For a decade, MBEP has been at the forefront of housing policy and advocacy, advancing solutions that increase the supply of stable and affordable housing
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has been awarded a two-year grant from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation to support MBEP’s ongoing efforts to advance housing efforts across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.
A central pillar of MBEP’s work, housing is deeply connected to its mission of improving the economic health and quality of life in the region.
“Adequate and affordable housing is essential to economic development, deeply entwined with economic health and workforce stability,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Housing is the scaffolding that keeps businesses here and allows them to expand, the foundation that allows individuals to grow professionally and invest in their communities. We appreciate this critical investment from The Packard Foundation.”
Since the launch of its housing initiative in 2016, MBEP has taken a multi-faceted approach to one of the region’s most significant challenges, working toward tangible solutions to housing that is attainable and affordable. Through (1) policy advocacy, (2) employer engagement, (3) technical support, and (4) direct investment via the Monterey Bay Housing Trust, MBEP supports the increase of housing supply across all income levels. These strategies have been critical to winning the approval for thousands of new homes serving our residents across the region. Over $50 million in new investments have been leveraged over a decade to help build affordable homes in the region. MBEP works closely with builders, investors, local governments, and community, and has been a leading advocate in the region for projects that support the housing needs of the region’s agricultural, hospitality/tourism, and healthcare workforce.
“The David and Lucile Packard Foundation’s investment helps our team continue to push for large-scale housing production solutions to meet the needs of our dynamic and growing regional workforce,” said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership VP of Community Development Matt Huerta.
In August, MBEP’s 2025 Workforce Housing Solutions Summit brought together leading advocates and housing professionals from across the Monterey Bay region to focus on actionable next steps that boost workforce housing in the region. (See the Workforce Housing Solutions Summit recap and download the recommendations report )
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.