Proposed cuts and restructuring within the federal HUD budget present significant challenges for local communities, hindering their ability to address the urgent housing needs of their most vulnerable residents. Reduced rental assistance, diminished funding for affordable housing development, disrupted homelessness services, and operational strain on local agencies contribute to an already precarious housing situation, potentially leading to increased homelessness and exacerbating existing inequalities.

Moderator

Ray Hodges, Director, San Mateo County Department of Housing

Speakers

Nevada Merriman, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, MidPen Housing

Since 2007, she’s held many positions in the Real Estate Development team, including project manager and director of housing development, where she contributed to developing over 3,000 homes in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. She is a passionate advocate for including homes for extremely low-income and unhoused community members in the vision for our region’s future. She looks for ways to partner with local governments and build coalition with nearly every affordable housing advocacy organization at the Federal, State and local level – including serving as co-chair of the County of San Mateo’s Home for All initiative.

Debbie McIntyre, Director, Housing Authority of San Mateo County

Debbie McIntyre has worked for the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo for 34 years in a variety of positions; she has been the Executive Director of the agency since July 2024. She oversees a dedicated team of employees to ensure the administration of tenant-based and project-based vouchers continues seamlessly. She’s proud to work with her colleagues at the Department of Housing and Housing Authority and enjoys the collaboration and innovation across all areas of the agency.

Nell Selander, Director Economic & Community Development Department, City of South San Francisco

Nell Selander serves as the Director of the Economic & Community Development Department for the City of South San Francisco. In this role, she oversees the City’s Building, Planning, Housing, and Economic Development functions. Beyond simply entitling and permitting projects, funding and monitoring affordable housing, and supporting the business community, the Department is also charged with winding down the former South San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, administering the City’s Community Development Block Grant, and managing the North San Mateo County Economic Advancement Center. Before joining the team in South City, Nell served as Economic Development & Housing Manager with the City of San Carlos. She earned her BA in American Studies at Stanford and Master of Urban Planning degree at NYU.