Housing

Marsha believes that the inadequate supply of workforce housing is one of the most serious issues facing the City Council.  "I have worked to put more emphasis on inclusionary zoning by reducing the applicable acreage requirement.   Ingenious projects proposed by some developers have accomplished a broad mix of affordability on the same site."

With respect to Santa Rosa's homeless population, Marsha says, "I have been devastated that we have been  unable to come up with a solution to provide shelter - particularly for children and families.  I became aware in my work as a school counselor that many children not only do not receive the basic necessities of  life, but they also do not receive the love and encouragement needed for them to mature into healthy adults. We will reap the sad results from inadequate parenting skills, nutrition and love.  This is not an irreconcilable situation.  Funding for family services is as important as funding for recreational programs and facilities." 

"In addition to the social impacts of homelessness,  I became keenly aware of the negative effects on the environment by participating in a recent Santa Rosa Creek cleanup.  I will continue to persevere with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity  to engage the homeless population to build suitable shelters and find alternative solutions to this very difficult situation."