☆ D6 CM candidate Mulcahy calls for increased Measure E spend on quick-build shelters and homeless prevention
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We asked District 6 Council finalists for their perspectives on the upcoming Council debate regarding if, and how, Council should reallocate Measure E Housing funds. Michael Mulcahy's answer below. An Opp Now exclusive.
Opp Now's 2024 SJ Council elections question:
One of the more controversial issues facing City Council is whether or not to reallocate Measure E funds more towards interim and transitional housing, or to keep it predominantly focused on subsidized, affordable housing. Currently, the Measure E allocation is 75% subsidized housing, 15% homeless shelter and support, 10% prevention and rental assistance. What is your perspective on these allocations? And what would you take into consideration (as a Council member), if you were involved in the budget discussions?
Michael Mulcahy:
San Jose needs both more permanent, affordable housing for our vital workers and more safe and decent shelter so we can end the era of street encampments. Measure E, when it was presented to voters for their approval, was clearly presented as a funding stream for both permanent housing and housing for the homeless. As we struggle with the ongoing human crisis of street homelessness, and as we now face ruinous fines as a city if we don’t clear our creeks and waterways of homeless encampments, it is fair to review the funding allocations and I do believe at this time we should spend more on prevention and quick-build, temporary shelter. The sad reality is that the “permanent, affordable” housing is now costing up to $1 million per new home. While the temporary, quick-build is well under $100,000 and I believe could be closer to $50,000 if we work to buy units at scale. This is not an either-or question. We do need both. But right now we should spend more on the most cost-effective programs – which are prevention and temporary, quick-build.
{Editor's note: Mulcahy was the only D6 candidate to respond to Opp Now's call for comments in time to meet our posting deadline.}
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