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Alameda County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
Smart Voter

Affordable Homes for Working Families

By Aimee Allison

Candidate for Councilmember; City of Oakland; District 2

This information is provided by the candidate
Oakland needs to be able to provide affordable housing for its residents and that requires commitment to addressing their needs. That's why inclusionary zoning that sets aside 20% of housing for low- and very-low income families is necessary.
Oakland is one of the hottest residential construction markets in the country -- and the city has waived many of the standard fees developers pay to support public services like parks and schools. Rising home prices in Oakland are pushing working families -- who have contributed to the economic growth and cultural diversity of our community -- to distant suburbs. In 2006, more than half of Oakland residents pay greater than 30% of their income for housing -- often making them choose between rent and health insurance. And since only 9% of Oaklanders can afford homes that average $650,000, the people who that make Oakland run - teachers, shop clerks, nurses, firefighters, custodians -- cannot afford to live in the city or commute to work.

My solutions:
- Pass an inclusionary zoning ordinance in Oakland--requiring affordable housing in all Oakland housing developments
- Approve the Oak-to-Ninth Community Benefits Coalition's request that the 3100-unit waterfront development include 20% affordable housing
- Fight the exceptions that the city council makes to the general plan, making sure that the city approves a balanced mix of residential, retail, and industrial projects that support long-term sustainable economic health
- Mandate community benefits agreements and community impact reports in all new development projects, including project labor agreements
- Create open and responsible approaches to development projects
- Work to fund home-buying assistance programs for people who provide essential services (like teachers, nurses, firefighters, etc.)

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ca/alm Created from information supplied by the candidate: August 7, 2006 14:50
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