Sausalito is preparing to deliver on a promise five years in the making. As reported by Keri Brenner in the Marin Independent Journal, the city is finalizing plans to lease a donated Johnson Street residence as affordable housing — fulfilling the final wish of longtime civic activist Dorothy Gibson.

Gibson, who passed away in 2019, left her two-unit property to the city, intending it to provide stable, affordable housing for local workers and residents in need. This project reflects the core values behind community-based land stewardship: using property not as a commodity, but as a means of securing housing for future generations.

According to Brenner, “Dorothy Gibson’s bequest, leaving her home on Sausalito’s Johnson Street for affordable housing, is close to becoming a reality. The 1,200-square-foot two-story house, which has been turned into two small apartments, is close to being ready to fulfill Gibson’s request, including that at least one of the units be rented to a full-time city worker. City officials expect the work will be completed and the apartments ready for tenants next month.”

Additionally, the city is partnering with Homeward Bound of Marin to lease one of the units to a formerly homeless resident participating in job training. This effort underscores how thoughtful housing initiatives can address not only affordability but also broader community needs.

As Brenner writes, “This is a rare opportunity, but one that could not have been possible if one longstanding civic-minded resident hadn’t seen an important and pressing need and saw her ability to do something about it.”

Article:
Sausalito Readies Donated Residence for Leasing
https://www.marinij.com/2025/01/11/sausalito-readies-donated-residence-for-leasing/