Michelle Whitman to Head Sonoma County Community Development Commission

Sonoma County Administrator Christina Rivera has selected Michelle Whitman to head the county’s Community Development Commission. Whitman currently serves as the executive director for the Renewal Enterprise District, a joint-powers authority that promotes infill development in the region. 

As executive director of Renewal Enterprise District “Whitman earned a reputation for innovation and collaboration that resulted in more $100 million in grant awards and investments, investments that could provide an estimated 1,597 units of local housing,” according to a county news release.  

Whitman previously spent eight years as district director for the county’s Third District.

“Michelle’s deep understanding of our community will be instrumental in supporting the county’s Strategic Plan goal of building healthy and safe communities through collaboration with cities in increasing affordable housing development,” Rivera said.

Her appointment is expected to be approved by county supervisors on April 18. It would take effect immediately.

Whitman’s annual salary will be $163,275. She’ll oversee 52 full-time employees and a budget of around $100 million.