RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
October 4, 2016 – Getting Measure A1 on the ballot was the first step. But for Measure A1 to pass, many things need to be done from now until November.
Of course, don’t forget to vote YES on A1! Help make a difference in the lives of those who need a safe, affordable place to call home with your vote.
July 12, 2016 – On June 28 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to accept final proposal package and put the Affordable Housing Bond Measure on the November ballot. If the voters pass the measure, the bond will be a powerful $580 million tool in a larger County effort to address the housing crisis, freeing up other funding to provide comprehensive housing services and programs that will address displacement and homelessness.
The Measure will be assigned a letter in August. In the meantime, Supervisors Chan and Carson promised to continue engaging stakeholders to inform the campaign and work on making comprehensive housing services a reality.
June 22, 2016 – On Tuesday, Housing and Community Development Director Linda Gardner presented the final draft of the Housing Bond proposal to the Board of Supervisors’ Health Committee. True to the open, collaborative and thoughtful process that has been the hallmark of the County’s effort, the final proposal included new elements in response to stakeholder input.
In particular, the Housing Bond proposal now allocates $45 million for a home preservation loan program to assist low-income seniors and people with disabilities to remain safely in their homes (up from $15 million in prior proposals). In addition, $425 million of the now $580 million general obligation bond would be used to create and preserve affordable/low-income rental housing for vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
On June 28 the Board of Supervisors will vote to accept the proposal and put the Housing Bond Measure on the November ballot. If passed, the bond will be a powerful tool in a larger County effort to address the housing crisis. On the 22nd, Supervisors spoke to the bigger picture: Bond funds will free up other funding to provide comprehensive housing services and programs that will address displacement and homelessness.
Click here for a copy of Tuesday’s presentation.
June 18, 2016 – What priorities will best serve older adults? Without a doubt, more low-income senior housing is needed. But that’s only part of the solution. More and more low-income older adults are at risk of losing their homes, and this displacement can have devastating consequences for their health and well-being. Anti-displacement programs such as the Home Sharing Program in Fremont and Oakland’s Home Preservation Program can help older adults keep their homes. The Dellums Institute for Social Justice makes a very strong case that adequate funding for anti-displacement strategies must be part of the Housing Bond. But general obligation bonds can only be used for construction, land/building purchase, property improvements, etc. – not services. So the Bond is just one – albeit a very powerful – tool. The County will have to employ and leverage other funding for programs and services, and collaborate effectively with cities and community-based organizations, in order to address the housing crisis in a comprehensive way that will work for seniors.
Addressing the Crisis
EveryOne Home Plan to End Homelessness: 2018 Strategic Update
Affordable Housing Needs – County Response, a November 30 2018 presentation
The Dellums Institute’s Report on Immediate Anti-Displacement Solutions
About County Measure A1
In November 2016, voters approved Alameda County’s $580 million Affordable Housing Bond Measure intended to create and protect affordable housing options for people who need it the most, including seniors and the disabled, veterans, low-income families, and homeless residents.
Measure A1 Implementation Update Handout 11/30/2018