Micaela Hellman-Tincher

Housing Specialist

Micaela has extensive experience in local government, largely focused on housing and social services. Micaela has a unique understanding of both the programmatic and political issues facing local governments, having worked as both a city staffer and as the staffer for an elected County Supervisor.

As Housing and Neighborhood Services Manager at the City of Mountain View, Micaela oversaw the City’s affordable housing work, including a robust pipeline of locally funded affordable housing developments and a below-market-rate inclusionary housing program. She also oversaw the City’s CDBG and HOME grants programs, as well as its state grants programs. While at the City, she worked on innovative efforts relating to displacement prevention, convening legal, economic, and zoning experts, as well as community stakeholders, to provide input. Micaela also worked extensively with the City’s Planning Division to update the City’s Housing Element and review development proposals, including large master plans.

As Policy Director for Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, Micaela oversaw the implementation of the Supervisor’s policy goals. This role allowed her to gain experience and insight on a range of issues facing local governments, from senior services to criminal justice reform to hospital oversight. Her portfolio included housing, homelessness, social services, behavioral health, COVID response, immigration, and non-profit partnerships. Her housing work included a number of innovative endeavors, including the affordable housing preservation effort at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, and a teacher housing project. She also worked closely with County staff on responding to homelessness via sheltering programs, safe parking programs, and rental assistance programs.

Prior to her time at the County, Micaela had a fellowship at Tipping Point, working on innovative approaches to affordable childcare. She also previously worked in advocacy in Washington, DC, focusing on economic justice issues and human rights, including federal housing programs.