It is now clear that despite calls from elected and affordable housing leaders around the state to focus on solutions that will protect renters and avoid a costly ballot fight, we will see an initiative to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act on the November ballot. Voters will have their say on this and several other measures claiming to respond to the affordable housing crisis. (In some breaking news yesterday, one of the more controversial proposed initiatives, an effort by paint companies to use public funds to finance a court-mandated, $2 billion clean-up of lead-based paint, was withdrawn).
CHC pushed for a similar outcome on rent control, publicly calling for a “third way” on the issue ahead of a legislative hearing last week, joining a coalition that included the Terner Center for Housing Innovation, California Council for Affordable Housing, SPUR (San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association) and TechEquity Collaborative. The group’s two-page statement urged legislative leaders to avoid the pitfalls and unintended consequences of a ballot measure that will assist a limited number of renters – but that is also likely to hamper the development of affordable housing. Instead, CHC urged legislators and organizations to find a compromise that would better support the one in three Californians who can’t afford their rent.
No deal was reached even after several attempts at negotiation earlier this year. The statewide rent control measure was certified for the November ballot on Thursday.
It’s unfortunate Californians won’t be presented a better option on rent control this fall. But voters will see one solid solution to ease the affordable housing crisis – our Veterans and Affordable Housing Act . It is vital we continue our efforts to educate voters on how our $4 billion measure builds the affordable housing veterans, working families and people with disabilities need.
Take time today and share our campaign website , social media and endorsement form with your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and community and business partners. Let them know: YES on the Veterans and Affordable Housing Act in November means building affordable housing for veterans, working families, people with disabilities, Californians experiencing homelessness and others struggling to find a safe place to call home.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
