AUGUST UPDATES

Dear Neighbors,
To respond to the rising challenges of housing affordability, displacement and
homelessness, the City Council last Tuesday placed three important measures on the
November 6 ballot. Together, they comprise the most comprehensive, visionary and impactful
affordable housing package ever proposed at once in the City of Berkeley:

A $135 Million Bond to generate capital we can leverage with County, State and
Federal funds to create and preserve affordable housing for working families - such
as teachers, artists, nurses and public/not-for-profit employees - and for seniors,
veterans, the homeless and other vulnerable populations;
A Transfer Tax to increase general funds available to rehouse the homeless and
provide mental health and other needed supports; and
Changes to Berkeley’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance that will stimulate the creation
of new in-law apartments and cottages (Accessory Dwelling Units/ADUs) and
ensure a smooth transition should state-level restrictions on rent and eviction
controls be lifted through State Proposition 10, also on the November ballot.

With housing costs skyrocketing, many are struggling to find or retain homes, and long-
time residents are being displaced. Homelessness is also on the rise, increasing in
Berkeley by almost 20% from 2015 to 2017.

Over the past two years, I have heard from hundreds of citizens who are deeply concerned
about the well-being of our homeless and the impacts of so many people in distress,
trying to survive on sidewalks, in parks and in other public spaces.

A recent City of Berkeley survey confirms a strong desire for the City to take decisive steps
to address both housing affordability and homelessness; a full 84% of residents surveyed
say these two issues are “extremely” or “very” important for Berkeley - far surpassing all
other potential areas of investment.

We have already begun our work to address these challenges, but more resources are necessary
for long-term success.

Over the past year I have shared with you the Pathways Project and the successful launch
of Berkeley’s STAIR Center, which has already rehoused numerous clients. We increased
affordable housing requirements for private developments, funded housing retention
services and are working with non-profit developers on several all-affordable projects -
which are stalled while waiting for funds. The City recently purchased a block-wide parcel
on University Avenue below San Pablo, also to develop affordable housing, when funds
become available.

This package of ballot measures, if supported by Berkeley’s generous and compassionate

voters, will go a long way towards protecting existing affordable housing, stimulating the
production of new housing and obtaining the resources necessary to significantly reduce
homelessness.

Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library

Renaming Celebration
Please join us for a block party celebration of the South
Berkeley community and the legacy of Tarea Hall Pittman,
featuring food, music, activities for kids and more.
Saturday Augus t 1 - 11am to 2pm
Tarea H all Pittman South Branch Library
1901 Rus s ell Street

Music by the Leon Williams Jazz Trio and food by La

Oaxaquena (while supplies last). Thank you to the Berkeley
Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library for
their generous support!

National Night Out

On August 7th, from 5pm - 9pm, join friends and
neighbors to build community as part of the annual
National Night Out. Neighborhoods across Berkeley will
be hosting potlucks, block parties, ice cream socials and
other get-togethers. My staff and I will be making the
rounds to say hello, as will Police, Fire Department and
other City Staff.

If you are interested in hosting an event, there is still

time to register. A full list of registered events will be
published by the City next week. We hope to see you
there!

Summer on Solano
Solano Avenue is bustling this summer! New restaurants and shops have opened recently
including Brazilian Breads, serving a variety of regional favorites, Beadazzled, a locally-
owned and long-treasured bead store, and a second location of Venus, the classic
Downtown Berkeley brunch spot (open for lunch and dinner, too!). Two other new
businesses are expected open in the coming months: Lavender Bakery, in the spot once
held by La Farine, and Touchstone Climbing, in the Oaks Theatre.

And of course, we will close out the summer with the annual Solano Stroll and parade.
Join us at this mile long festival of food, fun and community on September 9th!