Everyone should live with dignity
Regrettably, home prices in California have surged by 115.6% from 2010 to 2020. Houses in our community are not attainable for most residents and increases in rent prices are also forcing some residents out of their homes.
Addressing this issue can't hinge solely on waiting for new buildings. Policies mandating a reduction in the cost of vacant homes or units after a year can be instrumental. This approach assists businesses in filling their units and makes housing more accessible for residents.
All new housing developments should allocate 30% of their units to regulated pricing. This policy does not discourage new buildings. This approach is being used in other cities, and I have spoken to building owners. This does not impact their bottom line and improves the area surrounding their property.
As part of my plan, I aim to establish an online inventory of houses and their price ranges. This inventory will comprehensively outline various housing opportunities and their associated costs across the county, ensuring people of all income levels can find dignified living spaces.
We need to protect our most neglected community members as well. Being unhoused should not be a crime. We need hygiene hubs where residents can wash their clothes and themselves in a safe space. We need to provide job training and mental and physical assistance to those that need it and provide them with safe spaces to live while they grow during a difficult time in their lives.
My utmost priority is to guarantee that Californians can afford to reside in the homes they cherish without being burdened by excessive costs.