Council interviews HOC nominees; candidates emphasize preservation, vouchers and stronger county collaboration

On July 21 the County Council interviewed two nominees for reappointment to the Housing Opportunities Commission, Jeffrey Merkowitz and Robin (Robert) Salomon. Merkowitz highlighted his prior work at the CDFI Fund and Treasury and cited efforts on the HOC to develop a five-year strategic plan and expand naturally occurring and newly developed affordable housing. Salomon emphasized transactional and preservation experience and urged a focus on highest-and-best use of scarce capital—balancing scattered-site portfolio needs, acquisition of market-rate multifamily properties for preservation, and mixed-income development partnerships.

Both nominees discussed the voucher program and said HOC should work more closely with county agencies to prevent voucher holders from falling through administrative cracks; Merkowitz noted staff outreach improved renewal rates, while Salomon suggested potential social-service obligations tied to tax relief or developer incentives as a means to sustain resident services. Each committed to the time required and reported no conflicts of interest.