The Mill Valley City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding affordable housing and the deployment of the city’s affordable housing fund. The meeting began with a focus on strategies for land acquisition, with council members exploring various methods for the city to either purchase land or collaborate with nonprofits to facilitate housing development.

Council members emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to utilizing the affordable housing fund, which has been accumulating for approximately a year. There was a consensus on the need for a swift and effective plan to deploy these funds, with suggestions for short-term solutions that could be implemented quickly. One member advocated for a "nimble, speed-oriented approach," highlighting the urgency of addressing housing needs in the community.

Discussions included the potential for a subsidy program aimed at assisting local workers with their housing costs. This proposal would involve creating a structure to validate employment in Mill Valley, allowing eligible individuals to receive financial support for their rent. However, members acknowledged the complexities involved in establishing such a program.

The council also considered the idea of land swaps and the development of properties as part of a long-term strategy for affordable housing. Members reflected on past successful projects, such as Pickleweed and Alto Station, noting that the city has a history of creating permanent affordable housing through collaborative efforts.

As the meeting progressed, there was a strong push for parallel initiatives—implementing quick fixes while also planning for longer-term solutions. Members expressed optimism about the current political climate and the potential for leveraging state and federal resources to enhance housing development efforts.

In conclusion, the council agreed to pursue both immediate actions and comprehensive strategies for affordable housing. They planned to gather more information and proposals for the next meeting, ensuring that all options are thoroughly evaluated before making decisions. The overarching goal remains clear: to effectively utilize the affordable housing fund and address the pressing housing needs of the Mill Valley community.