Title
Proclamation Declaring May 2020 as Affordable Housing Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, quality affordable housing is vital to healthy, safe, vibrant, and diverse communities; and
Whereas, affordable homes are the solution to homelessness, and provide support to seniors, families, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities; and
Whereas, rising housing costs have displaced longtime residents, causing them to live in overcrowded and substandard homes, or become homeless, and threatening our region’s diversity and economic prosperity; and
Whereas, creating new, permanently affordable homes and preserving and improving existing housing helps residents maintain community roots and encourages racial and economic diversity for generations; and
Whereas, affordable homes located close to public transit and jobs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide low income families better access to opportunities and amenities; and
Whereas, empowering and engaging local resident leaders helps create better housing, tenant protections, and development policies; and
Whereas, non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, community organizations, faith-based groups, and many others continue to build inclusive communities by providing shelter, homes and support for people with low-incomes and those with special needs; and
Whereas, local jurisdictions such as Alameda County and the City of Alameda play an important role by providing local resources for affordable housing to leverage federal, state and other funds; and
Whereas, regional housing organizations are continuing to recognize May as Bay Area Affordable Housing Month because the housing crisis and the coronavirus crisis can only be resolved when the entire region takes action to expand affordable housing and stability; and
Whereas, East Bay Housing Organizations have organized Affordable Housing Week for the past 24 years, acknowledging the need for and benefits of affordable housing.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim the month of May, 2020 as Affordable Housing Month in Alameda where we will work to support affordable housing at the local, regional and state level.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor