Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere has announced the formation of a new Ad Hoc Housing & Neighborhoods Committee aimed at addressing housing challenges and strengthening neighborhoods across the city.
City officials say the committee aligns with Geneva’s recently adopted 2026–2027 Strategic Plan, which identifies housing, neighborhood stability, and community investment as key priorities.
The Ad Hoc Housing & Neighborhoods Committee includes the following members:
- Patty Blue, a longtime community development leader with experience delivering affordable housing and homeownership programs
- Alisha Clark, finance and operations professional specializing in data-driven process improvement and system design, with a passion for housing
- Tony DiCostanzo, former City Councilor and Planning Board member with deep experience in local governance and neighborhood leadership
- Wendy Marsh, attorney specializing in zoning, land use, and environmental law, with extensive municipal and development experience
- Councilor Ben Gummoe, Geneva City Council member, focused on housing, governance, policy, and community priorities
- Councilor Jamie Kaim, Geneva City Council member, engaged in housing, neighborhood, and quality-of-life initiatives
According to the city, the group will focus on improving housing affordability, expanding homeownership opportunities, supporting reinvestment in older housing, and ensuring safe and stable living conditions for renters. Officials say a key area of review will include policies surrounding both short-term and long-term rentals.
City leaders noted Geneva has a higher share of rental properties compared to owner-occupied homes, a factor shaping the committee’s work moving forward.
The committee is expected to evaluate current housing conditions, review best practices from other communities, and develop policy recommendations. Those could include rental oversight measures, housing rehabilitation strategies, and efforts to expand access to homeownership.
Officials say the committee will meet monthly over the next six months before presenting recommendations to the mayor and City Council. A kickoff meeting is expected in May.
City leadership says the effort is focused on long-term planning and improving housing outcomes for residents across Geneva.
