Lake Merritt, Oakland
About Us

Board of Directors • Staff

Merritt Community Capital Corporation (originally the Community Alliance for Syndicated Housing, Inc.) was formed in 1989 to provide corporate equity capital to housing developments built by non-profit corporations to serve the housing needs of low-income residents. Originally formed by the city of Oakland, initial staffing for the organization was provided by the city via contract. Early investments targeted the urgent housing needs of the greater Oakland community. In recent years, Merritt Capital has expanded its scope to include investments in other California cities. Investing in properties in Martinez, Daly City, Watsonville, and San Francisco has expanded Merritt's geographic presence in subsequent partnership funds. Merritt Capital continues to balance its investment portfolio with respect to geography and risk by diversifying acquisitions throughout the state of California, increasing the number of investments with experienced developers and using conservative cash flow projections to analyze project investments.

When Merritt Capital separated from Oakland and hired an independent staff, it entered a new stage of growth and expansion, both in the raising of capital and in the scope of investments. To mark this transition, the board changed the name of the organization from the Community Alliance for Syndicated Housing, Inc. to Merritt Community Capital Corporation. The name "Merritt" honors Dr. Samuel Merritt, an early mayor of Oakland, and Lake Merritt, a prominent feature of that city and acts as a tribute to the city for the instrumental role it played in the corporation's creation.

Mission Statement

Merritt Community Capital Corporation's mission is to provide equity capital for affordable housing throughout California and to revitalize neighborhoods through the construction, rehabilitation and long-term asset management of these units.