community Development; Catherine Firpo, City of Oakland, CEDA; Mariano Jauco, EBALDC; Sky Dufaux, OCHI; Philip Williams, Fannie Mae; Don Davenport, SACDC; Eric Cone, SACDC; Owusu Amoakohene, Urban Strategies Council; Liz Vasile, Ariste Research.
NOTE UPCOMING DATES:
Owusu announced that he will present the mapping that has been done at the September committee meeting. He questioned the committee on how we want the data to be presented, as a map of only vacant lots or all underdeveloped or…? Committee members suggested that a map on GIS should allow us to query based on lot size, classification of lot type (vacant/underutilized/dumped/boarded-up), dimensions.
When Urban Strategies’ map and data are available to the committee, we may want to arrange a tour of certain areas. Work will need to be done to contact owners and to begin to assemble available sites. We may want to work with Code Enforcement, who have been working with the Casey Foundation and the Service Delivery Systems to address auto uses in Eastlake. Clark of Code Enforcement could be invited to speak to this committee.
Liz reported on a current economic partnership between Merrill Lynch and Greenlining Institute. A 3-year pilot project begun in 1996 focused on homeownership in Orange County, with outcomes showing a high default and foreclosure rate. Last year, a three-year initiative was entered with commitment to expand to Northern California, which has not yet been undertaken. The focus of this new project has shifted to small business development, with $15 million reserved for affordable housing revolving loan fund and mortgage loans, $1 million for work with an affordable housing developer in Northern California, $16 million for M.Lynch to recruit their own financial consultants from the communities, $4 million for outreach/education, and $4 million for community capacity-building. Merrill Lynch’s Advisory Council on the project has two local members, Darlene Marr of AIS and Mike McPherson of Oakland Business Devp. Association. Liz will meet with Mick this Friday and make mention of the projects in the LSA.
With five minutes remaining, the committee discussed the purpose and future of the committee. It was recommended that this be the first agenda item for the next meeting, and that care then be taken to communicate with and make recommendations to the LSA Collaborative based on a clear mission and purpose. In the future, evening meetings may encourage more resident participation, and contact with City Council could allow the committee to take on a policy advocacy role.
Committee members agreed to email to Jennie any ideas for the next meeting, names of others who should be involved in this discussion, and responses to the handout provided, "Possible Future Directions for the Housing Committee."
Next meeting will be held September 19, 3:30 p.m.