The Affordable Housing Finance Committee (AHFC) advises the Board of Supervisors on the annual allocation of HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds for affordable housing development in Contra Costa County. These funds are allocated to the County on an annual basis by formula through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The AHFC typically convenes
once annually in the spring to review staff’s recommendations for project funding of applications received through a public request for proposals process. Occasionally, a second special meeting is held midway through the fiscal year to reallocate funds.
The Committee consists of seven members, including:
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Three city representatives (one from each sub-region of the County, currently residing in an incorporated City); and
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Three County representatives (one from each sub-region of the County, currently residing in an unincorporated area of the County); and
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One Community/At-Large representative (currently residing in the County, either incorporated or unincorporated).
Nominations for AHFC representatives are solicited by the Department of Conservation and Development, reviewed by the Internal Operations Committee (IOC) and referred to the Board of Supervisors for approval. AHFC terms are for three years. Per the bylaws adopted earlier this year, all members are required to have professional experience in the field of affordable housing finance, design, development, or property management. Members may be retired or active affordable housing professionals.
Since January 2020, 21 applications have been submitted to fill five current vacancies:
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East City Representative – term expired June 30, 2020
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West City Representative – vacant since June 30, 2018
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Central City Representative – term expired June 30, 2021
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East Unincorporated Representative – term expired June 30, 2020
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West Unincorporated Representative – term expired June 30, 2021
Of the 21 applications received, nine have professional affordable housing experience in some capacity and currently eligible as they reside in a vacancy geographic category. The remaining 12 applications received either reside in a region of the County that a representative seat is not currently vacant or have not demonstrated professional affordable housing finance, design, property management experience. These 12 applicants were not considered for appointment to the AHFC.
The remaining candidates were considered by the IOC at its regular meeting on October 11, 2021. The IOC invited candidates for contested seats to appear at the meeting. The IOC interviewed two candidates prior to determining its recommendations for appointment. The applications of all nine qualifying applicants are attached to this order for reference.
Uncontested Seats / Single-Applicants
West City Representative Applicant:
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Valerie Bernardo, Hercules: Ms. Bernardo has 20 years of experience working in local government, Housing and Community Development departments in the Bay Area specifically in single-family homeownership programs, multifamily rental development, housing policy, and community revitalization programs.
East Unincorporated Representative Applicant:
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LaTonia People-Stokes, Discovery Bay: Ms. People-Stokes has 20 years of experience in the public sector working with CDBG and HOPWA funds in Alameda County Housing and Community Development. In addition, Ms. People-Stokes has worked as an on-site property manager for different rental properties.
West Unincorporated Representative Applicant:
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Willie Robinson, El Sobrante (incumbent): Mr. Robinson has actively served on the AHFC for several terms. Mr. Robinson has over 45 years of experience as a construction manager, cost engineer, and value engineering specialist.
The IOC recommends the above candidates to the Board of Supervisors for appointment. Their application materials are attached for reference.
Contested Seats/Multiple Applications Received
East City Representative Applicants
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Rebecca Myer, Brentwood: Ms. Myer is an experienced social service coordinator working for Satellite Affordable Housing Associates for the last six years.
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Alaric Robinson, Oakley: Mr. Robinson has an architectural and construction management background, also working with construction bond financing.
The IOC recommends Rebecca Myer to the Board of Supervisors for appointment.
Central City Representative Applicants
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Julia Dozier, Pleasant Hill: Ms. Dozier is a former associate regional director with Habitat for Humanity, International.
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Yazaman Lee, Orinda: Ms. Lee has experience in real estate development ranging from horizontal improvements, acquisition, and development, as well as rehabilitation of units. In addition, Ms. Lee is a licensed real estate broker for the last 20 years in the Bay Area.
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Matthew Parkins, Danville: Mr. Parkins is a former federal procurement consultant and has experience as a construction estimator and engineer.
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Frances Sorrondegui, San Ramon (incumbent): Ms. Sorrondegui has been involved in the administration of CDBG and HOME funds and management of housing programs for over 18 years in Alameda County.
The IOC recommends the Frances Sorrondegui to the Board of Supervisors for reappointment.