Hi there,

Housing costs in Berkeley are skyrocketing under the current administration, and we are not on track to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation set for Berkeley. With a target goal of 1000 units of additional below-market rate housing, Mayor Arreguin’s first three years delivered permits for a total of 22 units. As my friend and long-time Berkeley resident Matthew Hirsch points out, this is not inevitable. It is a policy choice.

And it’s not just the ways that the incumbent mayor has slowed progress, it’s why: corporate influence. He is taking contributions from powerful corporate interests, including the largest developers in Berkeley. This has an inevitable impact on policy -- and community trust. 

The result is that too many people in this city are simply losing their homes. Instead of punishing people for being housing insecure, it’s time we invest in real, data-backed solutions. Our campaign believes in taxing the largest corporations doing business in Berkeley to fund housing for everyone.

But to make that happen, we need your vote.

- Wayne

PS: Every Sunday, we hold an “ask me anything” town hall meeting at 11 am. Join the next one here.