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In this issue:
- The Groundbreaking of Monarch
- Construction Updates
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In the News: The Real Deal and San Diego Business Journal
- Meet Ali Gaylord, our New Senior Vice President of Northern California
- Promotions: Jonathan Taylor and Mellody Lock
- Did you Know?
| Welcome to our September newsletter! This month, we’re celebrating a groundbreaking milestone at Monarch at Redwood, sharing insights from industry conversations, and spotlighting well-deserved recognitions and promotions within our team. From new leadership in Northern California to national media features and awards, these updates reflect both our growth and our commitment to building inclusive, sustainable communities across California. Thank you for being part of the journey with us. | | The Groundbreaking of Monarch | | Event speakers from left to right: Matt Grosz, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Redstone Equity Partners; Jimmy Silverwood, President, Affirmed Housing; Lisa Gauthier, Supervisor, San Mateo County; Raymond Hodges, Director of Housing, San Mateo County; Noni Ramos, CEO, Housing Trust Silicon Valley; Debbie Koski, Director of Community Development Finance, First Citizens Bank; Jake Billiteri, Project Manager, Affirmed Housing. | | |
On August 29th, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Monarch, a new, affordable housing community in San Mateo County’s North Fair Oaks neighborhood. The event brought together local officials, civic leaders, partners and community members to mark this important milestone.
Once complete, the six-story development will feature 86 thoughtfully designed homes that come in a mixture of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for households earning between 20 and 60 percent of the local area median income (AMI).
Monarch is a $70.4 Million development made possible through the collaboration of key financing partners, including Lument, Redstone Equity Partners, First Citizens Bank, the County of San Mateo Department of Housing, the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Corporation for Supportive Housing, CA Debt Limit Allocation Committee and CA Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
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SkyLine
SkyLine, our second project developed in partnership with SDMTS is nearing completion. The seven-story development with 100 apartment homes is expected to start resident move-ins by January 2026. Thank you to everyone involved, including HA Builder, AO, Fuscoe Engineering, San Diego Housing Commission, City of San Diego, Bank of America, and Citi Community Capital. , San Diego County, HCD, Lument, and NOVA engineering.
To view the SkyLine website, click here.
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Symphony at Del Sur
Located in the Del Sur's master plan community, Symphony at Del Sur will soon offer 171 one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments for households earning between 30% and 80% of the local area median income (AMI). Thank you to everyone involved, including HA Builder Group, DAHLIN Architecture Planning, PDC Architects, form/work Landscape Architecture, US Bank, Chase Bank, and Compass for Affordable Housing. , NOVA engineering, CAL HFA, and HP Investors.
To view the Symphony website, click here.
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The Real Deal
Major updates to California’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) were recently enacted. In an article for The Real Deal, President Jimmy Silverwood shared his perspective on the latest reforms and their impact on housing. He noted that the new exemptions bring greater certainty to projects and could unlock financing opportunities, giving developers more tools to move housing forward across the state.
To read the whole story, click here.
San Diego Business Journal, 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40
Every year, the San Diego Business Journal highlights young professionals making a difference across industries. We are proud to share that our own Mellody Lock was recognized in this year’s 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40!
Mellody’s leadership and vision continue to shape Affirmed Housing’s future, and we are thrilled to see her honored alongside such an inspiring group of changemakers. Congratulations to Mellody and all of this year’s awardees.
| | Meet Ali Gaylord, our New Senior Vice President in Northern California | | | | |
Please join us in welcoming Alicia (Ali) Gaylord to the team! Ali joins Affirmed Housing as Senior Vice President for Northern California. With more than 20 years of experience leading affordable housing initiatives at the City of Oakland, Mid-Pen Housing and BRIDGE Housing, Ali has overseen major housing programs, expanded pipelines by hundreds of homes and secured billions in funding to make affordable communities possible.
Her expertise will help us expand affordable and supportive housing across Northern California, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.
Welcome, Ali!
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We are proud to celebrate the promotions of Jonathan Taylor and Mellody Lock!
| | Jonathan Taylor has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Asset Management, where he leads the expansion of our operational infrastructure with a focus on portfolio performance, resident well-being, and long-term sustainability. | |  | |
Mellody Lock has been promoted to Vice President of Development, where she spearheads strategic initiatives to expand our statewide portfolio, strengthen partnerships, and advance innovative financing strategies to keep our pipeline strong.
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Both Jonathan and Mellody have been integral in shaping Affirmed Housing’s trajectory, and their leadership will continue to ensure we scale thoughtfully while staying true to our mission.
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Did you know affordable housing benefits everyone?
Affordable housing projects offer numerous benefits that extend beyond providing a place to live. It can increase property values and generate tax revenue for local governments. Stable housing reduces the need for expensive social services, like emergency housing and healthcare, leading to cost savings for taxpayers. When housing is affordable, residents have more disposable income to spend on local businesses, boosting the local economy. Affordable housing also attracts and retains workers, leading to job growth in areas with high rents. Additionally, it helps prevent evictions and reduce homelessness, significantly cutting social and economic costs.
To learn more about the benefits of affordable housing, check out the links below.
| | Thank you for following along with Affirmed Housing’s progress. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building strong, inclusive communities together. | | |
Interested in affordable housing? Click here to visit our website.
Let's Build Some Housing!
Southern California: jeff@affirmedhousing.com
Northern California: ali@affirmedhousing.com
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Affirmed Housing is dedicated to improving and sustaining the viability of California through the development of affordable housing. The company aims at enhancing communities and our environment by building dynamic, professionally-managed, high-quality, green multifamily housing.
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