The Bay Area is struggling to get high-income areas to accept affordable housing plans. Towns struggle to comfortably house low- and middle-income people. However, new opportunities are also beginning to arise.

Let’s take a closer look.

Atherton continues to spurn the idea of affordable housing, associating it with a supposed rush of incoming criminals, reckless drivers, or drug addicts. Members of the local government forbade a youth advisory group from doing or saying anything regarding the housing situation. The high cost of living continues to take its toll on teachers, small business owners, law enforcement officers and other valuable members of the community. 

Menlo Park fears the potential construction of a three-tower development at former Sunset Magazine campus on Willow Road, with 80% of it being dedicated to affordable housing. 

San Jose continues to build tiny homes. There is a potential development downtown that would contain 205 units, all of which would be considered affordable housing.

What happens in November?

Along with the glaringly obvious fact that the presidential election takes place in two months, the election of state representatives will also occur. Notably, the 16th district of California will hold its first competitive elections for Congressman in 30 years because of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s decision to step down. And one of the candidates – Sam Liccardo – has made the development of affordable housing a keystone of his position.

Previously the mayor of San Jose, Liccardo began the building of tiny homes, which continues today, as well as the redevelopment of unused infrastructure, including motels, office buildings, and other spaces. While he was mayor, homelessness in San Jose dropped by 11%. 

A Closing Note

As expressed on his website, Sam argues that “That’s what people expect from mayors. We should expect the same from Congress.”