Dear John,

Last week, voters went to the polls to weigh in on important issues across the country. In California, we had a special statewide election to consider Proposition 50 that attracted national attention. Behind the national headlines, there were meaningful Election Day results that showed voters in the broader Bay Area are ready to back affordable housing and other community needs at the ballot!

NPH Endorsements

NPH shared our position on five measures in the 2026 cycle. In Santa Cruz we endorsed Measure C to generate $90 million for affordable housing, and opposed Measure B, a cynical ploy that would have generated far less. In Santa Clara, we partnered with healthcare groups and the Board of Supervisors to support Measure A, to raise $330 million a year for five years to support the hospitals, healthcare and supportive housing our residents need. And in the City of Sausalito, NPH endorsed Measures J & K, supporting responsible development of affordable housing in Marin.

Election Day Results

Affordable housing and community care won at the ballot! Voters aligned with all five of our recommended endorsements. In Santa Cruz, voters affirmed affordable housing solutions, passing Measure C with 54% support and overwhelmingly rejected the deceptive Measure B (12-88%.) Congratulations to Housing Santa Cruz County on their amazing organizing efforts.

In Santa Clara, voters approved Measure A with 57% support. A broad coalition, including Congressman Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisors, Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and many local organizations worked to educate voters about exactly what was at stake. Congratulations to SV@Home, Destination:Home and Working Partnerships USA on a big win!

And in the City of Sausalito, voters approved Measures J&K by wide margins, showing that Marin County can support needed housing. Measure J passed by a 75-24% margin, while Measure K was adopted 54-45%. We thank the Sausalito City Council for putting this measure before the voters, and applaud Sausalito for voting pro-housing.

What’s Next?

NPH is planning for the 2026 election cycle, working to win revenue at scale for affordable housing in California and the Bay Area at the ballot. Please visit the Housing Bond CA website for more information on how to support a possible state bond for affordable housing, and look out for updates from NPH when local measures are coming up in the Bay.

What Did We Learn?

In organizing, there are two chants that do a lot of work:

When we fight, we win!
and
¡Escucha, estamos en la lucha!

Both phrases build from an understanding that to win these moments, we have to step in, step up and rely on local leadership to drive our electoral successes. If you’re interested in stepping up directly to win electoral campaigns, please send an email to [email protected] and we’ll find a time to connect.

Onward,

Bill Barnes,
NPH Director of Campaigns & Community Engagement