CAA Tri-County members and staff this week engaged with the community over ways to promote affordable housing in Redwood City.
On May 24, nearly 100 representatives from the rental housing industry — from small independent owners to larger property management firms — took part in the discussion, part of a workshop hosted by Redwood City’s Housing and Human Concerns Committee.
The event included presentations from a panel covering the Bay Area’s approaches to affordable housing.
One of the panelists, CAA Tri-County Government Affairs Director Rhovy Lyn Antonio, spoke about the importance of communication, collaboration, and compliance when exploring policy proposals.
Antonio outlined several policy recommendations that have worked in other cities. She discussed mediation programs, greater communication between property owners and residents, and increased resources for rental assistance for individuals and families facing hardships. She also promoted ideas that promote safe rental housing to ensure renters are not residing in substandard, unlawful, or unhealthy living conditions.
The attendees then held small-groups breakout sessions to discuss the presentation and brainstorm ideas.
Members of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee joined the breakout sessions, which were facilitated by Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center.
CAA members and affiliates provided insights on the current rental housing market and educated each other on solutions that have worked in their communities. Multiple groups showed interest in Mountain View’s rental housing programs such as the newly adopted Right to a Lease and relocation assistance when a rental unit is permanently removed from the market.
Other groups showed strong support for a community-wide solution to affordable housing instead of placing the burden on one industry or entity. The most overwhelming response was the support for more housing units built, especially for those living below the area median income levels. Several community members expressed passion in standing up to NIMBYs and embrace the creation of housing in certain neighborhoods.
Recognizing the importance of affordable housing development as a true solution to the housing shortage, the Housing and Human Concerns Committee will host another housing-related meeting next month that will include a discussion on increasing the affordable housing supply.
CAA Tri-County appreciates the support and engagement of its members. The large turnout of local owners and industry representatives shows the city that the rental housing industry is committed to being a part of the solution to our region’s housing challenges.