Christopher Gil, Senior Content Marketing Manager
(415) 282-3334 ext. 152
cgil@medasf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2015
Community Organizations Call for Delay in Vote on Sweeping, New Preferential Access Policy for Affordable Housing
Little-Known Proposal Warrants Extension of Period for Public Comment
San Francisco, CA – Today at 10am at Room 278 of City Hall, organizations representing neighborhoods across San Francisco will hold a press briefing urging the Board of Supervisors to extend the period for public comment and discussions on a little-known proposal to create a new preferential application process for the City’s affordable-housing program.
The new policy will give priority access to 40 percent of all affordable housing units to applicants who live in the supervisor districts where the housing is built. Because future affordable housing will be concentrated in only four districts, a majority of the City will not be eligible for the preference.
“This policy needs to be redesigned to address real neighborhood needs,” explains Luis Granados, executive director of the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA). “As written, this policy will be a barrier for the Mission community’s efforts to protect our neighborhood against displacement and gentrification. We have urged a different approach, but so far we’ve been ignored.”
“San Franciscans just voted overwhelmingly to pass the largest affordable-housing bond in the city’s history (Prop A), yet most know next to nothing about this proposal which would have far reaching impact on those seeking affordable housing,” says David Lee, executive director of the Chinese American Voter Education Committee. “We urge the Board to give the community more time to study its impacts before voting on it.”
The Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, ACCE, Community Tenants Association and others will also be speaking and providing details on the proposal. The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the Board’s Land Use and Transportation Committee beginning at 11am today.
###
About Mission Economic Development Agency
Since 1973, MEDA has improved economic and social conditions in San Francisco’s Mission District by stimulating investment, enhancing the business environment and creating jobs. www.medasf.org
Leave a reply