Housing on the Ballot in Election 2020 in the City of Alameda and Beyond
How many times have you walked by an unhoused person and wished you could do something to help beyond offering a few dollars? Have you passed by the ever-growing tent cities and felt a sense of despair that the problem is too big?
Fellow City of Alameda residents, we have an extraordinary opportunity in this election to make a real difference for people who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. There are three measures on the ballot that we can enthusiastically support. Each measure approaches the issue of housing from a different angle.
One of the main reasons why people lose housing is because of rent increases. The State of California Proposition 21 authorizes local areas to develop sensible rent control policies on units over 15 years old. This allows developers to recoup their expenses but gives renters a little more security.
Once people become unhoused, or are at risk of becoming unhoused, the services and supports that can help people to secure a place to live may not be able to meet the increased need due to lack of funding. Alameda County Measure W would increase sales tax in our county .50%, from 9.25% to 9.75%. This small increase will bring an additional $150 million dollars per year to support evidence-based programs to help meet the needs of our unhoused community.
Housing is so expensive in our area in part because there is not enough of it for all the people who want to live here. Our city’s Measure Z will repeal an outdated and exclusionary code from our city charter, allowing us to build multi-unit housing that will ease some of the market challenges.
These measures won’t solve all of the housing problems in the Bay Area, but they are a step in the right direction. Exercise your compassion this election and Vote Yes on 21, Yes on W, and Yes on Z.
Photo by Brandon Griggs on Unsplash
Sarah Taylor, MSW, PhD, is a Professor & Chair of the Department of Social Work at CSUEB. She has lived in the City of Alameda since 2009.
