By Derek Barnes–
2022 is almost a wrap, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. There’s so much on the line with governor, senate, congressional, mayoral, county supervisors, city council, and other candidate races statewide, as well as many state bills, propositions, and local ballot measures in California for voters to figure out. It has been a busy legislative year in Sacramento with over 100 bills just related to housing.
A strong correlation exists between the cost of living, taxes, schools, crime, quality of life, and where people choose or can afford to live. Arguably, policy and legislation considerably impact the abovementioned areas as well, but the pandemic’s effects turbo-charged decisions for many people. Should I stay or should I go?
We’ve heard throughout the pandemic that California is losing its population, and people are fleeing the Bay Area. However, many suburban and rural regions outside of larger metro areas have been the beneficiaries (gaining residents) because of the exodus from high-density cities like San Francisco. The movement is primarily due to the lower cost of housing and residents seeking more habitable space—a quality of life gain. Despite a robust economic recovery, rents in some East Bay cities haven’t skyrocketed like in other metro areas. In some cases, for cities like Oakland, they may be slightly lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Another interesting data point is that people in the U.S. aren’t moving around as much today—mainly for socio-economic reasons. According to census data, move migration rates hit an all-time low in 2020 (at 8.4%) since first tracked in 1947 (at 20%+). For areas with a growing population, people entering the housing market (buying or renting) may find it challenging to find affordable places to live. This is because current residents in more affordable homes aren’t moving to free up the older housing stock—especially those in rent-controlled or stabilized units, even though their household income would allow them to lease up-market rentals or even buy a home.
Most understand that attracting new businesses and different industries can increase household incomes, and producing affordable (low-moderate income) housing in Bay Area cities must be a priority for legislators. But we cannot build enough new affordable housing at $600–$800 a square foot either. Unfortunately, the economics stunt the natural housing movement due to increased market regulations and insufficient production to accommodate lower to moderate-income household growth.
An unchecked pseudo-progressive agenda also continues to destabilize small businesses, property owners, and housing markets, thus impacting the quality of life for everyone in a community. Idealogues are elected or have infiltrated many municipal positions with little to no working knowledge of business, property rights, or economic policy. If we don’t hold elected officials accountable, our cities will continue to languish as residents see more violent crime, business exodus, erosion of public education, degradation of city services and infrastructure, and homelessness. Public apathy and little-to-no government accountability are a dangerous cocktail.
Fear not because there is an antidote to this plight. The power is in your vote November 8. But beware. Many propositions and ballot measures may sound like the right thing to do. Please read them carefully. Some are nothing more than band-aids and short-term fixes that do not address core problems or the long-term needs within our communities. They can be diversions from government accountability to meet strategic objectives, develop fair and equitable policy, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Finally, scrutinize candidates up and down the ballot, especially those with grand ideas and big talk but no practical business experience or track record of getting things done. Ask yourself whose policies are attracting new businesses, solving homelessness, reducing crime, and producing affordable housing. If incumbents are not performing or doing the hard work, vote them out. Experience, empathetic listening, and tough leadership matter to bring forth the meaningful and enduring change we need for our Bay Area cities.
Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association (www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the boards of Horizons Foundation and Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF or on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF
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Published on November 3, 2022
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