Housing
A roof over our heads is one of the most important and basic needs.
With input and support from the community, we were able to create a Risk Mitigation Fund to support individuals in housing transition or at risk of eviction. A staggering number of our residents are facing housing insecurity, and it is our duty as a City to provide them with a safety net to ensure we don’t fail families who are just trying to get by.
Protecting Neighborhoods
As we protect families against losing their homes, there need to be protections in place for our neighborhoods against incompatible development.
We’ve seen case after case of homes being demolished and replaced by towering multi-story buildings that do not fit the character of their surroundings. It is possible to increase density and affordability with thoughtful development to mitigate displacement and preserve our communities.
I've pushed back to make sure larger developments are built within corridors, and not in the middle of our neighborhoods.
More Affordable Options
Sustainable and attainable infill development
Our push for R1 and R2 zoning was approved by council, and makes it possible for homes to be built on smaller plots of land than were previously allowed. Affordability is at the heart of this change, and it is one more step towards providing increased affordable housing options.
Renters' Rights
Over 47% of our residents are renters.
They face a myriad of issues, hurdles, and concerns that are not shared by homeowners. That is why I proposed the formation of a Renter’s Commission in June of 2019.
Unfortunately, it has yet to be brought to a vote. If it were in existence, I believe many more policies would have been enacted prior to and during the pandemic to provide direct support to residents facing eviction.
My team drafted, proposed, and passed a Right to Counsel policy in 2020 that guarantees any person being evicted has access to representation and pertinent legal information.
