Because of the way that ballot propositions are written – overly complex and/or purposefully obtuse- most ballot guides oversimplify. To say that Prop 5 “creates more affordable housing” is almost dumbing it down. Prop 5, which is about changing how local bonds can be approved, does not create housing. If successful, it will lower the threshold for the amount of approval needed to finance housing. That, in turn, can help to create housing.
The ‘supermajority’ requirement for local housing bond approval was written into California’s Constitution in 1879, probably to stop speculators. People have been ‘flipping’ housing here since the Gold Rush.
In 1978, the state passed Prop. 39, making the standard to approve school bonds 55%. Prop 5 would simply create the same standard for housing that we have for schools.
From rent control to non-profit spending to local bonds – this November, the California ballot is housing heavy. In the last few elections, the focus has been on funds for homelessness, and some of that has been about housing. If we can change enough policies to make it easier, faster and less expensive to create housing, we will really improve the future of the state.
As simple as it can get; vote yes.
Judith Martin-Straw
