New Director of Housing and Community Development Appointed in Oakland The city of Oakland has recently announced that Emily Weinstein is the new permanent Director of Housing and Community Development. Weinstein, who previously served as the interim director for eight months, brings with her 25 years of experience in spearheading housing and community development initiatives in economically challenged and under-resourced neighborhoods in California. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao expressed confidence in Weinstein’s ability to address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis facing the city. He highlighted the aggressive investment in affordable housing and renter protections as part of their approach to prevent homelessness. Thao commended Weinstein for her track record of success in leveraging funding sources and delivering results, emphasizing that her leadership will contribute to the housing outcomes that Oakland desperately needs. Additionally, Thao recognized the importance of regional solutions and Weinstein’s ability to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and private partners to increase the availability of housing. During her interim role, Weinstein and her team have been actively involved in various projects. She led a community engagement process to develop the department’s 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan and played a key role in creating an Equitable Investment Framework to guide the capital investments of the Department of Housing and Community Development in the coming years. The focus of these investments is on permanent supportive housing. Furthermore, Weinstein applied for over $15.5 million in funding through the State’s Homekey Round 3 program, with the aim of converting a hotel into 47 units of new permanent supportive housing. Director Weinstein’s deep connection to Oakland, having been born and raised there, adds a personal dimension to her commitment to the city’s housing and community development goals. Her appointment signifies a continued dedication to addressing the pressing issues of homelessness and affordable housing in Oakland. As residents of Oakland, it is important for us to stay informed about the efforts being made to improve our community. The appointment of a new Director of Housing and Community Development brings hope for positive change and the implementation of effective strategies to tackle the housing crisis. By supporting and engaging with these initiatives, we can contribute to the overall well-being of our city and its residents.