Mammoth Lakes Housing, Inc. supports workforce housing for a viable economy and a sustainable community.
Mammoth Lakes Housing, Inc. (MLH), has spearheaded a workforce housing development program targeted at tackling one of the toughest issues facing Sierra communities today. The private, not for profit, organization was established in 2003 and has made significant progress toward mitigating the affordable housing problem that exists in the community. Since inception, the organization has turned its initial start-up funds of $210,000, into nearly $62 million in grants, bonds, and tax credits for workforce housing and directly created 130 rental and ownership homes within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Through home buyer assistance programs in Mono County, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and the City of Bishop, the organization has assisted 125 (as of Feb. 2019) households purchase safe, affordable housing. Among other services, MLH provides stewardship of the Town’s ownership deed restricted housing portfolio totaling 40+ homes.
Positive Impacts of Workforce Housing
The organization now includes a two-person staff and a nine-member Board of Directors which actively work to fulfill their mission to support workforce housing for a viable local economy and a sustainable community. Through collaborative public/private partnerships with local jurisdictions and for-profit resort and housing developers, MLH is increasing the supply of housing that is affordable to the Eastern Sierra’s workforce and families.
MLH has been successful in providing housing through a variety of programs. Utilizing state, federal, and local funding sources Mammoth Lakes Housing has developed and/or rehabilitated 189 housing units in the Town and another 13 in neighboring jurisdictions. MLH currently operates a down payment assistance program to help homebuyers into homeownership. Recently, the organization purchased a commercial building with the intention of converting it to an affordable rental development.
MLH has worked closely with the Town of Mammoth Lakes to implement the Housing Element and the housing requirements of the Town’s Municipal Code. This contractual relationship has effectively secured grant and other funding, developed a more effective deed restriction program, and spurred the development of affordable units to meet the Regional Housing Needs, determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Mammoth Lakes Housing continues to be a community leader, advocating for workforce housing within the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the region.