My plans for housing

By Myrna Melgar

For the past 10 years in San Francisco, eight jobs have been created for every housing unit built. This has fueled both income inequality and a shortage of housing felt most acutely by those who have not shared in the prosperity. The pandemic has only served to exacerbate this problem, with more people facing housing insecurity, eviction, and homelessness. We have particularly failed to produce housing for low income and middle class families.

A few years ago, I worked to expand access to affordable housing while working as Director of homeownership programs under Mayor Gavin Newsom. It will take innovation, creativity, collaboration and investment to provide all San Franciscans with affordable housing options.

As your next District 7 Supervisor, I will bring my experience in housing production, urban planning and advocacy to ensure everyone has access to affordable housing in their neighborhoods. My priorities are:

• Build more housing at every income level — We need to accelerate and expand housing production along transit corridors, especially affordable housing and housing for families and seniors.
• Expand homeownership opportunities — We need to invest in programs that support homeownership. As your supervisor, I will use my experience to create financing programs and tools supporting first-time homeownership for families, teachers, and first responders.
• Encourage accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — Homeowners need the flexibility and freedom to add ADUs to their properties. As your supervisor, I will be committed to providing financing options for homeowners who are house rich and cash poor, logistical and permitting support to residents, work with the Departments of Planning and Building Inspection to fast-track approval, and support seniors wanting to adapt their homes, age in place, and provide needed housing.
• Preserve neighborhood character — As a former planning commissioner, I know the importance of balancing housing production with neighborhood preservation. As your supervisor, I pledge to work with the Planning Department and other City agencies to ensure the Westside’s unique architecture and neighborhood character are protected.
• Support and expand tenant protections — As a longtime Westside resident, I understand the housing struggles that our Westside neighbors face and I’m committed to working hard to keep renters in their homes by keeping rents affordable, protecting tenants from unjust eviction and supporting tenants who are facing loss of income due to the pandemic.

I believe access to affordable housing is a necessary component of thriving neighborhoods and a human right. Join me to create housing in the Westside and across the city and support my campaign today.

Myrna Melgar is the former President of the SF Planning Commission, Executive Director of Jamestown Community Center and candidate for District 7 Supervisor. You can learn more about Myrna on her campaign website www.MyrnaMelgar.com