Dear EBHO Community,
By now many of you may be aware that yesterday, the BAHFA (Bay Area Housing Finance Authority) Board met to discuss the best course of action for Regional Measure 4 (RM 4) in light of recent legal and other challenges. The Bay Area Housing for All campaign chairs unanimously recommended that the $20 billion regional affordable housing bond be removed from the ballot, and the BAHFA Board voted to withdraw it.
There are a few reasons why the RM 4 Campaign came to this difficult conclusion, including:
- Growing concerns about voter appetite for new taxes given the current economic climate;
- Strategic considerations related to Proposition 5, which, if passed this November, would lower the voter approval threshold for local, regional, and statewide housing bonds;
- Lawsuits filed by anti-tax (Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation) and anti-housing groups challenging RM 4 and Proposition 5.
EBHO staff, members, and partners have been working diligently for the past several months on what would have been California’s largest-ever housing measure – which would have funded the creation of tens of thousands of critically needed affordable housing units across the East Bay and entire nine-county Bay Area.
While we are deeply disappointed about this setback, we know that the fight for affordable housing continues. EBHO, as part of the Bay Area Housing for All Coalition, is now turning its focus to the Statewide Proposition 5 campaign which would lower the voter approval threshold for future housing bonds from two-thirds majority (>66%) to 55%, making it easier to fund the affordable homes we know our state desperately needs. The Proposition 5 campaign will need all of us, and EBHO will be sharing more information on how to support this campaign very soon.
In the meantime, please see details below about how we are revising the programming for two previously scheduled upcoming events that will now focus on Proposition 5 instead of Regional Measure 4.
EBHO is so grateful to all of you for your support, energy, and commitment.
The fight continues. Join us!
In solidarity,
— Lindsay Haddix, Executive Director
Change to Faith & Justice Day of Action
Our previously scheduled Faith & Justice Day of Action August 21st is still on! 2024 is a big year for EBHO and for the housing justice movement across the East Bay so we’re doing something a little different this year: our Faith & Justice Breakfast is now our Faith & Justice Day of Action!
EBHO and our partners have been working hard to bring more affordable housing to the Bay Area, and we now have the chance to pass a statewide proposition which will make it easier to fund the affordable homes we know our state desperately needs. On Wednesday, August 21st, attendees will learn about Proposition 5, why it’s such an important component of our affordable housing fight, and how you can join us to ensure that we win on Election Day in November.
Join us for a delicious breakfast followed by a Community Speakers training led by our friends from St. Mary’s Center.
We really hope you will join us next week for this meaningful event. If you have already purchased a ticket or sponsorship for the event, you do not need to take any action. If you would no longer like to join us next week due to the change in programming, please reach out to Lavender Briscoe at lavender@ebho.org, and she will assist you with your refund.
Change to August Lunch & Learn
Our previously scheduled “All About the Regional Bond” August 22nd Lunch & Learn has been rescheduled to September 12th and is now “All About Proposition 5”!
Please join EBHO and learn about Proposition 5, why it’s such an important component of our affordable housing fight, and how you can join us to ensure that we win on Election Day in November.
If you have already RSVP’ed for the event, you do not need to take any action. If you have not yet RSVP’ed, please do so! This event is virtual, free, and open to the public. We will be recording the session and posting it to our Lunch & Learn web page shortly after the event’s conclusion.
Annual Membership Meeting & Celebration
We are already busy planning for our final event of the year! Our Annual Membership Meeting & Celebration will take place in Oakland on the evening of Wednesday, November 13th.
This event brings us together to share and reflect on this year’s wins, honor our collective voices and power, and forge a brighter path ahead for our East Bay communities.
Save the date and check back soon for more details on how to RSVP and become a sponsor. You won’t want to miss it!