As Healdsburg continues to search for the answer to the affordable housing problem, the city has created a new position – Community Housing and Development Director – and has hired a local to tackle the new role.
Karen Massey, a Healdsburg resident of four years, Sonoma County resident for seven and Northern California native, will leave her current job as Cloverdale’s Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director and begin her new position on Nov. 2.
“When I moved to Healdsburg it took me almost a year to find a place to rent, so I’ve lived the housing challenge personally and can appreciate the difficulties associated with it,” Massey said.
In the newly created position, Massey will be a full-time staff member dedicated to developing and implementing affordable housing projects and programs and focusing on economic development.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to work for my own community and bring my skills and experience to Healdsburg and hopefully make a meaningful impact in an area that affects each of us,” Massey said.
Prior to her role in Cloverdale, Massey spent over seven years as a land use planner in the private sector facilitating residential, commercial and industrial development projects for a major national homebuilder and a large private landowner.
Healdsburg City Manager David Mickaelian said Massey’s experience in both jobs over the last decade will offer a unique perspective as she dives into different housing projects.
“I really like the fact that she’s been on both sides having worked in the private sector (…) and the fact that she’s worked through tough issues in Cloverdale – and has a good reputation up there,” Mickaelian said. “I think it’s important as we get some of these projects moving forward that she looks at both sides.”
Following the initiative started by the city to address the issue of affordable housing, Massey has already begun preparation for her new job. On her own time, Massey said she’s been attending City Council meetings, housing workshops and has been studying city documents on the subject.
“Initially I’m gathering information, reviewing the work the city has already done and learning more about the issues to identify where the most urgent need is so I can help the city, the council and the public craft solutions that will work for everyone involved,” Massey said.
Mickaelian said in association with managing housing projects, Massey will also be tasked with addressing the issue of rent stabilization.
“It will be important to look at existing regulations to see where barriers can be eliminated and to identify potential incentives that might be offered to encourage developers to build affordable housing and encourage landlords to maintain units at an affordable price,” Massey said.
In addition, Mickaelian added that another part of Massey’s role in relation to economic development will be serving as a sort of ombudsman for new potential businesses to develop in the city.
“We want to make sure we have someone to look out for the right type of development, while allowing existing businesses to stay and expand,” Mickaelian said.
Although this is not an entirely new position, as the city has had roles in the past focusing on development, Mickaelian said this is the first time Healdsburg will have a full-time position primarily focused on affordable housing.
“We’re really excited to get her here, and she’s going to hit the ground running,” Mickaelian said.
