Lynn Jacobs, 69, passed away recently at Community Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for several weeks. Her husband Gary and kids were at her side.
The amazing Ventura affordable housing advocate resident had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year.
Her career started in international banking and evolved into building farmworker and other affordable housing projects which eventually took her to Sacramento to serve all of California from 2006-2011 when she headed the state Department of Housing and Community Development,
Included among her wonderful life accomplishments she was a member of Ventura’s Planning Commission, Design Review and Charter Review Committee. Was on the board of the California Building Industry Association and helped young women by working with the Soroptimist International of Ventura and the Ventura Affordable Homes, an organization that she founded.
In remembering her Ventura Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann stated. “Lynn was truly one of the most interesting people I have ever known she was smart, thoughtful, caring, funny and a very good friend. She was a mentor to many of us and a true leader. Lynn was very involved in our community, serving on the planning commission and DRC and most recently on our Charter Committee. She was an advocate for and an expert in Affordable Housing. She has left a lasting mark on our city and we will miss her wise counsel and friendship.”
Councilmember Neal Andrews told the Breeze “She was a tremendous advocate for affordable housing. She provided invaluable service both to the City and the State. After her stint with the Governor in Sacramento, she jumped right back into her volunteer work in the City and her experience and knowledge made a significant difference.”
Lynn Jacobs was raised in Los Angeles and after high school graduation attended Harvard University.
