Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks Visits OHA

December 12, 2025

On December 11, 2025, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Chair of the newly established Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation, visited the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) to tour several OHA sites, meet with leadership, and learn more about the agency’s work to deliver safe, affordable housing for Oakland families.

Assemblywoman Wicks met with Patricia Wells, Executive Director; Dominica Henderson, Chief Social Impact Officer; Mark Schiferl, Director of Property Management; Nicole Thompson, Director of Planning Implementation and Compliance; and Michael Armstrong, Superintendent Property Operations for a tour of affordable communities owned, managed, and subsidized by OHA. The discussion highlighted OHA’s work to provide stable, service-enriched housing, how the agency is funded, and the importance of collaborative partnerships in supporting Oakland families.

During the visit, Assemblywoman Wicks shared her efforts to advance modern, cost-efficient, climate-smart approaches to building affordable homes at scale. OHA leadership, in turn, discussed the agency’s ongoing work to explore innovative construction methods—including modular housing—that may help reduce costs and expand access to high-quality, affordable homes for Oakland residents.

One of the sites visited will serve families participating in OHA’s Building Bridges: Hospital to Home initiative, a partnership with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital designed to support families transitioning from medical care to stable housing.

OHA appreciated the opportunity to share its work, exchange ideas, and contribute local insights to Assemblywoman Wicks’ efforts.