LA Times Op-Ed on SB 9
I’ve spent the better part of 6 years focusing on real and tangible solutions at the local and regional levels to complex issues including transportation, homelessness, climate/sustainability, broadband and housing to name a handful. Each of these areas intersects with the other… so decisions or strategies to fix systemic issues can and do have both intended and unintended effects.
But taking a “broad brush” approach to any legislation that removes flexibility and control for local entities without actually fixing the underlying problems is never the answer.
I’ve written an Los Angeles Times Op-Ed with my South Bay Cities Council of Governments colleagues Drew Boyles and Olivia Valentine to address SB9, which is currently moving through the legislature, that only touches the surface of the issues it creates and just some alternative solutions we should be focusing on.
We need more Affordable Housing – especially for low-/very-low income residents. We need more transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing for those unhoused. And we need more elected officials and cities to step up and do their share… but we don’t need the constant onslaught of Sacramento’s bills. We need collaboration with the State, incentives and re-investment into all communities.
SB9 is unfortunately not the answer.
If you want to take action – contact the following Assemblymembers on the Appropriations committee ASAP and tell them to vote NO on SB9. Here is the link to all their phone numbers: