The San Francisco County government meeting held on June 28, 2023, highlighted significant advancements in affordable housing, particularly through the groundbreaking of the Kelsey Civic Center. This project aims to create inclusive and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to address housing challenges.

Eric Zigman, executive director of the Golden Gate Regional Center, and Alex Madrid, a housing specialist, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in realizing this vision. Zigman acknowledged the contributions of Tiffany Andrade from the Department of Developmental Services, who played a crucial role in funding the project. He noted that the Golden Gate Regional Center serves over 10,000 individuals across San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin Counties, and expressed enthusiasm for the Kelsey Civic Center as a model for future housing initiatives.

The meeting also featured remarks from Nina Marinkovich of JPMorgan Chase, who praised the collaborative efforts that brought the Kelsey Civic Center to fruition. She highlighted the importance of affordable housing as a foundation for community well-being and expressed pride in the project’s potential to foster inclusive communities.

Mikayla Connery, co-founder and CEO of the Kelsey, closed the session by reflecting on the journey from initial discussions about inclusive housing to the groundbreaking event. She emphasized the concept of interdependence in community living, stating that true independence is often a misconception. Connery also announced plans for a Disability Community Cultural Center within the Kelsey Civic Center, aimed at celebrating and connecting individuals with and without disabilities.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure the success of the Kelsey Civic Center and similar initiatives in the future. This project not only represents a step forward in housing accessibility but also serves as a model for inclusive community development across the nation.