Sacramento Mayor: Prop. 5 Gives Communities More Say in Building Affordable Housing

California Proposition 5 Gives Back Local Control

In a recent opinion piece, the Mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg, argues that Proposition 5, which will appear on the November ballot, will give communities more say in building affordable housing. The proposed legislation would amend the California Constitution to allow local governments to approve housing developments that are consistent with their general plans, even if they are not in compliance with zoning laws. Steinberg argues that this would give local communities more control over their own development and allow them to tailor housing solutions to their specific needs. Steinberg also notes that housing policy is an indisputably local issue, and crucial development decisions should not be made solely at the state level.

Sacramento's Struggle With Housing Affordability

Steinberg points to Sacramento’s own struggles with housing affordability as an example of why Proposition 5 is needed. He notes that the city has some of the highest housing costs in the state, and that this is making it difficult for people to live and work in the city. Steinberg argues that Proposition 5 would allow Sacramento to build more affordable housing by giving the city more flexibility in how it approves housing developments. This would allow the city to create more housing options for people of all income levels, and it would help to make Sacramento more affordable.

Addressing Homelessness and Inequality

Steinberg also argues that Proposition 5 would help to address homelessness and inequality in Sacramento. He notes that the city has one of the largest homeless populations in the state, and that this is due in part to the lack of affordable housing. Steinberg argues that Proposition 5 would help to reduce homelessness by creating more affordable housing options for people who are struggling to find a place to live. He also argues that Proposition 5 would help to reduce inequality by making it possible for more people to afford to live in Sacramento.

Opposition to Proposition 5

Steinberg acknowledges that there is some opposition to Proposition 5. Some people argue that the proposition would lead to more sprawl and environmental degradation. Others argue that the proposition would benefit developers at the expense of local communities. Steinberg argues that these concerns are unfounded. He notes that Proposition 5 includes safeguards to prevent sprawl and environmental degradation. He also argues that the proposition would empower local communities, not developers.

Support for Proposition 5

Steinberg concludes by urging Sacramentans to vote yes on Proposition 5. He argues that the proposition is a common-sense solution to the city’s housing crisis. He also argues that the proposition will help to make Sacramento more affordable, more equitable, and more sustainable. Read the full opinion piece here.