Top headlines of the week

1. Gavin Newsom’s Project Homekey dodges a bullet, but long-term legal threat remains
2. Los Angeles’ one weird trick to build affordable housing at no public cost
3. Mayor Bass’ signature affordable housing program has been a resounding success. Why is the city trying to water it down?

4. Do Americans Really Only Want Sprawl?

    

This week, a judge will hear arguments in a case that could determine the future of Project Homekey, Gavin Newsom’s project to convert buildings like motels into permanent low-cost housing. Article 34 of California’s constitution lets locals decide whether to approve new “low-rent housing projects” that are “developed, constructed, or acquired” by the government. 

Opponents decry it as a racist tool responsible for the failure of multiple projects that would have primarily housed racial minorities. (It’s on the ballot in November.) The law authorizing Project Homekey exempted state-funded housing projects. Millbrae is suing to ensure locals can decide whether to approve them — in its case, to allow San Mateo County to buy a hotel and convert it to low-priced rental housing for senior citizens and people experiencing homelessness. 

State projects are a vital part of the solution to the housing crisis — but only a part. Private development is crucial, too. Los Angeles might have found one way to unleash it. Since Mayor Karen Bass signed Executive Order 1 in December 2022, private developers have submitted more plans for 100% affordable units than those approved over the previous three years combined. Some developers have taken plans for “luxury” apartments, tweaked them, and resubmitted them as 100% affordable developments. They aren’t receiving state funding to build these and readily admit to being as greedy as usual. What’s the secret?

Bass’s executive order is designed to fast-track fully affordable housing. Developers can skip hearings, public outreach, environmental review — convoluted steps often hijacked to kill affordable housing projects. Developers then dive into the buffet of state benefits for 100% affordable units, from increased density to fewer parking spaces. More units built quicker and cheaper means developers can afford to build 100% affordable housing and still make a profit. Increasing the supply for low- and middle-income households would also free up subsidies for those even more in need of help, which is especially important as the state considers slashing funding for affordable housing.

There are just two problems. First, the two-punch process is under attack and at risk of being watered down to the point of uselessness. Second, Bass later decided to exempt single-family neighborhoods — in other words, over 70% of the city’s residentially zoned land.

The dominance of single-family zoning is one of the key drivers of the housing crisis. Sprawl is also terrible for the environment, reinforces car dependency, and acts as a giant money pit sucking funds from more economically productive urban areas. 

Despite what its defenders claim, suburbia’s dominance isn’t due to market forces. Over the last few decades, real estate prices grew fastest in the densest urban areas. Where urban density restrictions are lifted, developers respond by building more housing and people choose to live close to downtown — even in areas with practically no restrictions on exurban growth, like in Houston.

Weekly nonprofit news

Spectrum Community Services

Senior meals alert

Senior meals prepared by Spectrum Community Services, Inc. are BACK at Kenneth Aitken Senior & Community Center 17800 Redwood Road!!! Hayward Area Recreation & Park District. Join us for a tasty, nutritious lunch Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 12:30pm. Lunch is also served daily at the Hayward Area Senior Center, 22325 N. 3rd Street Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 12:30pm. Anyone who is aged 60 or better is eligible to register to come get a meal.

You must register first and make lunch reservations three days in advance. Spectrum requests a $4 donation towards each meal or get our valued 10-meal ticket for $35.

Click the link above for more information on making reservations and what’s on the menu.

Spectrum’s newest program

In May 2023, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a crucial advisory linking isolation and loneliness in older adults to serious health outcomes. To help alleviate isolation and loneliness, we introduced Spectrum's newest program, Connect. Connect was created to facilitate connections between friendly visitors and callers and housebound older adults. In November 2023, we began training and matching volunteers with older adults who desire companionship through in-home visits or telephone reassurance calls, if they are unable to meet in person.

To learn more about Connect, visit here.

Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco

Change in location

Beginning Monday, Feb 12, the Interfaith Winter Shelter will operate from First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. 60 beds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Thanks to our partners San Francisco Department of Homelessness & Supportive Housing and San Francisco Interfaith Council.

Larkin Street Youth Services

Black History Month spotlights

We spotlighted Linease, Kenyaun, and Ruth, whose contributions go far beyond their professional roles. They bring dedication, innovation, and wisdom that not only drive our mission forward but also deeply inspire us. Read more here.

Hiring!

Open roles include Associate Director of Housing, Director of Wellness, Manager of Clinical Services, and Controller. 

Voter fair success

Just held an amazing Voter Reg & Ballot Measure Fair for March 5th Election! Ready for another before November's Presidential Election. Big thanks to our partners for making it happen.