Golden Gate Village Construction Trades Program Positions Marin City Residents for Career Advancement
Marin City, CA — February 13, 2026 — Golden Gate Village recently celebrated the graduation of 21 residents from its first-ever Construction Trades Program, a 12-week initiative designed to break down financial and access barriers, improving entry to careers in the trades for Marin City residents. The program is a collaboration among Marin Housing Authority, Burbank Housing, and Tradeswomen Inc., and is one of just many positive outcomes that stem from the revitalization of Golden Gate Village.
The student cohort officially completed the program on January 30, 2026, with a graduation ceremony held at Bayside MLK in Marin City. More than 150 attendees, including community leaders, graduates’ families, community-based organizations, and construction industry recruiters, gathered to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments and future career pathways.
During the ceremony, Juanita Douglas, Executive Director of Tradeswomen Inc. and a pioneer of the Construction Trades Program, individually recognized and shared personal highlights of each graduate that reflected their commitment, growth, and achievements over the course of the program. Graduate Defonte Ashby shared his appreciation during the ceremony. “I want to thank Juanita for starting the program,” said Ashby. “I really do appreciate it because you really did open the door for a lot of people.”
The keynote address was delivered by Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters (District 3), who emphasized the importance of creating meaningful workforce opportunities for Marin City residents and the role of community-based programs in supporting long-term economic stability. Reflecting on the graduation, Moulton-Peters noted her appreciation for all those involved in making the program possible. “I was excited to celebrate the graduation and accomplishments of the 21 program participants,” Moulton-Peters said. “I’m hopeful that some will continue working on the Golden Gate Village revitalization with construction partners, while others will find good jobs in Marin County. We look forward to continuing to support the graduates in their next pursuits.”
While participating in the program, students gained hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and painting trades. In addition to technical training, students earned industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR, and received career and personal development support such as résumé development, financial literacy education, and mental and physical wellness training. To ensure accessibility, participants also received a complete uniform, a full set of tools, and a $100 weekly stipend, further supporting a direct pathway to long-term career opportunities.
The event concluded with a tour of the two Golden Gate Village homes revitalized by the program participants, allowing attendees to tour the spaces and see examples of the students’ craftsmanship.
“This moment highlights the dedication and commitment of the students as they prepare to enter the trades,” said Kimberly Carroll, Executive Director, Marin Housing Authority. “Aligning workforce development with affordable housing is a critical link to residents’ future success for these individuals, their families, and our community.”
The program reflects Marin Housing Authority and Burbank Housing’s shared commitment to expanding access to career opportunities alongside affordable housing, economic mobility, and community revitalization.
For more information about the Construction Trades Program, visit www.marinhousing.org/ or for media inquiries, please contact Jaqueline Mendez JMendez@marinhousing.org or Stefanie Bagala SBagala@burbankhousing.org.
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About Golden Gate Village
Built in 1961 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green, Golden Gate Village became home to many African American families whose roots in Marin County trace back to the World War II shipbuilding era. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 296-unit community remains home to nearly 300 low-income families. The revitalization of Golden Gate Village aims to preserve this vital housing resource, retain its historic character, and ensure long-term affordability for generations to come.
About Burbank Housing
Burbank Housing is a nonprofit affordable housing provider with over 45 years of experience building, rehabilitating, and managing affordable communities across the North Bay. Known for its commitment to long-term community partnerships, Burbank Housing was selected by the Marin Housing Authority to lead the revitalization of Golden Gate Village following a public process. The selection of Burbank Housing aligns with the Resident Plan’s priorities, which center on community input, preservation, and affordability.
About Marin Housing Authority
MHA has served as Marin County’s public housing agency, providing affordable housing solutions and rental assistance to low-income residents since 1942. As the owner and operator of Golden Gate Village, MHA administers federal housing programs, manages public housing developments, and works to preserve and develop affordable housing opportunities throughout Marin County.
About Tradeswomen, Inc.
Founded in 1979, Tradeswomen, Inc. (TWI) was one of California’s first organizations for women in the trades and continues to be one of the most active and effective organizations in the nation focused exclusively on the needs of women in the skilled trades.
Marin Housing Authority
Jaqueline Mendez
415-491-2525
JMendez@marinhousing.org
Burbank Housing
Stefanie Bagala
707-303-1083
sbagala@burbankhousing.org
