Housing Story:
I was working for a land use organization in early 2000s when I showed up at a hearing in a small, wealthy community with an endorsement for an affordable senior housing development. I was expecting an uneventful meeting with a quick approval. Hundreds of opponents attended an overflowing hearing that day, with comments about people that need housing that still shock me. The council caved to the pressure and increased the parking spaces required to 6 spaces per unit to make it impossible to develop. That night I committed to working on housing, especially affordable housing.
Bio:
Evelyn “Evvy” Stivers comes to Housing Leadership Council with 20 years of organizing and advocacy experience. Prior to joining HLC, Evvy was the Development Director for Urban Habitat. From 2004 through 2013, Evvy worked for the Non-Profit Housing Association on regional initiatives, including the Housing Element and Inclusionary Housing campaigns. Earlier in her career, she directed the Western States Field Office for the US Public Interest Research Group and served as the Livable Communities Associate Director for Greenbelt Alliance. She has served on the boards of TransForm, the League of Conservation Voters for the East Bay, East Bay Housing Organizations, and the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County.
Contact: estivers@hlcsmc.org