Diana Elrod

Housing Specialist

With more than 30 years of experience, Diana is a highly respected housing and community development leader with a broad range of experience, including designing residential developments for the New York Public Development Corporation, establishing “reasonable return” standards for variances at the Board of Standards and Appeals, and co-authoring the City of San José Department of Housing certified Housing Element and award‐winning Consolidated Plan. In her consulting practice, she has provided strategic counsel and conducted research on Housing and Community Development for the Cities of Lafayette, Belmont, Palo Alto, San Jose, San Mateo, and the County of Santa Clara. These jurisdictions are comprised of urban, suburban, and rural communities, requiring the balancing of various viewpoints and community needs. Diana has completed approximately 25 Consolidated Plans, including multiple rounds for eight different jurisdictions. In addition, Diana was a consultant for several sixth-cycle State of California Housing Elements, including their Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing efforts.

Within these projects, Diana has significant experience preparing housing and community needs assessments, as well as market studies. Using available data, both qualitative and quantitative, Diana has assisted local jurisdictions in prioritizing community needs and coordinated multiple public comment processes to ensure residents have the opportunity to provide feedback on draft plans, so the final products reflect the perspectives of a wide range of persons residing in the jurisdiction.