Albany council appoints Daniel Winkler to Housing Advisory Commission after months of debate over representation

The Albany City Council on Feb. 3 voted unanimously to ratify Daniel Winkler’s appointment to the Housing Advisory Commission, filling the commission’s last vacancy and affirming a change to the commission’s membership language.

The council approved the appointment by voice vote after a public comment period in which residents and housing providers urged the city to preserve representation for rental providers on the advisory body. City staff told the council the appointment is a carryover from a Jan. 21 meeting; staff notified the council that two applicants were nominated for the seat—Peter Moss, recommended by Vice Mayor McQuade, and Daniel Winkler, recommended by Council Member Hanson Romero.

The vote followed extended public comment. Supporters of Winkler, including multiple Albany rental providers and long-time residents, said the commission needs someone with current, practical experience operating housing in Albany. “We need to remember that property owners have rights as well,” said Peter Campbell, who identified himself as a rental provider. Francesco Popolilla, another resident, said Winkler brings “statistics and knowledge and numbers” about costs and renovation that would benefit the commission.

Other speakers raised concerns about the existing balance on the commission and urged the council to preserve a one-to-one ratio between tenants and housing providers. Several residents said the commission already includes members they view as tenant-rights advocates and warned that the current composition could skew recommendations. “I urge the council to enforce the original 1-to-1 ratio between tenants and housing providers,” said Saya Feriktala, who identified herself as a housing provider.

Council discussion acknowledged those competing concerns. Some council members said they were troubled by language in Winkler’s written application but noted the candidate’s professional experience and local ties. One council member said they would follow up with Winkler about expectations. City staff advised that commissioners make recommendations and that, depending on the matter, commissioners may need to recuse themselves if conflicts arise.

Council action also carried forward a staff recommendation to modify the commission’s founding resolution (Resolution No. 2024-13) to adjust membership-composition wording; staff described the revised language as changing “shall” to “should” in guidance that the commission include, if possible, a tenant, an affiliate of a local educational institution and a rental provider. Staff said the change gives the city flexibility if members step down and vacancies must be filled before a perfect match can be found.

The clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the appointment (Mayor Robin Lopez; Council Member Hanson Romero; Council Member Preston Jordan; Council Member Mickey; Vice Mayor McQuade). After the vote, council members reiterated they expected commissioners to review meeting materials in advance and to participate in deliberations; one council member noted that Winkler’s questionnaire indicated he expected meetings to take about “an hour to 90 minutes,” and suggested staff clarify the typical time commitment for advisory members.

The appointment fills the remaining vacancy on the five-member commission. City staff said they had posted an additional call for applicants after the Jan. 21 meeting and encouraged rental providers to apply. The commission’s role is advisory: it will review housing-related proposals and forward recommendations to the council.

Council members and multiple public speakers framed the decision as a move to ensure the commission includes perspectives from those who manage housing stock in Albany while recognizing public concerns about balance and transparency. Staff advised the council that potential recusal from particular matters is possible and will be handled case by case.

The council did not set further action items on the appointment; staff said they would provide onboarding information and meeting logistics to the new commissioner.