Elaine Johnson To Head Santa Cruz Housing Nonprofit • Tax Credits for 397 Affordable Apartments

COMMUNITY NEWS

Elaine Johnson To Head Santa Cruz Housing Nonprofit

Housing Santa Cruz County has selected Elaine Johnson to be its first executive director, a milestone for the nonprofit working to increase affordable housing for local residents and workers.

Johnson is a native of the Bronx with a law degree from Monterey College of Law. She coms from the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office where she founded the Santa Cruz County Neighborhood Courts, a diversion program

Elaine Johnson giving people an opportunity to make amends without a criminal conviction.

“Collaboration and making a difference in my community motivate me,” said Johnson, who lives in Live Oak. “I’m passionate about creating positive change in this community.”

Housing Santa Cruz County is a countywide coalition of local organizations and individuals striving to ensure all county residents have access to safe, stable and affordable homes amid a housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires.

“I want the playing field to be leveled for everyone to have a seat at the table, and for there to be no limits regardless of race or background,” Johnson said. “I believe there is nothing one cannot do if they are given the space, time and support — financial and emotional — to do it.”

Johnson has trained and worked in the fields of juvenile dependency, community and divorce mediation, criminal law, and nonprofits, and she has extensive experience working in restorative justice, fundraising, community outreach and engagement, and community collaboration.

She was an integral member of the Yes on Measure H campaign in 2018 that garnered more than 50 percent of the vote but fell short of the 2/3 majority needed to pass a tax measure that would have funded affordable housing efforts in Santa Cruz County.

Housing Santa Cruz County launched in 2021 in the wake of that election outcome.

“We are so excited to have Elaine on

Tax Credits for 397 Affordable Apartments

The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee delivered $16 million in annual federal fire recovery tax credits to Santa Cruz County, allowing construction of 397 affordable apartments in Santa Cruz, Live Oak, and Watsonville to this year.

The $16 million investment over 10 years will facilitate permanent affordable housing in six locations where construction began in May and June.

These include communities developed by MidPen Housing, Eden Housing, Pacific Housing, and For the Future Housing, Inc. • 1500 Capitola Road Housing in Live Oak, 57 apartments for families (MidPen Housing) • Miles Lane in Watsonville, 72 apartments for families (MidPen

Housing) • Pippin Orchards Phase II in

Watsonville, 80 apartments for families (MidPen Housing) • 1482 Freedom in Watsonville, 53 apartments (Eden Housing)

“Tax Credits” page 23

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board,” HSCC Board Chairman Don Lane said. “She has deep connections in the community and is well-respected as an advocate for marginalized communities. We look forward to effecting great change with her leadership.”

In 2022, HSCC is focusing on growing its supporter base, advocating for at least eight affordable housing projects, hosting community education events and speaking in support of specific affordable housing projects while monitoring the progress of affordable housing projects across the county at affordable housing project map and tracker. n

Learn more at www.housingsantacruzcounty.com,